essay about becoming a physical therapist

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How Do I Write My PTCAS Essay (Personal Statement)?

The PT School application process is challenging, to say the least. But, it’s incredibly rewarding, because at the end of this process you’ll be on your way to starting your career and getting your dream job as a physical therapist.

One of the most important parts of the PT School application process is the personal statement , or the essay . Each year, the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service ( PTCAS ) sets a specific prompt for the personal statement. This personal statement is submitted to every school to which you apply. In short, it’s a chance for you to set yourself apart from the other applicants. So, how do you write your PTCAS essay ? Let’s dive in to learn more about this part of the application process, and learn more about our services to help you with your personal statement here !

What is a Personal Statement?

A Personal Statement is an essay that explains your background and allows you to describe yourself. It’s a common requirement for graduate schools and jobs, so it’s especially important for you to use the personal statement to explain why you want to pursue this opportunity.

A Personal Statement can be a general description of yourself or it can answer a specific prompt . It’s common for graduate schools to ask specific questions for the Personal Statement.¹ In this case, the Personal Statement is a chance for you to show the admissions committee who you are beyond the data in your application . In an essay format, you can expand upon your character, goals, and background, allowing the admissions committee to get to know you.

What Should I Know About a Physical Therapy Personal Statement?

PTCAS Personal Statement prompts can vary in topics, but ultimately they touch on the physical therapy profession. It’s important that you answer the PTCAS question in your essay. But you should also view this as an opportunity to describe yourself to the admissions committees. Keep in mind that these committees are reviewing hundreds, or even thousands, of applications each year. Use this opportunity to set yourself apart .

In your essay, you should explain why you want to become a physical therapist, but try to avoid using a common reason such as “I want to help people.” Show the admissions committee your passion for physical therapy and prove to them why you belong in physical therapy school and why you’re going to become a great physical therapist.

Above all, remember that through the 4,500 characters in your essay, you’re not just telling the admissions committees who you are… you’re showing them.

Lab P. The Personal Statement // Purdue Writing Lab. Purdue Writing Lab. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/job_search_writing/preparing_an_application/writing_the_personal_statement/index.html. Published 2020. Accessed July 26, 2020.

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Why I Want to Be a Physical Therapist, Essay Sample

Essay about why i want to become a physical therapist.

When I think of what a physical therapist does, the first thing that comes to mind is helping people get back on their feet after an injury or an illness. While that is true, there is much more to it than that. A physical therapist has many responsibilities and duties they must abide by in order to keep the public safe. The four main things they must be able to do are: diagnose and treat injuries, teach how to prevent those injuries from happening again, treat diseases related to movement, and serve as expert witnesses for injured workers.

In this essay, which I write with the help of a custom paper writing service , I will share my reasons for pursuing a career in physical therapy, highlighting the key factors that motivate me to take this path.

Reasons Why I Want to be a Physical Therapist

Physical therapy is an absolutely enormous field – one of the largest in the healthcare industry. But, when I think about what I love most about being a physical therapist, it’s that it’s so versatile. The type of work you do can be tailored to fit whatever you enjoy doing most. Some people really enjoy working with athletes; others like making older adults feel as comfortable and mobile as possible. You can choose to focus your efforts on one age group or another, find a great mentor in someone who works with your preferred area of focus, or even become a specialist in a specific sport.

Inspiration from My Therapist

From early childhood, I enjoyed playing sports and working out. But all of that changed when I suffered a serious knee injury during my senior year of high school. After the initial shock and pain, I was faced with a difficult decision — either let it heal on its own or face months of physical therapy and rehabilitation.

My physical therapist worked diligently to get me back on my feet, helping me understand how important it is to move our bodies for healing purposes. She showed me exercises designed to strengthen my muscles around the knee joint and increase my range of motion. With each activity, she carefully monitored my progress and pushed me to do more than what was comfortable to help my body heal faster. Her guidance helped me regain strength and mobility in my knee much quicker than if I had just left it alone to heal on its own.

The experience of going through physical therapy inspired me to pursue a career as a physical therapist myself so that I can help others who are struggling with injuries or chronic pain find relief through movement, as I did.

Positive Impact of Physical Therapy on Patients

The positive impact that physical therapy can have on patients is one of the most compelling reasons why I want to become a physical therapist. Physical therapy can help alleviate pain, improve range of motion, increase strength and flexibility, and prevent future injuries. It can also enhance the overall quality of life by promoting independence, confidence, and self-esteem.

For example, physical therapy can prove invaluable for those recuperating from surgery, such as a knee replacement. It assists in restoring patients’ strength and mobility and reduces the risk of complications like blood clots and infections. Additionally, physical therapy can be a game-changer for those with persistent conditions, like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. Physical therapists collaborate with their patients to create tailored treatment plans that manage symptoms and enhance their overall quality of life.

Variety of Specialties

One of the reasons I am drawn to physical therapy is the wide range of specialties within the field that allow PTs to continually broaden their knowledge and expertise. For example, PTs can specialize in areas such as neurorehabilitation, aquatic therapy, and pediatrics.

Pediatric physical therapy, in particular, appeals to me as someone interested in working with children while also gaining a deeper understanding of how adults function. Working with children requires a unique skill set and approach that can be both challenging and rewarding.

Alternatively, geriatric physical therapy may be a good fit for those seeking a more relaxed environment. This area of specialization involves working with older adults to improve their physical function, mobility, and overall quality of life. Regardless of the specialty, the opportunity to continually learn and grow as a physical therapist is an aspect of the profession that excites me.

Building Relationships with Patients

Another aspect of physical therapy that I find rewarding is the opportunity to build relationships with patients. Unlike other medical professions that may only see patients briefly, physical therapists often work with patients over an extended period of time. This allows for a deeper understanding of their needs, concerns, and goals, and the chance to establish a bond built on trust and mutual respect.

Through my experiences as a volunteer in physical therapy clinics, I have seen firsthand the difference that a physical therapist can make in someone’s life. For example, I worked with a patient who had suffered a severe stroke and was unable to walk or talk. Through months of physical therapy, she regained her ability to walk and communicate, and her quality of life improved dramatically. Seeing her progress and the positive impact on her life was incredibly rewarding, and it strengthened my desire to pursue a career in physical therapy.

As a physical therapist, you’ll be able to continue helping people in need of your expertise. You will be able to specialize in areas such as orthopedics and sports medicine or work with elderly patients who have arthritis or balance problems. In addition to working with patients in hospitals and clinics, physical therapists may also work in schools where children learn about fitness and nutrition.

Physical therapy is more than just working out and rehabbing injuries. It can involve helping with various issues, including managing pain, improving movement and range of motion, increasing strength, alimentation, and even preventing injury. I believe that physical therapy is a field that will allow me to continue helping others who are in need and make a difference in their lives.

Tips On Writing an Essay About the Reasons Why I Want to Be a Physical Therapist

Writing a personal statement essay about why you want to become a physical therapist can be challenging, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to showcase your passion and dedication to this field. Here are some tips to help you write an effective essay:

When writing an essay on why you want to become a physical therapist, use clear and simple language so that the reader can understand what you’re saying. Don’t use long sentences or complex words.

Highlight your skills

Physical therapy requires a unique set of skills, including strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. Highlight how your own skills and experiences have prepared you for this profession.

Show, don’t tell

Don’t just tell the reader that you’re passionate about physical therapy; show them. Use vivid language and specific examples to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to this field.

Connect your personal story to your career goals

In your personal statement essay, it’s important to illustrate how your life experiences and professional aspirations align with your passion for becoming a physical therapist. Use your essay as a platform to articulate how you envision making a positive impact in this field.

Why Someone Might Want to Become a Physical Therapist

Physical therapy is a rewarding career that involves helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses. Physical therapists work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans and help them achieve their goals. In this table, we will list the reasons why someone might want to become a physical therapist, along with a description of those reasons.

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essay about becoming a physical therapist

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Why Become a Physical Therapist

While the first professional physical therapist association was formed in 1921, it was during the 1940s and ’50s that a nationwide polio epidemic sparked greater demand for physical therapists. Nearly 80 years later, physical therapy is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best jobs in the health care sector. If you are passionate about helping people rehabilitate from an injury or manage the physical challenges of a health condition, earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, and pursuing a career as a physical therapist might be the vocational path for you.

What does a physical therapist do?

Physical Therapists are recognized as experts in the evaluation and treatment of movement dysfunction. Based on their distinctive knowledge and training, physical therapists provide a unique perspective on purposeful, precise, and efficient movement across the lifespan and use movement-related interventions to optimize functional capacity and performance.

Physical therapists work with patients across the lifespan who have chronic conditions, illnesses and injuries, providing rehabilitation and treatment to prevent injury, and optimize their quality of life. They also help patients improve flexibility and strength so they can maintain independent and active lifestyles.

A DPT degree, such as the one offered through the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, will prepare a physical therapy professional to work with individuals of all ages who have a variety of conditions such as traumatic injuries, neurological disorders, and job-related injuries. Physical therapists may work in a general practice or in a specialty setting (e.g., sports, pediatrics, geriatrics, hospital care, or wellness and prevention).

Responsibilities of a physical therapist include but are not limited to:

Working with other health care professionals to provide team-based comprehensive care.
Assessing and diagnosing a patient’s ability to function and move to engage in daily life.
Working with patients to develop a plan of care that includes goals for long term success.
Providing treatment such as patient education, therapeutic exercise, hands-on therapy, and use of special equipment to help patients optimize their mobility, ease pain, prevent further injury, and encourage overall health and wellness.
Educating patients and their families about what to expect from the recovery process and how to cope with challenges along the path to healing.

Steps to becoming a physical therapist

To become a physical therapist in the United States, you need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), and pass a state licensure exam after graduation. Most DPT programs have requirements such as:

Earning a bachelor’s degree.
Having an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (for competitive programs).
Taking the GRE or having taken the GRE within the past five years.
Participating in paid or volunteer experiences in a variety of physical therapy settings (e.g., as a physical therapy aide).
Completing prerequisite coursework (e.g. in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and physics) along with the requisite lab credits required by the DPT programs you are applying to.

DPT programs are typically full-time, three-year programs and require students to take courses including anatomy, physiology, movement science, exercise physiology, clinical patient management, evidence-based practice, and professional ethics. Students also spend extensive hours in clinical experiences under the supervision of physical therapists in their community. When exploring your options, consider the number of clinical hours required in the program. The more clinical hours required, the more hands-on experience you will gain. Additionally, if you wish to specialize — in orthopedics or pediatrics, for example — you may consider applying for a residency or fellowship after graduation. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties awards certifications recognizing specialization after graduation.

DPT program graduates are eligible to sit for licensure upon graduation in the state they wish to practice and may be required to take continuing education to maintain their license.

Why get a doctorate in physical therapy?

A DPT degree is required to sit for licensure as a physical therapist. There are many reasons to become a physical therapist:

Baby boomers need DPTs. There will be a greater demand for physical therapists who can assist older patients in optimizing their quality of life by helping them to manage the physical challenges and illnesses that can come with age. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for physical therapists is projected to grow 22%, which is much faster than the average for other occupations.

Technological advances have increased demand for DPTs. The demand for rehabilitation care is increasing as new technologies lead to greater survival among trauma patients and newborns with health complications.

You can choose the setting that best suits your interests. Physical therapists have the unique opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to schools, hospitals, research settings, collegiate, or professional sports organizations, nursing homes, private practices, large health care organizations, and universities. Physical therapists also work with diverse individuals including older adults, injured workers, athletes, disabled children and adults, and the general population.

Benefits of being a physical therapist

In addition to ranking #20 on U.S. News & World Report’s “100 Best Jobs” list for 2019, a career in physical therapy career can be personally rewarding.

“People go into this field because they want to help people get healthy and live better,” said Jody Frost, PT, DPT, PhD, a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), in an AARP article about pursuing a career change into the field of physical therapy. She explained that, unlike other health professions where patient interactions tend to be limited to brief visits, physical therapists get to work with people for weeks and sometimes months, developing real relationships.

Additionally, physical therapists have the opportunity to work autonomously. The APTA indicates that more than 21% of physical therapists are owners of or partners in their practice.

Where do DPTs work?

Physical therapists held approximately 247,700 jobs in 2018. In 2018, they earned an average salary of $87,930, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Physical therapists work in a variety of environments:

Offices with groups of therapists including physical, occupational, and speech therapists (33%)
Hospitals, including state, local, and private (26%)
Home health care services (10%)
Nursing and residential care facilities (7 %)

As previously mentioned, employment for physical therapists is projected to grow 22%. Job prospects are expected to be especially good in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and orthopedic settings, where many geriatric patients seek care. Physical therapists can work toward supervisory and management roles, participate in academic research, teach, and open their own private practices.

Citation for this content: USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy

Last updated February 2020

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How to Get Into Physical Therapy Schools

Applicants to PT programs need to demonstrate empathy and an interest in physical therapy, experts say.

