Here at My Colleges and Careers, we know that you hang on every word we type, but sometimes when talking about health care you need a second opinion. To give you deeper insight into health care careers, specifically physical therapy, we have enlisted the help of Scott Kesterson, who works at Westlake Physical Therapy in Lehi, UT.
My Colleges and Careers: So what do you do at Westlake Physical Therapy?
Scott Kesterson: I am a physical therapy aide. Being a physical therapy aide is an entry-level position for people who want to get into the industry. When we get a new patient, the physical therapist does an initial evaluation. Sometimes people come in to recover from surgery or to rehabilitate some part of their body that has been injured. Many athletes come into get physical therapy after getting ACL surgery or to manage chronic neck or back pain. After the physical therapist draws up a plan, I show the patient all the different exercises they will be doing. We work on balance, muscle strength and flexibility.
My Colleges and Careers: What made you interested in physical therapy?
Scott Kesterson: I grew up playing sports and had a few injuries myself so I was aware of the field. It is fun to see and help people get better. It’s rewarding to see people get better.
My Colleges and Careers: What different levels of training and certification are involved in the physical therapy field?
Scott Kesterson: Many people start out as aide. The next level is a physical therapy assist (PSA) and they have an associates degree. Then to become a physical therapist, they complete a four-year degree (usually in a health discipline) and then three years of physical therapy school.
My Colleges and Careers: What is your favorite part of the job?
Scott Kesterson: The number one thing I enjoy is that when people are doing physical therapy they are often in our office two or three times a week and you get to build a relationship with them and help them heal their body. It is cool to have come in who can barely walk and by the end they are totally healthy.
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