Physical Therapist Assistant

A real opportunity to make a
major difference in the lives of others.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. PTAs implement selected components of patient/client interventions (treatment), obtain data related to the interventions provided, and make modifications in selected interventions either to progress the patient/client as directed by the physical therapist or to ensure patient/client safety and comfort.
 
PTAs assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.
 
PTAs provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. PTAs must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and licensure or certification is required in most states in which a PTA works.

Source: The above information was taken from the American Physical Therapy Association and used with permission.

A high-demand occupation

As the large baby-boomer generation enters the prime age for heart attacks, strokes and broken bones, the need for these professionals will expand.

Opportunity for advancement

Many physical therapist assistants advance to administration positions. These positions might include managing all the assistants in a large physical therapy organization or acting as the director for a specific department such as sports medicine. Experienced assistants can also go on to teach in an accredited academic program, lead health risk reduction classes for the elderly, or organize community-run fitness and risk reduction activity programs.

Opportunities are best for physical therapist assistants who hold an associate degree and are licensed.

A great future for those who have what it takes

Physical therapist assistants need a moderate degree of strength because of the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment. Frequent kneeling, stooping, and standing for long periods also are part of the job. The hours and days that physical therapist assistants work vary, but many work evenings and weekends to accommodate their patients’ schedules.

A career as a physical therapist assistant could be right for you, if you:

• Have the interpersonal skills needed to work with those who require encouragement as well as instruction
• Have the strength and agility required to work with physically disabled patients
• Can clearly communicate and demonstrate specific instructions and directions
• Have a desire to help people in need
• Are well organized and can set realistic patient goals