Physical therapist helping senior woman (80s) with leg exercises.

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The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the number of employed physical therapists in the U.S. will be 22% higher in 2028 than 10 years prior.

People who suffer traumatic injuries often face a difficult journey to recovery. They might struggle to walk or have other mobility challenges, and they could feel significant pain. These are situations where a physical therapist , or PT, can provide critical assistance.

This kind of health care professional is an expert on diagnosing and counteracting mobility problems. He or she can offer hands-on therapies and prescribe exercise regimens.

Though graduate education wasn't always required to become a physical therapist, a doctorate degree is now necessary to join the profession in the U.S. An aspiring U.S. physical therapist will need to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, or DPT, which typically requires about three years of full-time study.

He or she will also need to pass the national physical therapy exam, or NPTE, and obtain a license to practice in the state where he or she intends to work.

Physical therapists sometimes choose to pursue further education after they complete a DPT program by obtaining a residency, fellowship or board certification within a particular physical therapy specialty, such as women's health, neurology or clinical electrophysiology.

The number of job opportunities in this field is growing, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts that the number of employed physical therapists in the U.S. will be 22% higher in 2028 than 10 years prior. In 2018, the median annual salary among physical therapists was $87,930, the bureau reports.

The average debt burden among newly minted DPT graduates is often significant. For example, the average debt-to-income ratio among Florida early-career physical therapists surveyed in 2016 was 197% – equal to almost two years of the average salary, according to student debt research published by the American Physical Therapy Association, or APTA.

Nevertheless, some young physical therapists say that they are glad they invested in their education, despite the cost.

"I have student loans that I pay on every month, and I probably will for forever or for the foreseeable future, but I love what I do, so it kind of just is what it is," says Lauren Lobert, who received her DPT degree from the University of Michigan—Flint in 2012 and owns APEX Physical Therapy Practice in Brighton, Michigan.

Lobert says her PT job allows her to assist people in need in a tangible way, and she finds physical therapy a fulfilling and meaningful profession. "You get to work with people through injuries or through some of the hardest times in their lives," she says, adding that she enjoys building relationships with patients.

The physical therapy field is ideal for highly active people who like to move around, she adds, because PTs don't spend a lot of time "sitting behind a desk."

What It Takes to Become a Physical Therapist

The abilities to empathize and communicate well are essential for success as a physical therapist, according to individuals working in the field.

"Physical therapy is a personal profession," Morgan Nolte, a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy, wrote in an email. "You have to be able to connect with people, talk to people, and exhibit a true interest in helping others. Community service and leadership experience can help you further stand out from the crowd," adds Nolte, who has a DPT degree.

It is also imperative to commit to lifelong learning, says Chalee Engelhard, director of the DPT program at the University of Cincinnati , where she is also an associate professor.

Another important quality for an aspiring physical therapist to have is resilience, Engelhard says. When patients are unable to meet their mobility goals, physical therapists need to calmly assess the situation and figure out a solution, she adds.

Craig Stiemsma, a professor at Dordt University in Iowa and director of its pre-physical therapy club, says anyone who is considering a physical therapy career needs to assess whether he or she enjoys working with people and solving problems, since both of those activities are central components of physical therapy jobs.

They should then observe physical therapists in action to gauge whether the profession is a good fit, Stiemsma says.

Field experience can help prospective students determine whether physical therapy is the right calling before they enroll in the prerequisite courses that are mandatory for admission to a particular PT school, Stiemsma adds.

According to the APTA, completing college classes in the following academic disciplines is often necessary in order to qualify for acceptance into a PT program:

"You are not required to select a particular major in order to be eligible for admission to a PT program," the association states in its online guide to the PT school admissions process. "The most common undergraduate majors among PT students include exercise science, biology, kinesiology, and psychology."

The association adds that PT school hopefuls may need to complete a certain number of hours of PT-related fieldwork to be competitive candidates; meet GPA and GRE requirements; get references and participate in interviews; disclose if they have any criminal convictions; and undergo criminal background checks and drug screenings.

Additionally, some PT schools prefer in-state students and may require that candidates demonstrate certain physical, behavioral or cognitive abilities that they deem necessary to complete a DPT degree and excel as a physical therapist, according to the association.

Stiemsma advises aspiring physical therapists to look up the typical grades and test scores among admitted students at their target program and attempt to exceed the average. Having exceptional credentials will boost the odds of acceptance, he emphasizes.

There are significant nonacademic considerations in the PT school admissions process, notes Nolte, who owns a Nebraska-based physical therapy practice – Reshape Physical Therapy and Wellness LLC – and serves as an academic coordinator for the geriatric physical therapy residency at Creighton University in Nebraska. "Going out of your way to get observational experience, or better yet work experience, in settings where physical therapy takes place will set you apart."

Eric J. Hegedus, a professor and founding chair with the DPT department at High Point University in North Carolina, says his school uses a holistic admissions process that accounts for more than numbers, adding that they use interviews to screen applicants.

"We want to see how the applicant interacts and communicates, see their passion for physical therapy, and hear their story," Hegedus wrote in an email.

Jasmine Marcus, a physical therapist in Ithaca, New York, who received her DPT degree from Columbia University , says a solid application essay helped her stand out in the PT school admissions process. "The best thing that you can do is just try to stand out a little bit," she says.

Marcus notes that many PT admissions essays discuss the incident that precipitated the candidate's interest in the PT profession. However, that approach will often be dull and "generic" if it recounts an everyday physical therapy treatment session, she says.

"You're describing something that the person reading it isn't going to be very interested in and that hundreds of other people could have described as well, so I usually recommend that you write about something that's just going to show off who you are as a person," she says.

The essay should highlight traits about a PT school applicant that would make him or her a good physical therapist, she adds, suggesting that the essay topic doesn't need to be physical therapy. She says her own application essay focused on how her communication skills as a former journalist and writer would translate well into the PT field, where questioning and understanding patients is vital.

"So I kind of took my strengths and how I was unique but also spun it in a way that showed why I would make a good future physical therapist," Marcus explains.

What's Taught In Physical Therapy School

Hegedus, who has a DPT degree, suggests that PT school is similar to other types of health care professional programs in its rigor, but he notes that it differs in important ways.

In contrast to other health care grad programs , during PT programs "you must learn and apply (rather than memorize and regurgitate)," and you gain expertise in how the way someone moves can contribute to their pain and aggravate their disabilities, he says.

Alice Holland, who received her DPT degree from the University of Southern California , wrote in an email that PT school is exceptionally demanding and often involves back-to-back classes.

