Physical Therapy Professionalism

Professionalism is the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or professional person; it implies the quality of workmanship or service (Valente, 2014). Being professional is the baseline of differentiating between success and failure. There are characteristics of good work ethic and professionalism that you notice when you see someone who embodies certain principles in their work behavior, leading them to produce high-quality work consistently. According to the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association), professional characteristics of physical therapists include accountability, altruism, compassion, integrity, professional duty and social responsibility.
As a student having accountability is vital because
It is more than just carrying out tasks that are assigned to you, but being able to accomplish tasks as a part of a team while taking pride in the work you do. The work of a physical therapist is a complex collaborative effort with other professions- all in constant motion to attain optimal health for both individuals and communities. Being a student is the best practice to absorb how to facilitate each patient’s achievement of quality of life by returning them to their highest degree of personal independence through direct patient interaction and the use of exercise in recovery. We fulfill our obligations each time we choose to remain persistent and consistent in mastering our passion instead of having temptation to take “shortcuts” that will undermine the integrity of the services that we will provide to patients. Social responsibility is giving back to the communities that we work and live. Participating in relationships with other healthcare providers to provide leadership in the community that is committed to improving their community’s health and wellness needs. Social responsibility is selfless service if you are serving your community; you are doing your duty without thought of recognition or personal gain (Bellamy,