Why Pursue A Physical Therapist Assistant Career?

Also called Physical Therapy Technician or Therapeutic Health Practitioner.

Physical therapist assistants perform tasks designated to them by a supervising physical therapist in order to help rehabilitate patients who have suffered an accident or injury, as well as a crippling or incapacitating disease. These tasks may include helping patients with exercises, applying electrical stimulation, giving the patients paraffin baths, applying hot packs and cold compresses, traction, and ultrasound. Physical therapist assistants also record the patients’ responses to treatment and any improvement or outcome of the treatment. They may also perform some clerical tasks, such as filling out insurance forms and paperwork, answering the phone, or ordering supplies.

Physical therapist assistants work in hospitals, nursing homes, private offices, home healthcare services, rehabilitation centers, and wellness centers. Their hours may vary, with many working a regular week, some only part-time. They may also work evening or weekend hours in order to accommodate their patients. Their salaries vary according to the capacity in which they are employed, ranging from $23,530 to $48,910, with the average being $37,850.

Physical therapist assistants usually earn an associate’s degree from an accredited physical therapist program. Not all states require a physical therapist to be licensed to practice, but those that do have specific education and examination criteria. It is best to check your state’s laws governing the practice of physical therapy for more information.

Employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Growth in the number of people with disabilities or limited function, as well as an increase in the elderly population due to the aging of the nation’s largest population, the baby boom generation, will increase the demand for physical therapists. Growth will also increase because of the widespread interest in maintaining one‘s health. Growth will also increase as more physical therapists use assistants to help lower the cost of therapy services.

Featured Physical Therapist Assistant Schools:

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

New Hampshire
Hesser College* (Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, Salem) - Medical Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant

Idaho