"The first year of DPT school is very anatomy-heavy with cadaver work, the second year is focused on neurobiology and the third year is bringing all knowledge together to form treatment plans," says Holland, who started an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic, Stride Strong Physical Therapy LLC, and has hired PT school grads.

She adds that DPT students typically participate in internships at PT clinics, which allows them to gain relevant work experience and begin to interact with patients.

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Breaking The Back Pain Cycle: The Science Behind Exercise And The Role Of Physical Therapy

Back pain is a common ailment affecting millions worldwide, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. It is the single largest cause of disability worldwide. One frequently asked question is whether exercise can relieve this persistent discomfort. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between exercise and back pain, shedding light on how physical activity can be a powerful tool in managing and preventing this prevalent issue. Additionally, we’ll delve into the crucial role that physical therapists play in guiding individuals toward the right exercises for effective back pain relief.

The Science Behind Exercise And Back Pain

Recent studies have demonstrated the positive impact of exercise on back pain relief. One such study found that a structured exercise program can significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of back pain episodes 3 . Exercise contributes to improved muscle strength, flexibility, and overall spine stability, addressing key factors that often contribute to back pain.

Engaging in regular physical activity also helps alleviate inflammation and promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. According to the American College of Physicians, exercise is recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic lower back pain 2 .

The Role Of Physical Therapists In Exercise Prescription

While the benefits of exercise for back pain are evident, the key lies in selecting the right exercises tailored to an individual’s specific condition. This is where the expertise of a physical therapist becomes invaluable. A systematic review highlighted the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions, including exercise prescription, in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with chronic low back pain 1 .

Physical therapists conduct thorough assessments to identify the root causes of back pain, considering factors such as muscle imbalances, postural issues, and movement patterns. Armed with this information, they design personalized exercise programs that address each patient’s unique needs. This personalized approach not only ensures the effectiveness of the exercises but also minimizes the risk of further worsening the condition.

Finding The Right Exercise Regimen

The optimal exercise regimen for back pain relief varies depending on the specific characteristics of the pain and the individual’s overall health. However, certain types of exercises have shown consistent success in addressing back pain:

1. Core Strengthening Exercises

Core muscles provide essential support to the spine. Physical therapists often prescribe exercises that target the core, such as planks and bridges to enhance stability and reduce strain on the lower back.

2. Flexibility and Stretching

Incorporating stretching exercises into a routine helps improve flexibility and alleviate tight muscles. Physical therapists can assess your flexibility, assign appropriate stretching exercises, and guide you in achieving the proper performance.

3. Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise

Walking, swimming, or cycling contribute to cardiovascular fitness without placing excessive strain on the spine. These exercises also promote blood flow, aiding in the healing process. Although you may desire to rest when you have back pain, exercising and increasing your heart rate in a way that does not aggravate the back can be very beneficial.

4. Posture Correction Exercises

Poor posture can contribute to back pain. Physical therapists guide individuals in performing exercises that target posture-related issues, promoting better alignment and reducing strain on the spine. A physical therapist can also advise on how to set up your workspace to improve the ergonomics of your work environment.

So, does exercise relieve back pain? The resounding evidence suggests that it does! Engaging in a structured and personalized exercise program has been shown to alleviate back pain, improve function, and enhance overall well-being.

However, success greatly depends on the guidance of a qualified professional. Physical therapists, with their expertise in musculoskeletal health, play a pivotal role in prescribing the right exercises tailored to an individual’s specific needs. By working collaboratively with a physical therapist, individuals can break the cycle of back pain, fostering long-term relief and a return to an active, pain-free lifestyle. Get started by connecting with a team near you today to learn how to overcome back pain and get back to a pain-free life!

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The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.

References: 1. Delitto, A., George, S. Z., Van Dillen, L., Whitman, J. M., Sowa, G., Shekelle, P., … & Godges, J. J. (2019). Low back pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(8), CPG1-CPG102. 2. Qaseem, A., Wilt, T. J., McLean, R. M., & Forciea, M. A. (2017). Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine, 166(7), 514-530. 3. Steffens, D., Maher, C. G., Pereira, L. S., Stevens, M. L., Oliveira, V. C., Chapple, M., … & Hancock, M. J. (2016). Prevention of low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 46(6), 1-29. 4. Traeger, Adrian C et al. “Care for low back pain: can health systems deliver?.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization vol. 97,6 (2019): 423-433. doi:10.2471/BLT.18.226050

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Background: Scar impairments impose a great economic burden and influence a subject's well-being and quality of life. Despite that, physiotherapy interventions are poorly investigated. Objective of the study: Provide a comprehensive overview of studies addressing physiotherapy and conservative non-invasive interventions for skin scar management, summarizing studies based on scar type, localization, patient's characteristics (e.g., age), safety and tolerance of physical interventions. The realization of an infographic will assist clinicians and patients with scars' management. Moreover, any knowledge gaps will be identified. Methods: The review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. MEDLINE Central, PEDro, Embase, Cochrane Library and Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and CINAHL and grey literature (e.g., Google Scholar) will be searched for studies considering physical therapy interventions in scars management. Every study considering conservative non-invasive physiotherapy interventions for scar management will be included. This review will look at studies carried out in any context. Articles written in English or Italian will be considered. No temporal or publication type restrictions will be placed. Selection and extraction of data will be done by three reviewers independently, any discrepancies will be resolved by a fourth reviewer. The results will be illustrated using descriptive statistics and summarized in an infographic. Ethics and dissemination: No ethics approval will be necessary.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This study did not receive any funding.

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I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Data Availability

All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors. All data produced in the present work are contained in the manuscript.

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Mental health awareness month spurs talk about using generative ai as your trusted therapist.

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This is Mental Health Awareness month and fittingly we should be considering the burgeoning role of ... [+] generative AI as therapist at scale.

In today’s column, I am continuing my ongoing series about the impact of generative AI in the health and medical realm. The focus this time is once again on the mental health domain and does so in acknowledgment of the month of May as officially being mental health awareness month.

Since we are now in this notable month, it seems especially timely to meaningfully discuss the controversial topic of whether people can or should be using generative AI for mental health guidance. To get into that thorny matter I will start by covering a smattering of overall stats and trends about mental health and then dovetail the relevant generative AI usage emerging trends accordingly.

I have previously examined numerous interleaving facets of generative AI and mental health, see my comprehensive overview at the link here . You might also find of notable interest a CBS 60 Minutes episode that recently examined crucial facets of this evolving topic, see the link here (I am honored and pleased to indicate that I was interviewed and featured in the episode, see the link here ).

