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Employment and Job Growth For Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides
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Anyone working in physical therapy usually needs to work evenings and weekends to accommodate patients' lifestyles. About 30% of assistants and aides only work part-time, which of course means fewer yet more flexible hours. But jobs in this field are expected to remain in demand and, in fact, increase faster than the national average for all occupations.
60% work in hospitals and physical therapy offices. The remaining 40% work in nursing care facilities, offices of physicians, home health care services, and outpatient care centers.
Working Conditions for Rehab Technicians and Physical Therapist Aides
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that physical therapist aide and assistant employment will grow much faster than average for all related occupations through 2014. As the United States population as a whole ages, the number of individuals with disabilities and medical conditions with limited physical function will spur the demand for physical therapy aides and assistants.
The push for reduced costs throughout the health care field is expected to encourage physical therapists to make better uses of assistants. This will also lead to an increased number of positions in the field. Opportunities will be strong in settings that involve elderly patients, such as acute hospitals, rehabilitation, and orthopedic clinics. With future developments in medicine, the number of surviving trauma patients could further increase the demand for physical therapy, as growing numbers of surviving victims will need to overcome disabling conditions.
How Much Money Can You Make in the Physical Therapy Field?
Physical Therapist Assistants earned an average of $37,890 per year in 2004, with pay ranging from just over $24,000 all the way to just over $52,000. Averages by sector in 2004 included:
- Nursing Care Facilities: $40,360
- General or Surgical Hospitals: $37,790
- Other Health Offices: $37,120
Earnings for Physical Therapy Aides were less. During 2004, the median earnings for PT Aides were $21,380, with 80% earning between $15,380 and $33,550 per year.
Learn more about the educational opportunities in physical therapy. Click here for a list of schools with Physical Therapist Assistant Programs .