Outlook & Growth
Employment of physical therapy assistants is expected to grow much faster than average—33 percent from 2008 to 2018.
Reasons for the demand include the increasing elderly population, who are likely to need therapy, as well as aging baby boomers, who are entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, and will need cardiac and physical rehabilitation.
Salary & Wages
Median annual earnings of physical therapist assistants were $46,140 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,170 and $54,900. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,830.
Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of physical therapist assistants in May 2008 were: $51,950 for home health care services; $51,090 for nursing care facilities; $45,510 from general medical and surgical hospitals; and $43,390 for doctors' offices.
What is a Physical Therapy Assistant?
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) help physical therapists provide treatment to patients to relieve pain and improve mobility. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, the PTA gives patients therapeutic exercises and massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold baths, traction and ultrasound treatments.
PTAs also observe and record patients' reactions to treatment, provide patient education—such as training a patient in the use of a leg brace—and, at times, perform office duties, such as ordering supplies.
PTAs work with patients who are recovering from accidents—burns, broken limbs or head injuries—as well as those who suffer from illnesses such as strokes, arthritis, heart disease and cerebral palsy. Because patients often need to be moved or lifted, PTAs need at least moderate strength.
Education & Degree Path
Many states require physical therapist assistants to have, at minimum, an associate (two-year) degree.
Such degree programs are divided into academic study and hands-on experience. Students study algebra, anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry and psychology. Their clinical work includes CPR and other first aid certifications, plus field experience in treatment centers.
Licensing. Licensing or registration is required by some states, which mandate specific educational and exam criteria. Additional requirements may include certification in CPR and other first aid and a minimum number of hours of clinical experience. Check with the state licensing board where you want to work to see what is required.
Entering the Field. One route is to first work as a physical therapist aide. Aides—who typically perform less-skilled, non-clinical tasks, such as moving patients or clerical duties—can begin work with a high school diploma. As they obtain experience and continue their educations, they can move into jobs as therapist assistants.
Career Changers. Physical therapist assistants sometimes change careers by becoming physical therapists themselves, or by specializing in specific clinical areas.
Many physical therapist assistants advance to administration positions, such as running physical therapy departments. Some go into teaching or community education.
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