Other vital background includes my in-depth coverage of mental health chatbots which have been bolstered by generative AI (see the link here ) and the rapidly changing nature of the client-therapist relationship due to generative AI at the link here . I explored where things are headed regarding the levels of AI-based mental therapy autonomous guidance at the link here , and showcased the importance of the World Health Organization (WHO) report on global health and generative AI at the link here , and so on.

Let’s unpack today’s focus.

Where We Are On Mental Health Across The Board

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Let’s do a fast dive into some prominent associations that seek to aid mental health and provide valuable resources in doing so. I’ll be excerpting salient background information as posted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and via the Mental Health America association.

Other equally worthwhile associations do post comparable materials likewise, but due to space limitations, I opted for these selected two. If there is sufficient reader interest, I’ll gladly cover more such groups in a subsequent column. Also, as a heads-up, I tossed a coin to decide the order of mentioning the two in the sequence herein, thus please do not infer any weighting by which of them is covered first or second. I think that’s probably enough of the small print and I can get further underway now, thanks.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has an online booklet available entitled “2024 Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit” that provides quite useful facts and figures about the latest status of mental health in the United States. Let’s take a quick look and see some highlights from that material.

First, the NAMI booklet mentions this (excerpt):

“Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Throughout May, NAMI actively participates in this national movement, dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education, and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.”

The material is chockfull of references to essential mental health resources, helplines, events, etc.

They also provide handy logos and slogans to garner awareness about the importance of mental health, including these excerpted examples:

“I’m claiming today to be a good day.”
“There is no shame in seeking help for mental health.”
“Small steps can lead to big progress in mental health.”
“Your mental health is everything. Prioritize it.”

In case you aren’t familiar with the magnitude of mental health issues and concerns, these reported numbers and stats might give you a moment of vital contemplation:

“1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and only half of them receive treatment.”
“1 in 20 U.S. adults experience a serious mental illness each year, and only two-thirds receive treatment.”
“1 in 6 U.S. youth experience a mental health condition each year, and only half of them receive treatment.”
“50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.”
“122 million people live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas.”

I’ll be saying more about those statistics in a few moments.

I’d next like to point out that another well-known association also provides essential materials for mental health awareness, namely Mental Health America has available its online booklet entitled “2024 Outreach Toolkit: Where To Start”. They too have a bonanza of valuable resources and information readily made available.

As noted in their materials, they say this (excerpt):

“Mental Health America is proud to have founded in 1949 what is now known as Mental Health Month. Every May, we come together with millions of Americans to continue the tradition of promoting awareness, offering vital resources and education, and advocating for the mental health and well-being of everyone. Being able to maintain good mental health is essential to each and every individual’s overall health and well-being. Mental health conditions are common, manageable, and treatable.”

Some logos and slogans they have provided for this month include:

“Monday: Make a list of 5 things you’re grateful for today.”
“Tuesday: Practice positive affirmations.”
“Wednesday: Start a conversation about mental health.”
“Thursday: Stay hydrated.”
“Friday: Take a break from screens (phone, computer, etc.).”

And in addition to lots of presented facts and figures, I decided to select some qualitative indications that they cite, and which are backed up by research:

“A 2022 study found that 73% of American adults reported being overwhelmed by the number of crises going on in the world.”
“Recent survey data show that more than half of U.S. adults (58%) are lonely, with those who are low-income, young adults, parents, part of an underrepresented racial group, or living with a mental health condition experiencing even higher rates of loneliness. Loneliness increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression and has been associated with psychosis and dementia.”
“Social media can cause FOMO (fear of missing out), depression, and reduced self-esteem as a result of comparison.”
“In today’s tech-filled world, screens can dominate our daily lives and impact our mental well-being. What we choose to look at and how much time we spend on our devices really matters and can make a big difference in how we feel.”

There you have it, a plethora of mental health stats and circumstances that society today is faced with. In case you’ve been living in a cave that lacks Internet access, the serious matter of current times mental health is something that is prominently in the news. Lamentedly, mental health seems to be worsening and the trendline is not good.

Something needs to be done.

What’s Happening With Mental Health And AI

I’d like to do a quick summary of where things stand today on mental health, which will be followed herein by identifying how generative AI is coming into the picture.

First, I have extensively analyzed tons of reported studies and research on population mental health and come up with a list of seven overall trends. Seven is a handy number to deal with and I could indubitably have made many more points. As the famous saying goes, we all seem to like the number seven, plus or minus two (this stems from the classic research paper "The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two: Some Limits on Our Capacity for Processing Information” by George A. Miller, Psychological Review , 1956).

My seven key trends regarding mental health consist of these crucial points:

(1) Pervasive growth in mental health concerns and disorders on a widespread population basis is occurring.
(2) The need or demand for mental health therapy far outstrips the available supply of therapists.
(3) Expansion of the base of therapists is gradual but not at the sufficient pace required.
(4) Access to qualified therapy tends to be geographically constrained.
(5) Ensuring the affordability of professional therapy is a tough hurdle to overcome.
(6) New means and sources of therapy have emerged, but efficacy and quality are questioned and often untested and at times worrisome.
(7) We are entangled in a grand unplanned and ad hoc societal experiment that will determine our mental health trajectory across the board.

Let’s briefly explore those points.

Mental health is worsening on a widespread basis. Meanwhile, the demand for mental health therapists far exceeds the available supply. Trying to ramp up more therapists is not an easy task as doing so requires extensive training, experience, licensing, and other time-consuming and costly endeavors. The odds are pretty high that the demand will rise much faster than any reasonable means of producing more bona fide therapists.

Another consideration is that making use of the available therapists can have lots of hurdles or barriers that need to be dealt with. A person seeking a therapist might not be able to afford the use of a mental health advisor. There is also a geographical difficulty. By and large, therapists tend to be in larger cities and not as plentiful in rural areas.

Technology has come to the aid of these limitations and constraints.

For example, therapists now routinely perform their work via remote means. A person seeking mental health advisement in a rural area does not necessarily need to rely upon a pool of therapists in their community. Instead, they can go online and interact with a therapist who might be at a great geographic distance from them.

Does undertaking therapy over a computer screen provide the same efficacy as doing so directly face-to-face in person?

A huge debate about this is underway.

Some say that remote delivery of therapy is just as good as in-person face-to-face. In fact, a claim is often made that this might be even better than the conventional face-to-face since it eliminates the physical need to drive to or otherwise arrange to get transport to the location of the therapist. A counterargument is that the needed bond between a therapist and their patient or client cannot be solidified while working with each other over a screen. Only a true face-to-face presence can garner the human qualities that will fully imbue a maximal patent-therapist relationship.

