Job outlook for physical therapy assistants is experiencing a 30+ percent growth rate, which will continue over the next decade.
Physical therapy assistants practice under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist to aid in the treatment of patients. Their defined roles are overseen by state legislation and are established by the healthcare organization where the PTA works as well as by the physical therapist he or she works under.
The work of the physical therapy assistant is outlined in patient treatment programs created by the PT. The assistant helps educate physically impaired patients on how to accomplish activities of daily living (for example getting dressed), helps complete prescribed exercises, performs tests, provides treatment (including heat and water therapy), chronicles and records patient progression, shows patients how to use and take care of personal therapy equipment, and assists with an assortment of general office tasks.
Physical therapy assistants are typically employed by medical centers, rehabilitation clinics, and private practices.
Salary, Job Outlook and Opportunities for Physical Therapy Assistants
According to Salary.com, licensed physical therapy assistants earn between $35,000 to over $56,000 annually depending on experience, location and employer.
The physical therapy industry has come to be notably popular as a result of developments in orthopedics (for example hip and knee replacements), growth of sports medicine, and an increased physically active population. At the same time, the generations of senior citizens is gradually increasing. Therefore, the need for physical therapy assistants is significant, and career opportunities are incredibly promising.
A number of physical therapy assistants return to school to obtain their DPT degree to become a physical therapist. Their experience as a PTA is an invaluable advantage in getting accepted into a competitive program.
How To Become a Physical Therapy Assistant
For admission into a physical therapy assistant program, a high school diploma is required. Individuals looking to pursue this profession should have good physical strength and ready to operate in close contact with and under the oversight of other healthcare professionals. A nice demeanor and a passion to assist people is also needed to become a PTA.
Education
Physical therapy assistants will need to graduate from an accredited 2-year physical therapy assisting program, culminating in an associate’s degree in science. The PTA curriculum typically includes coursework in anatomy & physiology, movement science in addition to 1 year of applied classes in therapy methods (including massage, physical modalities, hydrotherapy and ultrasound) and clinical training.
License
Licensure is mandated in a number of states. For regions without license requirements, a particular academic background and test may be required by the state board. For more information go to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website.
Learn more about the requirements to become a PTA.
Find Physical Therapy Assistant Schools
In the United States there are 100′s of physical therapy assistant schools. To find a complete directory of accredited PTA schools by state go here. You can also take a look at the following schools in your area.
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Programs:
- Physical Therapist Assisting - Associate
As a student at South University, you will have the opportunity to learn from accomplished faculty members who have real-world experience in the subjects that they teach. Our small class sizes allow you to receive personalized attention from instructors, and the encouragement to recognize your goals for the future and the means to achieve them.
Programs:
- Physical Therapist Assistant (AS)
Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education. Eligible students can receive college credit for prior military experience and coursework—up to 75 percent of the credit needed for a Kaplan University undergraduate degree.*
Programs:
- AS in Health Science - Physical Therapy Assistant (Military Only)
- Military Physical Assistant Prerequisite Program
Programs:
- AAS - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Study online with California University of Pennsylvania. We offer certificate and bachelor's and master's degree programs in a wide variety of fields that can be completed 100% online.
Programs:
- Post-Masters Cert: Exercise Science and Health Promotion: Rehabilitation Science
- MS: Exercise Science and Health Promotion: Rehabilitation Sciences
