Working As A Physical Therapist Assistant: The Ultimate Guide 

Are you interested in helping people recover from injuries and improve their physical health? If so, a career as a physical therapist assistant may be perfect for you! This guide will help tell you everything you need to know about the process of becoming a physical therapist assistant, including what skills and qualifications are required.

What is A Physical Therapist Assistant

A physical therapist assistant, or PTA, helps a physical therapist in providing treatment to patients. PTAs work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist and perform many of the same tasks. These may include helping to improve mobility, relieving pain, and restoring function. PTAs often work with people who have been injured or are recovering from surgery.

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

PTAs work under the supervision of a physical therapist to provide treatment that helps patients regain mobility and strength. To become a PTA, you’ll need an associate’s degree in physical therapist assistant technology from an accredited program. 

During your studies, you’ll learn how to help patients with exercises, massages, and other treatments. You’ll also learn about the body’s musculoskeletal system and how to assess and treat injuries and disabilities.

After completing your degree, you’ll need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become a certified PTA. With your certification, you can start working in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.

Benefits of Working As How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

Working as a physical therapist assistant can provide many benefits, both as a career and for the clients. For example:

1) As a physical therapist assistant, you can have a positive impact on people’s lives by helping them recover from injuries and improve their physical health.

Physical therapist assistants often work with patients who have been injured or are recovering from surgery. By helping these patients regain mobility and strength, PTAs can make a significant difference in their quality of life.

2) Physical therapist assistants often work in team-oriented settings, which can provide a sense of camaraderie and support.

PTAs typically work alongside physical therapists, as well as other healthcare professionals such as nurses and doctors. This team-based approach to care can provide a supportive environment for both patients and PTAs.

3) Physical Therapist Assistant careers are in high demand.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of physical therapist assistants will grow 22 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in part to the aging Baby Boomer population, who will need PTAs to help them recover from injuries and age-related health problems.

4) Physical therapist assistants typically have good job security.

PTAs are often needed in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This demand provides PTAs with good job security and the potential for career advancement.

5) Physical therapist assistants often earn a good salary.

The median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $58,790 in May 2019. This means that half of PTAs earned more than this amount and half earned less.

How To Find Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs

Physical therapist assistant jobs are in high demand, but finding them can be difficult. However, there are a few places you can look to find these positions.

One great resource is the American Physical Therapy Association’s job board. Here, you can search for jobs by location and type of position. You can also sign up for job alerts to have new positions emailed to you as they become available.

Another great resource is job boards. These websites allow you to search for jobs by keyword and location. You can also filter your results by type of position, company, and salary range.

Finally, you can check with your local physical therapy clinics. Many clinics post their open positions on their websites or on job boards like Indeed.com.

By using these resources, you should be able to find a physical therapist assistant job that’s perfect for you!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a career that is both rewarding and in demand, a physical therapist assistant may be the perfect choice for you! With a degree from an accredited program and certification, you can start working in this growing field. And with the many benefits of working as a physical therapist assistant, it’s easy to see why this career is so popular!

References

1. “How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant (and Why You Should)”  Rasmussen University (2022); https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/blog/how-to-become-physical-therapist-assistant/
2.  “13 Pros and Cons of Being a Physical Therapist Assistant “ Nursing Process.org (2022): https://www.nursingprocess.org/physical-therapist-assistant-pros-and-cons.html
3. “4 Ways to Perfect Your Resume for a Physical Therapist Assistant Job” Daymar College (2022): https://www.daymarcollege.edu/blog/4-ways-perfect-your-resume-physical-therapist-assistant-job