Worthwhile - Women & Health

ivemetmark03 asked:


I’m wanting to become a physical therapist. I want to find a school and get in within the next two years or so. Problem is I want to work with women’s health, childbirth and that kind of thing. I have yet to find a school that has that as a specialty or certification.
Does anyone know of a school or have advice for me? Also where would I get a newsletter on Physical Therapy without having to become a member?
Thank you!

Beatrice

One Response to “Any Physical Therapy schools that specialize in Women’s health?”

1. mistify Says:
   July 18th, 2008 at 1:13 PM

   Pelvic floor rehab (generally a large component of women’s health) is not generally defined as appropriate for entry level physical therapy education. It, like many other specialities, generally recommend that therapists engage in specialized continuing education after graduating and spending some time getting their “feet wet” in the clinic. Especially considering the nature of women’s health, a practictioner should be comfortable with independently assessing and treating patients (with “regular” problems) first prior to persuing a delicate specialty such as women’s health. Most new graduates need some degree of “mentoring” once they are in the clinic.

   My suggestion would be to try to acquire an affiliation during your clinical rotation during women’s health, if it is offered. Upon graduating, begin practicing in an outpatient setting. After practicing 1-2 years, seek out specialist certification such as the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Institute. I’d also suggest extra education in Prenatal care and possibly lymphedema management. I would suggest the following certifications:

   and a course in prenatal/post partum care

   It’s a great speciality you have chosen, and you will have women flocking to you.