Hi Eric!
As a physical therapist, there are a lot of challenges you will encounter on a daily basis but the fulfillment that you are doing things that will be of benefit for a person who has potentials for improvement in their quality of life far outweighs the challenges! On a daily basis, here are my thoughts since I am a physical therapist by profession.
Firstly, the physical demand of the job because your job will be to assist,instruct the patient on how to get out of bed,how to stand up and how to walk in a safely manner. Normally, you are required to lift at least 50 pounds or more. So, you must be physically fit for the job. However, not all we do is lifting patient but we uses tools,equipment,and techniques in order to complete the job.
Secondly; since physical therapy service is being reimbursed by third party payer such as MEDICARE,MEDICAID and private insurance,you have to write initial evaluation,daily progress notes,re-evaluation notes etc. to make sure that physical therapy service is being provided and it is being provided because it is medically necessary and appropriate.Thus, documentations of what you did to your patients are daily challenges. But, it wont be hard or difficult once you become a physical therapist in the future!
Thirdly, the emotional stress of working with people that has encountered traumatic illness or injuries,pushing them to reach their full potential to recover from their injuries are daily challenges too. You will also encounter patients who do not want to participate because they are in pain; they have cognitive deficits and they cannot follow instructions, or on medications that would affect their participation are also a challenge to physical therapist.
Last but not the least, physical therapists are required to renew their license usually every 2 years depending on what state you practice. This means that you have to attend continuing education courses or learn new skills. Normally, state requires PT's to complete at least 30 hours of CEU's within that 2 years time frame or else you will not be allowed to practice the profession and you will be penalized!
I hope this answer your question!
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