Physical Therapy Professionalism

In a career based society, professionalism amongst excellence is what is striven for. If one were to find themselves in a business career, their day to day life would require a strong element of professionalism in order to succeed. The same holds true for that of students in a physical therapy program. As students, the requirement lies not only in classroom etiquette but also outside of the classroom, interactions with professors and students, and in private, while studying or taking exams. Each of these areas require students to hold a level of professionalism in order to succeed in a doctorate program. As one participates in a doctor of physical therapist degree program, they must work accordingly in the classroom with both professors and

A student in the doctorate physical therapy program will be required to do clinicals at many different locations. In doing clinicals, they will be working with both patients and clinical instructors alike. During my time shadowing with Paula Henry, I appreciated the respect that Paula held for all of her employees, as well as her patients. Each patient received a quality of care that was above and beyond. This in itself, requires professionalism in carrying out tasks, working with patients while also keeping confidentiality, and keeping respect for those in the clinic. Being exposed to the level of care that Paula provided to her patients such as maintaining an effective environment to do their therapy and being able to build rapport with each individual allowed me an example of holding an elevated level of professionalism outside of the classroom as well as inside. I was able to learn how to connect with patients while also providing them the level of care they needed. Paula was able to open the door of patient care for me. Once those are established, a student must learn professionalism even if they are by

Working with Jaime Hollt at Holt Physical Therapy taught me how to successfully manage time both in the clinic and outside of it. Working in the clinic means that the level of responsibility does not stop once outside of the clinic. This is where time management plays a crucial role.This can include a myriad of different things such as proper study time, allowing enough time for homework, and working with classmates on coursework. If such tasks are disregarded a student will likely not succeed within the program. Time management and discipline outside the clinic works effectively with the other areas involved in physical therapy school, to create a well-rounded professional