Physical Therapist Assistant |
Who are Physical Therapist Assistants?Is This Program in My Area?What do Physical Therapist Assistants Do? Physical therapist assistants support the work of a physical therapist and often provide part of a patient’s treatment under supervision. They perform a variety of tasks, often helping with exercises, massages, administering electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction, and ultrasounds. In addition to performing various parts of the treatment plan, they also assess the patient’s responses to treatment and report the outcome to the physical therapist. Physical therapist assistants need to be strong, as much of their work involves physical exertion to assist patients with their treatment. Physical therapist assistants work in hospitals, outpatient physical therapy offices, clinics, private offices and often work part time. Physical Therapist Assistant Training While the training for physical therapist assistants varies, most earn at least their associates degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant school. In addition, some states require that physical therapist assistants have licenses to practice. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there are currently 225 accredited physical therapist assistant programs in the United States. These programs are usually two year programs that result in an associate degree. Physical therapist assistant training programs usually provide both academic training and clinical training. Some of the academic courses include chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, psychology, and algebra. Clinical classes include certification in first aid and CPR as well as field experiences in clinics and treatment centers. Each school for physical therapist assistants varies in terms of its specific academic program. Employers also look for physical therapist assistants who are organized, detail oriented, empathetic, and have strong interpersonal skills. Physical therapist assistants can advance in their careers through specialization in a clinical area or by moving into administrative roles. In addition, some physical therapist assistants move into teaching at accredited programs or in health or community centers. Physical Therapist Assistant Certification Physical therapists are often required to gain licensure or register in order to work as a physical therapist assistant, depending on the state. In order to receive a physical therapist assistant license, students are often required by the state to complete a specific academic curriculum and examination. Some of the state licensing requirements include completing first aid and CPR certification as well as a certain number of hours of clinical experience. Because each state differs in terms of its licensing requirements, it is important to check with each individual state’s licensing board before commencing with a program of study. Physical Therapist Assistant Job Prospects The outlook for physical therapist assistant job opportunities is currently quite favorable. Employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to grow 29 percent over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, which is much faster than average for all occupations. The growth in the industry is a result of the rise the number of patients needing therapy, particularly the elderly, as well as new medical developments that assist in the saving trauma victims who then need therapy services. The use of physical therapist assistants is continuing to increase as physical therapists look for ways to reduce the costs of therapy services. Since physical therapist assistants can perform many parts of the treatment plan, physical therapists can then increase the amount of patients they are able to evaluate and treat. Job opportunities are expected to be good in hospitals, nursing care facilities, offices of physicians, and rehabilitation centers. Physical Therapist Assistant Job Security and Salary The job market for physical therapist assistants is expected to continue to improve over the next several years, particularly for those who work with the elderly. Physical therapist assistants can expect to earn between $26,190 and $57,220 according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Salaries for physical therapist assistants are dependent on the location of the services, for example those therapist assistants involved in home health care services generally earn more than those who work in the offices of physicians. Physical therapist assistants with specialized knowledge or prior experience working in a physical therapy office or health care setting with have the best job opportunities. |