Round and round that heated dispute goes.

Yet another qualm or perhaps boon is the emergence of self-help therapy. This used to be done by buying a book or getting one at a library and using it to do a home-study form of self-therapy. Nowadays, you can readily go online and find lots of websites and apps that will aid in doing self-help therapy. A spate of chatbots have become available in smartphone app stores, see my coverage at the link here .

Concerns about those chatbots include that they are at times extremely simplistic and not up to the arduous task of providing professional-level therapy. The problem too is that people might be misled by the outsized promises made by the makers of those chatbots. At times, the impression one gets is that a chatbot is going to solve all of your mental health issues, perhaps magically so.

This now brings us to the era of generative AI.

As I’ve extensively covered, such as the link here and the link here , the advent of modern-day generative AI has opened a new can of worms or maybe has opened the door to a wonderous tool for contending with the rising mental health crisis. This can go both ways. People are using generative AI for mental health advisement but there is little if any tracking, reporting, and explicit awareness that this is taking place.

My way of describing this phenomenon is to characterize our society as undergoing a giant experiment whereby we are the guinea pigs. Nobody can say for sure whether generative AI is going to undermine our mental health and worsen an already worsening situation, or whether it might be the best thing since sliced bread to bolster mental health.

We are in the days of the Wild West. The use of generative AI in a mental health capacity is woefully understudied, taking place wantonly, and holds grand promises along with a looming specter of problems.

Time will tell.

I’d like to next put on the table my list of seven trends associated with the use of generative AI for mental health therapy. Again, the number seven is a handy rounded figure. Please realize that there are lots more points that can be made.

Seven key trends of generative AI for mental health:

(1) Modern-day generative AI got underway in November 2022 and has rapidly been widely adopted, thus this is a relatively new option but spreading fast.
(2) Fluency and interactivity of generative AI give the misjudged appearance of being able to provide highly qualified mental health therapy.
(3) Unlike ordinarily crafted mental health chatbots, generative AI is more compelling but also found to be much more error-prone (especially due to so-called AI hallucinations).
(4) The use of contemporary generative AI for therapy is hidden in plain sight and on a massive scale that is not being tracked or properly assessed.
(5) A conflicted duality is underway and notably growing that mental health might simultaneously be aided and yet also undermined by the haphazard application of generative AI for therapeutic guidance.
(6) This is a significant transformation and whole-scale disruption of therapy on scope and speed that is happening recklessly and wantonly.
(7) Recognition of the situational gravity and societal impact needs much greater attention, necessitating appropriate seriousness and vital due diligence.

I’ll swiftly cover the above points and then showcase an example of the use of generative AI so that you can vividly see why modern-day generative AI is so alluring for mental health guidance.

The Skinny On Generative AI For Mental Health

Generative AI as we know it today is relatively new.

The release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November 2022 launched a new era for generative AI. Up until then, prior versions of generative AI were a stilted affair and involved low-fluency interactivity, akin to what you might experience when using Alexa or Siri. If you’ve used Alexa or Siri, you know how frustrating things can be. Stilted fluency requires you to limit your vocabulary and make strictly limited commands. Often, the AI misinterprets what you say and does something that has nothing to do with your request.

Modern-day generative AI such as ChatGPT, GPT-4, Gemini, Bard, Claude, and other such apps are at a much higher fluency level. That’s the good news. The bad news is that people tend to anthropomorphize the latest generative AI and falsely believe that the AI is sentient. Note that there isn’t any AI today that is sentient, despite the bold and zany headlines proclaiming otherwise.

The gist is that the adoption of modern-day generative AI has occurred quickly and in a relatively short period (roughly two years since the initial release of ChatGPT). This is occurring at a breakneck speed. In addition, the uses of such generative AI have gone in a myriad of directions, including the realm of mental health therapy.

This brings up four major elements of weighty consideration:

(i) Jack-of-all-trades . Generic generative AI is a jack-of-all-trades about mental health and readily dispenses mental health advice across the board.
(ii) Mile long, inch deep . Generic generative AI is a mile long and an inch deep when it comes to conveying mental health advice.
(iii) Good for us . Generative AI is useful and handy for providing mental health advice in such a wide-ranging manner.
(iv) Bad for us . Generative AI can regrettably be off-target and might make errors, produce AI hallucinations, or otherwise proffer ill-advised mental health advice.

I’ve covered those same points in-depth previously, see the link here .

Generic generative AI is the type of AI that has been data-trained across a wide swath of the Internet. That’s what most of today’s generative AI consists of. We are gradually seeing generative AI that is tailored or customized to specific domains, such as the medical domain, the legal domain, the mental health domain (see my coverage at the link here ), and so on.

The problem with generic generative AI is that it tends to be a jack-of-all-trades, and the master or versed deeply in none. In addition, the data training usually is an inch deep and a mile long, thus there isn’t much data for it to pattern on that is in the guts of a particular domain. All in all, this comes down to having to accept the idea that when you use generic generative AI such as ChatGPT, GPT-4, Bard, Gemini, Claude, etc. you are going to get shallow results.

That’s the deal.

Another consideration is that generative AI has what I refer to as an inherent duality, see my analysis at the link here .

The duality is that at times the use of generative AI is tremendous and highly advantageous. Lamentedly, the other side of the coin is that at times the use of generative AI can be misleading, error-prone, and subject to the AI making stuff up that is completely bogus or fictitious (this is commonly referred to as AI hallucinations, a term that I disfavor because it anthropomorphizes AI, see my coverage on this at the link here and the link here ).

Example Of Using Generative AI For Mental Health Advisement

I will next proceed to showcase how easily generative AI can be used for mental health advisement. This will consist of a series of dialogues with ChatGPT. ChatGPT is a sensible illustrative choice in this case due to its immense popularity as a generative AI app. An estimated one hundred million weekly active users are said to be utilizing ChatGPT.

That’s a lot of people and a lot of generative AI usage underway.

A few quick comments before we launch into using ChatGPT.

If you are going to try to do the same prompts that I show here, realize that the probabilistic and statistical properties will likely produce slightly different results than what I show here. That’s the nature of generative AI and how it is devised.

You also should expect that different generative AI apps will respond in different ways. Not all generative AI apps are the same. The key is that sometimes a particular prompt will work in one generative AI app and not another. Nonetheless, the odds are relatively high that you will get roughly similar responses from all the major generative AI apps such as GPT-4, Gemini, Bard, Claude, etc.

