Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs Are In Demand

Physical therapy assistant jobs can be very rewarding. The physical therapist is someone who works to alleviate distress as well as discomfort for people suffering from painful illnesses. This is done through initiating actions aimed at bringing about a significant improvement the life of such a person. The assistant offers invaluable assistance in this process.

Debilitating conditions such as arthritis, heart disease or cerebral palsy often leaves a person with depression and a feeling of being worthless. Massages, traction, electrical stimulation and paraffin baths as well as hot and cold packs can bring some relief.

Administering these treatments is but one of the tasks in which the assistants are involved. Patients must also be familiarized with exercise equipment and aids such as crutches. Developing an exercise program for the patient often falls on the shoulders of the assistant. He or she must know the job well enough to ensure that the exercises will benefit the patient to the fullest extent possible. They must also watch and record the progress of the patients and perform clerical duties when required.

To enroll in such a program, the individual will need a high school diploma. The length of the course is usually two years. Obtaining an associate degree opens up many possible opportunities for a student. There is a great demand for skilled people in this profession in US hospitals and other institutions for health care at the moment. People who choose this career can look forward to a bright future.

To be an accredited therapist assistant in this field, a person must hold an associate degree. This can be done through enrollment in a course that is recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association. Right throughout training a balance between theoretical study and practical work is maintained.

Subjects such as human anatomy are taught and a good understanding of algebra and chemistry is established. Human psychology CPR and first aid also receives a lot of attention in the course as well.

The jobs of a therapists, assistants and aides are quite different. The therapist plan treatment to try to achieve improvement in the condition of a patient. It is then left to the assistants to carry out the planning. The aid will not participate in the sessions must be on hand to help if the patient must move from one place to another. The aid must also keep the clinic clean and orderly as well as carry our clerical duties. The aid must have a high school diploma and the assistant an associate degree issued by an accredited institute.

The need for assistants in this field is ever-growing and it is a good career to choose as an increasing number of Physical therapy assistant jobs should be available in the decades to come. Physical therapist assistants generally get promoted by specializing in a particular area. A physical therapists may become an expert in geriatric care and share their experience and knowledge by become instructors. In due course of time, they may end up becoming directors of departments conducting research and further studies in their area of expertise.