The Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistants, or PTAs, are skilled health care providers who work under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs perform a variety of roles in the health care delivery system. They assist physical therapists in implementing treatment programs; train patients in exercises and activities of daily living; conduct treatments and report patients' responses to physical therapists. PTAs must complete a 2-year education program, usually offered through a community or junior college. Graduates receive an Associate's degree and must pass a state licensure exam.
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Employment is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012.
Job prospects are good due to growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function and increasing demand from a large older population.
Here's what you need to know:
1) What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
2) Requirements for the career
3) Salary Potential
4) Schools
1) What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical therapist aides work under the direct supervision of a physical therapist.
They provide treatments that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.
They may give patients massages and exercises that help heal muscles, nerves, bones and joints.
They teach and encourage patients to walk, climb and improve general mobility.
They fit patients for and teach them to use corrective equipment such as braces, artificial arms and legs or supportive equipment such as the wheelchair.
Physical therapist assistants record the patient?s responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist.
2) Career Requirements
Below are some career requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant:
Completion of an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program
Some states require licensure or registration
Possess strong verbal and writing skills
Desire to help others
Fingerprint clearance may be required
3) Salary Potential
Earnings vary by geographic location, employment setting, and years of experience.
The average annual salary of a Physical Therapist Assistant is approximately $30,000 to $45,000.
Salaries range from about $24,000 per year to over $48,000 per year.
4) Schools
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) grants specialized accreditation status to qualified entry-level education programs for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
CAPTE is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
If accreditation is important to you, please verify the status of the school prior to enrolling.
Below are the Physical Therapist Assistant schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE):
click the link
http://www.medical-careers-hub.com/physical-therapist-assistant.html