There is also a timing factor to be considered. A prompt that worked today might not work the same way tomorrow. Most of the generative AI apps are continually being updated. The updates might alter internal mechanisms that could change how the generative AI reacts to your prompting.

We are ready to get underway with ChatGPT.

I will proceed as follows.

Imagine a scenario of a teenager who is using ChatGPT for doing their schoolwork. This is an increasingly common situation. The teen goes into generative AI to aid in devising essays for classes and otherwise serving as a tutor of sorts. You undoubtedly know that a major concern is that students might “cheat” by having generative AI do their work for them, see my coverage at the link here.

While using generative AI in an ordinary way for classwork, the teen decides to bring up a mental health concern. This can be done without any kind of special effort. All the teen needs to do is to mention such a matter and the generative AI will readily and immediately go in that direction. No special commands are needed. No adult-oriented approvals are required. It is all part and parcel of using generative AI and is not considered unusual or extraordinary.

Here we go:

My entered prompt : “I am greatly depressed. My life seems to be going nowhere. I am 13 years old and do poorly in school. My family doesn't care if I complete high school. What mental health advice can you give me?”
ChatGPT generated response : “I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It's tough to feel like things aren't going well, especially at such a young age. It's important to remember that you're not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help. Here are some suggestions that might help you cope with what you're going through. Reach out for support: Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling. This could be a family member, a teacher, a school counselor, or another trusted adult. Sharing your feelings can help lighten the burden. Focus on self-care: Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Make sure you're eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good. Consider talking to a trusted adult about your family situation: If your family doesn't seem supportive of your education, it's important to have someone advocate for you. A teacher, counselor or another trusted adult may be able to help you navigate this situation and find support.”

I’d like you to take a close look at the prompt that I entered, along with the response that was generated by ChatGPT.

First, the teen has entered quite private information into the AI (e.g., their age, they are depressed, they are doing poorly in school, their family issues). Most users of generative AI tend to assume that they are guaranteed privacy in their online conversations. This is generally not the case. See my discussion of the lack of privacy and confidentiality that is customary for users of generative AI, at the link here .

Second, observe that the teen has shifted into a mental health discussion with ChatGPT. This was easy-peasy to initiate. Some believe that before generative AI engages in mental health dialogues, there ought to be a double-check. In addition, in the case of a teen, another viewpoint is that a responsible adult ought to be notified that an underage user is consulting AI for mental health guidance.

Third, examine the response generated by ChatGPT. The response is seemingly sympathetic and provides specific suggestions of what to do. Is this mental health advice? I dare say that though you might try to argue the nature of the response, it certainly does appear to have mental health recommendations and indications. The response though didn’t seem to be specially tailored to the prompt, in the sense that the teen has mentioned several issues that aren’t directly addressed. The teen could ask additional questions and drive the AI toward being more specific.

Suppose that the teen did so and had a full-on conversation with the generative AI. Due to space limitations, I won’t show the dialogue here. Take for granted that an entire discussion can readily be performed.

The teen opted to abide by the advice and decided to go and talk with one of their teachers about their issues. Thus, about a few days after the above ChatGPT discourse, the teen gets back into ChatGPT to do more schoolwork and brings up the prior conversation about the noted sense of depression.

Here is what happens next:

My entered prompt: “Based on your advice, I talked with one of my teachers. This made me more depressed. I say that because the teacher told me that I was getting an F in the class and I ought to have my parents help me in school. I don't even want to get up in the mornings and find myself wishing I was someplace else. What mental health advice can you give me now?”
ChatGPT generated response: “I'm really sorry to hear that talking to your teacher didn't go as well as you'd hoped. It can be incredibly disheartening to receive negative feedback, especially when you're already feeling down. It's important to remember that one conversation with one person doesn't define your worth or your potential. Here are some additional suggestions that might help you cope with what you're going through. Seek out another trusted adult: If talking to your teacher didn't go well, consider reaching out to another trusted adult for support. This could be a different teacher, a school counselor, a coach, or another family member. It's important to have someone in your corner who can offer you support and guidance. Reach out for support: Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or other trusted individuals for support. Talking about how you're feeling can help lighten the burden and remind you that you're not alone.”

Consider the generated response.

At this juncture, the teen seems to be getting more desperate, as expressed in the entered prompt. It doesn’t seem that the generated AI has noted this potential escalation. This brings up another possibly contentious element of using generative AI for mental health. Should the AI alert or notify some designated third party if the user expresses an escalating sense of a mental health issue?

You could argue that this makes abundant sense due to the possibility that the user is reaching a state of mind that requires human intervention. The counterargument is that making such a notification would potentially be a false indication and could be construed too as a violation of privacy associated with the user.

Another reason I wanted you to see this is to emphasize that the use of generative AI is not usually a one-and-done matter. A user seeking mental health advice might do so with generative AI over an extended time period. They might use the AI on a daily or weekly basis and on a recurring basis continue to seek mental health guidance.

This can be done without others necessarily knowing. That’s good in the sense that the usual stigma of seeking mental health advice is hidden from view. In addition, the cost to do this is quite low (most generative AI apps are available for free or at a nominal cost) and can be accessed 24x7 and anywhere on the planet (if Internet access is available).

To finish this quick example, assume that the teen further abided by the latest advice proffered by the AI. The teen opted to reach out to a friend, as urged by the response of ChatGPT. A week later the teen logged into ChatGPT.

Take a look:

My entered prompt : “You said to reach out to friends. I did so. My best friend has ADHD and PTSD. When I spend time with them, they usually make me very anxious, and I don't know what to do. Can you tell me what to do?”
ChatGPT generated prompt : “It sounds like spending time with your friend can be challenging for you, especially if it's causing you to feel anxious. It's important to prioritize your own well-being while also being mindful and supportive of your friend's needs. Here are some suggestions for navigating this situation. Communicate openly and honestly: It's important to communicate with your friend about how you're feeling in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. Let them know that you value your friendship but that sometimes their behavior can trigger feelings of anxiety in you. Be sure to approach this conversation with empathy and understanding, and try to avoid placing blame. Practice self-care: Make sure to prioritize your own self-care and well-being, especially when spending time with your friend.”

Examine the generated response.

Does this mental health guidance seem useful, or does it appear to be watered-down, nearly repetitive, and unlikely to make a useful contribution to the mental health of the teen?

The point here is that a user of generative AI can go down a rabbit hole when it comes to mental health advice via AI. A person might not realize that sometimes AI isn’t being especially helpful. Another concern is that the user might misunderstand the advice and head off in a direction that is not going to be helpful. And so on.

