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ninevirtuesA physical therapy degree is now doctoral-level because we have added differential diagnosis to the list of things we are allowed, or perhaps you should say required, to do. In other words, many of the lessons we get in class start with the words, "Say this person walks in off the street, you're the first medical person they've seen for this injury, and you have to diagnose what is going on...". In a medical system that does not require patients to see an MD before seeing us, (currently true in 30 states, including NC) that scenario may actually happen.
In reality, though, no matter how well we're trained... the average consumer will likely see a GP first, who will send the consumer to us.
I am irresistibly reminded of the phrase I heard over and over in martial arts classes: "Say you're attacked on the street..."
Neither of these scenarios--- in my degree program, or in martial arts-- is especially likely, but a big part of the training I'm getting is built around that possibility.
In reality, though, no matter how well we're trained... the average consumer will likely see a GP first, who will send the consumer to us.
I am irresistibly reminded of the phrase I heard over and over in martial arts classes: "Say you're attacked on the street..."
Neither of these scenarios--- in my degree program, or in martial arts-- is especially likely, but a big part of the training I'm getting is built around that possibility.
