How to Become A Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical therapist assistants or PTAs work alongside physical therapists. They assist them in the implementation of the rehab exercises and therapies which are designed for the faster recovery of a patient from disability or injury. If you are planning to become a physiotherapist, but you don't have the resources to attend college for several years, you may as well study to be a physical therapy assistant. Physical therapist assistants actually have a great chance of becoming a physical therapist by having additional years of education and training.

Responsibilities and Job Duties of PTAs

A physical therapist assistant may perform the same sets of tasks as a physiotherapist, like assisting patients in their exercises, massages, workouts, electric stimulation as well as paraffin baths. In general, PTAs do their jobs under the supervision of physical therapists, who are ultimately the ones responsible for designing the rehab program and progress of the patients. Basically, physical therapy assistants are active in the documentation and monitoring of the progress of patients.

Work Environment for PTAs

Physical therapist assistants can work in clinics, medical offices, rehabilitation centers, and medical hospitals. As a PTA, regardless of the location of your work, you will need to be physically strong and fit as your job includes a lot of lifting and supporting patients. Also, you may be asked to help move or operate some heavy equipment.

In terms of the work schedules given to a physiotherapist assistant, they depend on the requirement of the employer as well as the number of patients that need to be attended to. In general, a PTA can work full time or part time, and may be required to work nights and even weekends.

Training and Education Requirements

If you are looking to become a physical therapy assistant, you need to earn an associate degree through an accredited program. Typically, this would include two years of undergraduate education. You will not have difficulties finding such programs as they are available in almost every state.

In most cases, a PTA degree program consists of a combination of clinical and classroom instruction. Just like some other medical fields, the curriculum involves life sciences such as physiology, anatomy and other first aid or life saving skills.

Expected Annual Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that an average physiotherapist assistant can earn an average of $46,300 a year. However, the salary range can greatly vary according to the state of employment, employer and industry. It is also said that home health care employers are the ones who pay PTAs the highest. Aside from the basic salary, an assistant to a physiotherapist is eligible for health care insurance and paid vacation.

In terms of looking for your future employment, it is very important that you do your own research about a certain industry. Make sure also that you choose the right school and accredited degree program in preparation for your career. Keeping these in mind, there is no doubt that becoming a physical therapy assistant will be the right career for you.