Rachel BarnettOutpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Asher ClinicLarkspur

Summer 2015

BASIC INFORMATION

● Asher Clinic● 2801 Larkspur Landing

Circle, Larkspur, CA94939

● Employees: 14● Mission: “to educate our patients on wellness and injury-

prevention even during the rehabilitation of a current injury.”

● Goals: live better, work smarter, play harder

BASICS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY● SKILLS

○ Communication■ Effective listening, speaking, and writing

○ Motor skills ■ Physical strength and coordination

○ Knowledge of sciences■ Biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, etc.

○ Critical thinking and observing

EDUCATION● REQUIREMENTS

○ Bachelor of Science degree (4 years) with emphasis on anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry

○ Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited 3 year physical education program

○ Pass a State Licensure Exam● COST

○ Bachelor’s Degree ranges from $9,139 to $31,231 ○ DPT programs:

■ Public In-state: $14,427 (range: $3,387 to $45,340)■ Public Out-of-state: $29,157 (range: $8,425 to $65,156)■ Private: $31,716 (range: $19,500 to $94,020)

○ State Licensure Exam: over $400

JOB INFORMATION● Common beginning salary: $80,000● Various Practice Settings:

○ Outpatient Clinics■ Orthopedic or neuromuscular injuries

○ Acute Care and Rehabilitation in Hospitals○ Skilled Nursing Facilities○ Schools○ Wellness, Prevention, Sports, and Fitness○ Home Health○ Hospice○ Occupational Environments○ Local, State, and Federal Governments○ Research Centers

ALTERNATIVE JOBS● Medical Writer● Physical Education or Health Teacher● Medical Office Management● Personal Trainer● Health Product Sales

MY ROLE● Shadowed physical therapists● Assisted aides with laundry● Performed duties assigned by office staff

○ Filed discharged charts ○ Documented and organized Plan of Care information

MY GOALS● Learn about the profession

of physical therapy○ diagnosing and treating patients○ documentation○ other behind the scenes action!

● Practice using professionalism and other work readiness skills

ACCOMPLISHMENTS● Filed 50+ discharged files● Faxed 20+ plan of care

documents to physicians○ Received 10 signed plan of cares from

physicians● Prepared 40+ patient folders

○ Systematically placed and organized labels on dividers

WHAT MY SUPERVISOR WOULD SAY

● Excellent active listening● Polite and respectful while shadowing● Exhibited interest in the field by asking

thoughtful questions● Used professionalism

LESSONS LEARNED - SKILLS

1. Communication is the most important skill2. The value of working meticulously3. The importance of tolerance and respect4. Professionalism affects

perception5. Dedication determines fate

LESSONS LEARNED - REACTION1. As a PT, you must...● Tolerate different personalities● Manually document all treatment

plans● Communicate with physicians

while obeying their orders● Hassle with insurance companies

Am I ready for that challenge?

2. There are a lot of people in this world who need help. I want to be in a job where I can…● Utilize my passion and

knowledge of the human body● Help people get better● See peoples’ improvement

through my treatmentPhysical therapy allows me to do just that!

3. Physical Therapy is a difficult, yet rewarding profession…Count me in!

MY SUCCESSES1. Emerged myself in a work

environment for the first time, ready to learn and practice professionalism

2. Saw what it takes by learning from the physical therapists themselves, and absorbed invaluable information

3. Obtained knowledge about anatomy and physiology, which makes me want to pursue a career in exercise science

Areas of Growth

● Communication○ Trouble speaking clearly and concisely○ Not finding the right way to phrase questions

● Endurance○ Trouble standing and sitting for long periods of time

What’s Next?This experience greatly helped me get closer to my

long-term goals because it allowed me to see and experience all aspects of physical therapy. While observing the physical therapists, I constantly asked myself if I could see myself doing this in my future. The answer was most often YES. I came into my internship with very little knowledge of physical therapy, but came out with a good understanding of how I can go about achieving my long-term goal of being a physical therapist.

Advice● Listen and observe carefully while shadowing so that you know specific

questions to ask the PT after the appointment. If you don’t understand something, ask clarifying questions.

● Be proactive. If there is open time between appointments, either go to the anatomy drawings and review what you observed and learned, or see if any aides need help.

● Introduce yourself to the patient and make sure that they are okay with you observing their appointment. While observing, be conscientious about your body language and facial expressions. Stay positive!

● Document interesting things that you observe or learn each day directly after your shift so that you can refer back to them later.

● Be present every day so that you can get the most out of your internship!

THANK YOU!