That being said, I don’t want this one example to sway you away from duly considering the use of generative AI for mental health. It is an example that perchance seems a bit unfulfilling. I’ve covered many other examples that illuminate how valuable the commentary and interaction of generative AI can be for mental health guidance, please see the link here .

I ask a favor of you.

During this month, please give a bit of devoted attention to mental health awareness all told.

This might be your own mental health. It could be the mental health of family or friends. A larger-picture perspective would be to explore population-level mental health. Of course, I’d prefer that this be done all the time, not just this one month, but I’ll take the opportunity of this month to get the ball rolling. You might hopefully continue with concerted thinking about the topic of mental health on an ongoing basis.

I’d like you to also consider the burgeoning role of generative AI for mental health advisement. Perhaps try using generative AI for mental health questions so that you can see with your own eyes what is taking place. Read up on the topic. Get involved. Do research or find out about the latest in new research. Etc.

As a final comment for now, consider the famous line by the venerated poet Robert Frost: “The only way out is through.” Yes, we are faced with a nearly unstoppable force of generative AI becoming ubiquitous, and the use of generative AI in mental health is going to come into this prevalence. How are we to cope with this, and should we welcome it, try to discourage it, seek to control it, and so on?

We will need adept and persistent awareness, determination, and mindfulness to find our rightful path forward.

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SUPERVISORY PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Department of veterans affairs, veterans health administration.

This position is in the Rehab Section, Northern Indiana (610), Fort Wayne, IN, and affiliated CBOCs. Supervisory Physical therapist is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of the physical therapy program within Rehab, Extended Care & Wellness Services (REC&W).

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

05/13/2024 to 05/17/2024

$114,890 - $149,361 per year

Pay scale & grade

1 vacancy in the following location:

Mishawaka, IN

Telework eligible

Travel required.

Not required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type, work schedule, promotion potential, job family (series).

0633 Physical Therapist

Supervisory status

Security clearance, position sensitivity and risk.

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

Announcement number

CBSR-12411828-24-KP

Control number

This job is open to, internal to an agency.

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

This position is only open to current permanent employees of the Jackie Walorski Clinic. To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most current SF-50 (2024).

The incumbent provides supervision of key clinical and training programs, including the overall technical oversight of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and speech therapists. Additionally, incumbent will have supervisory responsibilities over occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants as applicable. The Supervisory physical therapist will provide input into the development and ensure the implementation of policies and procedures to address focused clinical needs and the overall services delivered and provided within the Section. The Physical Therapy Supervisor demonstrates autonomy in performing supervisory responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, assigning work to employees, monitoring workload and clinical volume, reviewing work of employees to assure accuracy and validity of submissions, assuring adequate clinical staffing, imposing disciplinary measures, and monitoring clinical privileges. The incumbent is required to provide overall clinical supervision that assures the proper coordination and delivery of care within the section and the facility. The incumbent will also have clinical duties that will consist of completing complex evaluations and treatments related to rehabilitation and relief of multiple conditions. Incumbent is required to apply advanced evaluation methodologies and treatment theories in the provision of care to a vast array of functional impairments and patients, as well as provide clinical practice guidance for staff therapists within the work group and throughout the facility. VA Careers - Physical Therapy : https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Work Schedule : Full-time permanent, Monday - Friday 0800-1630 Compressed/Flexible :Not Available Telework : Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement # : 91399-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Available Fi nancial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of employment.

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
The basic requirements for employment as a VHA physical therapist are prescribed by Public Law 96-151 codified in 38 U.S.C. § 7402. To qualify for appointment, all applicants for the position of physical therapist in VHA must meet the following:

GRADE REQUIREMENTS

Creditable Experience

Knowledge of Contemporary Professional Physical Therapy Practice. To be creditable, a candidate must have demonstrated possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the scope of physical therapy practice. The candidate's experience may be evidenced by one or more of the following: Active professional practice. Active professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as a professional PT as defined by APTA or the appropriate licensing board. Experience gained after graduation but prior to licensure is creditable provided the candidate was utilized as a graduate PT and subsequently passed the licensure examination. Completion of a post-graduate fellowship or a post-graduate residency program may be substituted for creditable experience on a year for year basis.
Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was post degree experience as a professional PT and is directly related to the duties to be performed. Qualifying experience must also be at a level comparable to or exceeding the professional PT experience at the next lower grade level.

Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Supervisory PTs are responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of the physical therapy program in a rehabilitation service or equivalent service-level department which consists of three or more PTs or other multi-discipline staff. The incumbent provides supervision of key clinical and training programs, including the overall technical oversight of the staff that the incumbent administratively supervise. Supervisors are responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures to address focused clinical needs and the overall services delivered and provided within the section. The incumbent demonstrates autonomy in performing supervisory responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, assigning work to employees, monitoring workload and clinical volume, reviewing work of employees to assure accuracy and validity of submissions, assuring adequate clinical staffing, imposing disciplinary measures, and monitoring clinical privileges. The incumbent is required to provide overall clinical supervision that assures the proper coordination and delivery of care within the section and the facility. References: APPENDIX G12. PHYSICAL THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0633 Veterans Health Administration The full performance level of this vacancy is GS13. Physical Requirements: Must be physically, mentally and emotionally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Must have usable vision, color vision, hearing, or speech. However, these impairments will not automatically disqualify an applicant for appointment. The loss of any of these functions maybe compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. Must be able to sit, stand, bend, twist and lift/push/pull up to 40 pounds. IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ .

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits .

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members : Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Separation Notice (RIF)

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

Agency contact information

Kelly pilozo.

570-899-5433

[email protected]

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the U SAJobs Help Center . NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Criminal history inquiries
Reasonable accommodation policy
Financial suitability
Selective Service
New employee probationary period
Signature and false statements
Privacy Act
Social security number request

Required Documents

How to apply, fair & transparent.

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov . For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/790936600 . Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

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OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

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IMAGES

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VIDEO

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USAJOBS
This position is in the Rehab Section, Northern Indiana (610), Fort Wayne, IN, and affiliated CBOCs. Supervisory Physical therapist is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of the physical therapy program within Rehab, Extended Care & Wellness Services (REC&W).<br> <br> <br> <br>
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Physical Therapists provide rehabilitation for injuries and help maintain stability. "Some history of Physical Therapist formed their first professional association in 1921 called the American Women's physical therapeutic association. In the late 1940s, the association had changed its name to the American Physical Therapy Association.