Are physical therapists doctors? [Clarity]
Are physical therapists doctors? Since 2015, physical therapists are doctors, but they’re not physicians. They undergo additional schooling as required for their specific professional practice just like any dentist, nurse, doctor, surgeon, optometrist, orthodontist, or therapist.
The first response most people have when they feel pain is to go see a Medical Doctor. Funnily enough, most of them don’t even consider a chiropractor probably because they’re ignorant of that office. Well, we will help you differentiate between them.
What is the difference between a physical therapist and a doctor of physical therapy?
A Physical Therapist, a PT, is a licensed healthcare professional that completed a graduate program to help patients reduce pain and restore or improve mobility. A DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy, is now the entry level for the professional degree for physical therapists.
A Debate on Semantics : Are Physical Therapists Doctors?
In October 2011, the New York Times published an article on the confusion of the term ‘doctor’ in various medical fields, including that of physical therapy, pharmacists, and nurses.
If you want to become a Physical Therapist, you must complete a doctoral program approved by The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, or CAPTE.
The author and an interviewee spoke on their fear that the word ‘doctor’ would not mean the same thing as it once did (being trained in the medical field with the ability to prescribe medicine and diagnose medical issues) since many are claiming the ‘doctor’ title.
Much of the strife is due to the fact that physicians (or, traditional doctors in this sense) undergo several years of additional schooling to earn the title of doctor, while (in 2011 and prior) the other previously mentioned positions often only require a bachelor’s degree. Beginning In 2015, physical therapists and nurses were starting to be required to obtain doctorate degrees prior to professional practice.
What is Physical Therapy?
Are physical therapists doctors? Physical therapy deals with any disability or injury that produces limitations on a person’s abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. This therapy anchors on the individual’s history and physical examination to arrive at a diagnosis. Hence, the diagnosis helps them create a management plan. Additionally, they can incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies like X-rays, CT-scan, or MRI findings.
Physical therapy is a professional career that has many branches. They include; musculoskeletal, orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, neurology, endocrinology, wound-dressing, and electromyography.
Where Do Physical Therapists Work?
Physical therapists practice in many settings, such as private-owned physical therapy clinics, outpatient clinics or offices, health and wellness clinics, rehabilitation hospitals facilities, etc., The list is endless
Additionally, Physical therapists also practice in non-patient care roles such as health policy, health insurance, health care administration, and health care executives.
What Do Physical Therapists Do?
Physical therapists develop programs that address the physical fitness of their patients. These programs which most times involve exercises aim to bring the person to a point of physical strength and balance.
They perform some of their functions through the use of mechanical devices. Some of these include; traction, education, electrophysical modalities which include heat, cold, electricity, sound waves, radiation, assistive devices, prostheses, orthoses, and other interventions.
How can I become a Physical Therapist?
Becoming a physical therapist might not be as difficult as becoming a Doctor. So the question “Are physical therapists Doctors?” has a little bit of validity due to their similarity.
The following steps reveal how anyone can become a physical therapist.
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in A Health-Related Field.
- Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Program.
- Meet Your State Licensing Requirements.
- Complete a Residency (Optional).
- Obtain Board Certification (Optional).
What is Medicine?
Medicine is the science and practice of establishing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Medicine involves a variety of health care practices created to restore and maintain health through the treatment and prevention of illness.
What Do Medical Doctors Do?
Every Medical Doctor is primarily concerned with the restoration of their patient’s health to an optimum working condition. Doctors are able to execute these responsibilities by running diagnostic tests, creating treatment plans, prescribe medication, and provide advice to patients.
How can I become a Medical Doctor?
Becoming a Medical Doctor is no big deal. In fact, you will see the slight differences and why physical therapists are not doctors. The steps involved in becoming a Medical Doctor include:
- Get a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Graduate From Medical School.
- Complete a Residency.
- Obtain Licensure.
- Earn Certification in a Speciality Area.
Difference between Physical Therapists vs Doctors?
As much as Physical therapists are not Doctors, they have a lot of similar practices. Well, it’s expected because both of them are health practitioners. Physical therapists encourage and create physical and mental exercises for their patients. These exercises help restore their physical and mental health.
On the other hand, Doctors diagnose the patients and offer them chemical treatment – usually drugs. Funnily enough, Doctors still refer patients to physical therapists.
Recommendation
- Is a Physical Therapist a Doctor? Facts you need to know
- How To Become A Therapist Without A Degree.