Career Profile: Why Pursue A Physical Therapist Assistant Career?

Also called Physical Therapy Technician or Therapeutic Health Practitioner.

Job Description:

A physical therapist assistant professional is a trained professional that work under the close supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Their main task is to aid in providing individualized physical treatment programs to patients. In general, they are responsible for improving the patients' overall health and fitness.

The routine tasks and general responsibilities shouldered by a physical therapist assistant may include the following:

• assist physical therapists in administering treatments to patients to improve mobility and relieve pain
• document patients' responses to treatment and relay progress to the physical therapist
• supervise patients when doing exercises and other physical activities
• prepare equipments needed for the scheduled therapy
• maintain cleanliness and organization of the treatment area
• administer massages, electrical stimulation, and paraffin baths to patients
• do a few administrative tasks including completion of insurance forms, answering phone calls, and keeping track of supplies

Work Environment:

Physical therapist assistant professionals are typically employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and physician offices. They enjoy a pleasant, comfortable, and clean work place. Since physical therapist assistant professionals spend most of their time assisting and tending to the patients needs, it is vital that they keep a friendly, cheerful, and pleasant demeanor. They usually work 40 hours a week with occasional extended hours of work.

Education and Training Requirements:

A high school diploma is mandatory for physical therapist assistant aspirants. Formal training and education can be acquired from various community colleges and vocational schools. Most aspiring physical therapist assistant professionals pursue an associate degree in physical therapy which can be completed in 2 years. Depending on the state where you plan to practice, you might be required to take a licensure exam before you can legally work as a certified physical therapist assistant.

Salary Range:

Income rates of physical therapist assistant professionals are influenced by certain factors including place setting, size of treatment facility, experience, and geographical location. On the average, most physical therapist assistant professionals are earning around $24,110 - $37,890 annually. Meanwhile, those who have pursued continuing studies program, and acquired relevant training receive annual earnings of more than $52,110. They also enjoy excellent benefits in the form of retirement plans, paid vacations, and healthcare insurance.

Job Outlook

The need for physical therapist assistant professionals is anticipated to increase faster than other medical professions until 2014. Great job opportunities are waiting for physical therapist assistant aspirants who completed accredited training programs. The significant growth on work demand will spawn from the continuous expansion of rehabilitation centers, and growing number of the aging population.

So, what are you waiting for? Start a rewarding career as a physical therapist assistant by browsing through our extensive list of physical therapist assistant schools!

Florida Schools
	(Ft.Lauderdale, Melbourne) - Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant

New Hampshire Schools
	(Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, Salem) - Medical Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant

Pennsylvania Schools
ICM School of Business and Medical Careers	(Pittsburgh) - Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant

Utah Schools
	(Provo) - Physical Therapist Assistant, Medical Assisting

Virginia Schools
Medical Careers Institute	(Newport News, Richmond, Virginia Beach) - Physical Therapy Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Specialist

Canada Schools
	Physiotherapist Assistant / Occupational Therapist Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Office, AssistantRehabilitation Therapy Assistant
	Saskatchewan: Saskatoon Ontario: Barrie, Brampton, Hamilton City Centre, Hamilton Mountain, Kitchener, London, Mississauga, Ottawa West (Nepean), Newmarket, North York, Ottawa East, Scarborough, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Toronto Central, Toronto Central, Windsor Quebec: Laval, Montreal, Quebec City Nova Scotia: Halifax Alberta: Calgary City Centre, Calgary North, Edmonton City Centre, Edmonton South British Columbia: Abbotsford, Burnaby, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria Bay Centre Manitoba: Winnipeg

*Program Availability Varies By Location and Often Changes. To get the most up-to-date information, use the links we provide to request additional information from a local campus representative.

* DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University operates as DeVry Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. AC0060. DeVry University is authorized for operation by the THEC. www.state.tn.us/thec. Nashville Campus - 3343 Perimeter Hill Dr., Nashville, TN 37211 Program availability varies by location.©2010 DeVry Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved