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Physical therapy assistant Schools and PTA Training Programs
Are you interested in working with people to help get them back on track? Consider a career as a physical therapy assistant or physical therapy aide, also known as a PTA. These professionals help patients with treatments to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent permanent physical impairment. As a physical therapist assistant, you may work with accident victims as well as patients with fractures, arthritis, back pain or head injuries.
There is a slight distinction between physical therapy aides and assistants. Physical therapist assistants may provide patients with exercise instruction, therapies like electrical stimulation or massage, and balance training, all under the supervision of the physical therapist. Physical therapist assistants also must record their patients’ responses to treatment and report them to the therapist.
Physical therapist aides usually prepare and maintain the treatment area and help patients who need assistance in moving. Aides often do some clerical tasks, such as answering phones and doing insurance paperwork. In some states, they are not allowed to perform clinical tasks.
The work of a physical therapist assistant or aide requires a moderate degree of strength. Frequent kneeling, stooping, bending, and standing for long periods are part of the job, and so is the need to lift patients.
Training to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant or Aide
Training for physical therapy assistants is divided into academic coursework and hands-on clinical experience. Students take courses such as anatomy and physiology, psychology and English. Supervised clinical work is an essential component of learning to be a physical therapist assistant. It includes certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid techniques, and field experience in treatment centers. Physical therapist assistant training programs typically last two years and result in an associate degree.
There is no academic requirement to become a physical therapist aide, on the other hand. However, additional training may increase job opportunities and allow for future advancement.
Licensing and Certification Options
Not all states require a physical therapist assistant to possess a license. However, most states regulate physical therapist assistants in some way – through licensure, registration, or certification. The most common requirements are for physical therapist assistants to graduate from an accredited education program and to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam.
The standards for certification are established by the American Physical Therapy Association. They involve both classroom work and hands-on practical experience.
Employment and Job Growth for Physical Therapy Assistants and Aides
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that physical therapist aide and assistant employment will grow 35 percent from 2008 through 2018, much faster than average. As the United States population ages, the number of individuals with disabilities and medical conditions with limited physical function will spur the demand for physical therapy aides and assistants.
Other factors driving employment in the field include the push for reduced costs throughout the health care field, which is expected to encourage physical therapists to make better uses of assistants. Settings that serve elderly patients, such as acute hospitals, rehabilitation, and orthopedic clinics are also likely to have more opportunities. With medical advances, growing numbers of surviving victims will need physical therapy to overcome or improve disabling conditions.
In 2010, 72 percent of physical therapist assistants and aides worked in hospitals and physical therapy offices, according to the BLS. The rest worked in nursing care facilities, offices of physicians, home health care services, and outpatient care centers.
How Much Money Can You Make in the Physical Therapy Field?
The median annual salary for a physical therapist assistant was $46,140 in 2008, the BLS reports. Physical therapist aides earned a median salary of $23,760. Nursing care facilities were among the highest-paying employers, while physicians’ offices paid the least.
Additional Resources
American Physical Therapy Association – professional organization that offers education and networking for those that work as physical therapy assistant.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Physical Therapy Assistants – Government website's description of physical therapy assistant careers, with good information on education, professional paths and salary.
Southern California Health Institute
- North Hollywood
- Chiropractic Assistant/Manual Therapist Program
- Physical Therapy Aide/Sports Rehab Program
- Advanced Professional Massage Therapy Program
Vatterott College
- Fairview Heights
- Omaha
- Personal Fitness Trainer
Medical Career Institute
- Newport News
- Richmond
- Henrico
- Physical Therapist Assisting - Associate
- Massage Therapy - Associate
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Diploma
Concorde
- Physical Therapist Assistant - (AS)
- Physical Therapist Assistant - (AAS)
- Massage Therapy - Diploma
- More
Pennsylvania Institute of Tech.
- Media
- Physical Therapist Assistant
South University - Campus
- Montgomery
- Savannah
- Tampa
- West Palm Beach
- Physical Therapist Assisting (AS)
Kaplan College - KHE
- Hammond
- Phoenix
- Salida
- Vista
- Diploma: Healthcare and Rehab Therapy Technician
- Diploma: Therapeutic Health Technician
- Diploma: Massage Therapy
- More
Keiser University Campus
- Physical Therapy Assistant, AS
- Massage Therapy, AS
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography, AS
- More
Carrington College
- Physical Therapy Technology
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Fitness Training
- More
Ready for a rewarding career in healthcare? Carrington College™ can help.
Brown Mackie College
- Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Diploma in Fitness Trainer
- Associate of Applied Science in Health & Fitness Training
- More
Daymar Institute
- Clarksville
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Personal Fitness Training
Carrington College California
- Certificate in Fitness Training
- AS in Massage Therapy
- Cartificate in Massage Therapy
Hesser College
- Manchester
- Associate of Science: Physical Therapist Assistant
- Diploma: Massage Therapy
Remington College
- Diploma in Personal Fitness Trainer
- Diploma in Massage Therapy
- Diploma in Medical Assisting with X-Ray Tech (Limited Scope) and EKG
Everest College
- Vancouver
- Tacoma
- Seattle
- Diploma - Advanced Massage Therapy
- Diploma - Professional Licensing - Aromatherapy and Spa Specialist
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