Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs | Physical Therapy Aide Career
Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs - What is the Job of a Physical Therapist Aide? What do Physical Therapist Assistants Do?
Physical therapy assistants, also known as therapy aides, help physical therapists alleviate pain and restore mobility in patients. They may also have a role in decreasing the physical disabilities of their clients, and a physical therapist will typically ask their assistant to help teach a patient how to use crutches.
Physical therapy assistant jobs also including helping prepare equipment for therapy, and other tasks that physical therapy aides conduct may include massages, electric stimulation, hot and cold packs, traction, and exercises, under the direction of a physical therapist.
Physical therapy assistant jobs also involve noting the patients reaction to the treatment, and keeping a record of the outcomes of each session.
The role of physical therapy aides are also responsible for cleaning up the treatment area, and preparing for the next patient. Physical therapist aides will also play a role in helping patients to the treatment area. Clerical tasks such as bookkeeping and replacing supplies, in addition to filling out insurance forms for patients are also roles that the physical therapy aide must fulfill.
Some of assistant physical therapist duties may overlap depending on the size of the private care facility that they’re working in.
Working Conditions for Physical Therapy Aides - How is the Working Environment for Physical Therapist Assistant Employment?
The working environment for physical therapy assistants require strength in order to move patients and to treat them. Physical therapy sessions can be very lengthy, and a great deal of endurance and physical tolerance will be needed in order to lift patients and to apply the right treatment.
Therapy assistants are usually on their feet all day, so there is a lot of back strain and knee strain. Most physical therapy assistants and aides work part time in outpatient physical therapy offices.
Physical Therapy Assistant Education - How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant - How to Receive Your Education as a Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapist assistant education is usually acquired on the job, and in most states these professionals are required to have at least an associate’s degree. 233 programs are accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association, which culminate in an associate’s degree in physical therapy.
Physical therapy classes involve biology, chemistry, and other courses, in addition to hands on treatment and CPR training. Clerical experience is also helpful in order to handle some of the physical therapy office work.
Certified Physical Therapy Assistant Careers - How to Become Certified from Physical Therapy Assistant Schools
Some states require the physical therapy assistants be licensed in order to practice, however, others simply require certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and a certain number of hours of on the job experience. State licensing boards have the most information pertaining to physical therapy regulations.
Other skills that physical therapy assistants should have include good communication skills and physical stamina. Most physical therapists will specialize in a particular area of medicine such as geriatric or sports injury massage. By specializing in a particular area, physical therapy assistants will receive higher pay and be in demand.
Outlook for Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs - What is the Future of the Physical Therapy Assistant Programs?
Over the next decade, physical therapy assistant jobs will grow by about 29%, a much faster pace than the rest of the future job market. More people are realizing the medical and health benefits of massage therapy, and an increasingly aging population has greater need of techniques which will improve mobility.
Hospitals also recognize the benefits of physical therapy, and their services are increasingly required, as physical therapy assistants can be hired for much lower rates than a full physical therapist.
Overall, anyone hoping to enter the job of a physical therapist assistant should have no problem finding employment opportunities, especially those who have had experience in an excellent educational background.
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Pay Scale - How Much Do Physical Therapist Assistants Earn?
In 2006, the median earnings for physical therapy assistants came to $41,360, with those in health care services earned the most at $46,390, and those working in the offices of physicians earning the least at $39,290.
Physical therapist aides had median annual salaries of $22,060 over the same time period, with those in nursing care facilities earning the most, and those working for occupational and speech therapists earning the least.