A Career As A Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs help people of all ages who have medical problems, or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTAs must complete a 2-year associate's degree and are licensed, certified, or registered in most states. Care provided by a PTA may include teaching patients/clients exercise for mobility, strength and coordination, training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers, massage, and the use of physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

Employment opportunities are found in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics,school systems and home health-care agencies. On a state-wide level, a Physical Therapist Assistant, who is required by state low to practice under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, will find entry-level annual salary ranges between $34,000 and $40,000, or $17 to $20 hourly.

All graduates that pass the licensure exam have been employed at a variety of job settings.