What Is a Physical Therapy Assistant?
A physical
therapy assistant is a credentialed health care practitioner who has undergone
further training. These health care assistants collaborate with physical
therapists to treat patients with physical impairments and injuries. Many
therapies are intended to alleviate pain and increase movement in patients.
 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant |
Today,
approximately 200 physical therapy assistant programs are offered in the United
States. Candidates must have a good grade point average, mainly in the primary
sciences such as chemistry, biology, and statistics, to be accepted for one of
these programs.
Each
candidate will be required to volunteer in the health care profession,
preferably as an assistant, as well as demonstrate community involvement by
participating in some service activity. It is also necessary to get references
from physical therapists, as this is another need for acceptance into a PTA
program.
What is a Physical Therapy Assistant's Role?
A physical
therapy assistant collaborates with a physical therapist to treat patients who
have been injured or have physical limitations. This sort of health care
assistant's job is overseen by licensed physical therapists. When caring for
patients, they use a variety of approaches such as exercise therapy programs,
deep soft tissue massage, and general mobility training.
They also
provide physical therapies such as ultrasonography and electrotherapy. This
sort of therapy assistant may also offer ice or heat treatment to patients,
educate them how to use crutches, or give them stretches and exercises to
increase their range of motion.
They may
also assist physical therapists in the implementation of fitness and wellness
programs so that the patient may live a more active lifestyle. Furthermore,
physical therapy assistants must understand how to operate various types of
physical therapy equipment. Physical therapy assistants may also be required to
answer phones, fill out insurance paperwork, and place orders for supplies.
These sorts
of health care workers deal with people of all ages. Athletes who have been
injured, stroke victims, youngsters with cerebral palsy, and patients who have
just had a surgical operation are just a few examples of people who may require
physical therapy services.
A person
who wishes to become a physical therapy assistant must have excellent
communication skills as well as the ability to display kindness and patience.
Because
most patients see a therapist soon after surgery or an injury, they are
frequently suffering from high levels of mental stress and discomfort. The physical therapist assistant must possess a genuine desire to
serve others and the ability to make patients feel at ease with their therapy. The therapy assistant must understand how to collaborate as
part of a team, not just with physical therapists but also with other health
care professionals.
How to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant?
A two-year
associate degree from an authorized institution is required for this
employment. A license is also required in certain regions. The recognized
school must have a program certified by the Commission on Accreditation in
Physical Therapy Education, often known as CAPTE accreditation. The
accreditation ensures that the courses and teachers are of high quality.
A student
participating in a physical therapy assistant program will need to take several
different classes, including mathematics, anatomy, biology, chemistry,
physiology, and psychology. The student must get certification in CPR
(cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid. In addition to these
prerequisites, the student will need to have some practical experience in the
field of physical therapy.
After
completing the program, the majority of states need aspiring therapy assistants
to pass a test to be licensed in this specific health care field.
Typically, the license must be renewed every couple of years.
Opportunities for Employment
PTA jobs
vary in nature, and many provide prospects for promotion. Physical therapy
assistants are needed in physical therapy clinics, home health care providers,
skill-nursing institutions, and nursing homes.
Physical
therapist assistants are also employed by rehabilitation clinics, hospitals,
and school systems. Many of these jobs offer conventional working hours, but there
are also possibilities to work nights, weekends, and evenings. Some assistants
are allowed to travel for their duties, and various types of
therapeutic institutions do this.
The Advantages of Becoming a PTA
According
to various surveys, PTAs have very high levels of work satisfaction. Another
advantage of this vocation is job stability, as there is a high demand in this
industry. The average yearly compensation for this position is more than
$46,000. Of course, this varies by region and state. This is a tremendously
gratifying vocation since PTAs get to deal with patients one-on-one, see them
grow, and have a significant impact on their lives.
How much do physical therapist assistants make?
It's normal
to wonder what the average physical therapist assistant compensation is. You're
about to hear some fantastic news. PTAs have a high earning potential,
especially given that these occupations may be obtained with only an
Associate's degree.
According
to the BLS, the median annual compensation for physical therapist assistants in
2020 was $59,770.1. It is crucial to remember that PTA salaries vary depending
on expertise and employer. The lowest 10% made less than $33,840, while the
wealthiest 10% earned more than $82,470.1
According to
the BLS, the average physical therapist assistant income was greatest for those
working in nursing homes and providing home healthcare services. Now that
you're aware of the possibility for development and earnings for PTAs, let's
take a deeper look at the job tasks and the road to becoming one.