A person's body is her temple. It is must be treated with utmost care. Physical education and physical therapy provide frameworks that train the body and its many systems. Outcomes may result in development of basic locomotive and healthy lifestyle skills or in rehabilitation from a life-threatening injury or illness. Both are rewarding whether you are an educator or a student.
Standards for Physical Education Students
The American College of Sport Medicine suggests that physical fitness programs for children and youth be created with the goal of encouraging the adoption of appropriate exercise lifestyles in order to develop and maintain a physical fitness level meeting the minimal requirements for adequate functional capacity and health enhancement. That includes 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily. In addition, the National Association of Sport and Physical Education Standards, in association with the Colorado Department of Education, requires knowledge of a healthy and physical lifestyle, the ability to perform a variety of physical tasks, along with maintaining and demonstrating personal fitness levels and social behaviors. Collectively, it is the integration of mental, physical and social behavioral skills.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy provides necessary and high-quality services to both patients who have a disease, disorder, condition, impairment, functional limitation, or disability. The five elements of management designed to lead to optimal outcomes are examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and intervention. Generally speaking, the various modalities in patient treatment include electrical stimulation therapy, hydrotherapy, manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. Therapeutic exercise may include but is not limited to strength, power, range of motion, balance, aerobic and endurance conditioning, and postural stabilization.
Teaching Physical Education
To be an educator in this field, it will be necessary to attend a four-year college or university, attaining a degree in health and physical education. Examples of required courses include, but are not limited to, kinesiology; exercise physiology; health and wellness classes; activity courses such as golf, aerobics, basketball, tennis, racquetball and other team or individual sports; teaching PE/health methods classes; and student teaching. Classes vary depending on the school you attend. Another prerequisite is experience working with and teaching children. As you progress, coaching a team at the youth sport level will only enhance your resume. Check with your university regarding secondary schools in the area that will provide coaching opportunities.
Physical Therapy School
Physical therapy school is a three-year, full-time, doctorate level program. It consists of nine consecutive semesters. During the course of study, a combination of classes and clinical internships are experienced. The culmination is a comprehensive exam. A License is required in the state of employment where you will practice. Courses include, but are not limited to, human gross anatomy, biomechanics, medical considerations, foundations of physical therapy and exercise science. The application process itself requires prerequisite math and science-based classes, letters of recommendation, volunteer or paid experience, and solid GRE standardized test scores. In addition, many students find it necessary to apply for student-based financial loans.
References
- PE Central: Becoming a Physical Education Teacher
- Jefferson County Public Schools: Physical Education Content Standards
- "Guide To Physical Therapist Practice" 2nd ed.; American Physical Therapy Association; 2003
