Physical Therapist Assistant
What is a Physical Therapy Assistant?
Physical Therapist Assistants are employees that work under the supervision of qualified Physical Therapists to help provide therapy services to patients. They work with patients who require treatment to regain physical function lost to illnesses, injuries or other medical issues and/or manage symptoms, including pain. Physical Therapist Assistants are often referred to as PTAs in the workplace.
Plus, several career settings need skilled physical therapy assistants, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, home care, nursing homes, athletic organizations, and more. As the field of healthcare continues to grow, it is an exciting time to consider a career in physical therapy.
Continue reading to learn more about PTA job duties, career outlook, degree program and license requirements, and other important information. If you have questions about what to do next, let us know! We are excited about your interest in becoming a physical therapist assistant. We hope you will give Bryant & Stratton College a chance to show you what we offer students with similar career aspirations!
Job Responsibilities of Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapists, and other healthcare professionals in providing direct care to patients. The specific duties they perform in the workplace as they fulfill that role vary from one employment setting to another. Additionally, since healthcare regulations differ from state to state, the exact duties a Physical Therapist Assistant performs can depend upon the state in which they practice. However, there are some general duties that most can expect to be responsible for, in their day-to-day routine, including:
- Helping patients perform specific exercises and activities, to increase strength, mobility, balance, and/or coordination
- Treating patients using massage, stretching, or range of motion exercises
- Observe and report patients’ progress during therapy and routine care
- Assist patients with the use of equipment, such as crutches, canes, walkers, and other mobility aids/adaptive devices
- Instruct and educate patients on what to expect during and after treatment
Common Employment Settings for Physical Therapist Assistants
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employers of physical therapist assistants were as follows: offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists, Home healthcare services, hospitals; state, local, and private, offices of physicians, and nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities).
Physical therapist assistants are frequently on their feet and moving as they set up equipment and help and treat patients. Assistants can limit these risks by using proper techniques when they work with patients.
How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
The path to becoming a physical therapist assistant requires education, practical experience, and licensure. Here is a step-by-step look at what it takes to achieve this professional outcome in more detail.
- Accredited Schooling for Physical Therapy Assistant. With a CAPTE accredited program, you can be sure you are learning real-world skills and professional standards. Completing an accredited program is the foundation of your career trajectory. Coursework will include topics in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and more.
- Clinical PTA Internship Experience. Getting hands-on experience is crucial to your career success. At Bryant & Stratton, our physical therapist assistant program includes four opportunities for clinical experience.
- Pass Exam for PTA Licensing. Completing your accredited program will help you prepare for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).
- Pursue Specialized Certification (Optional). This is not a requirement to become a professional physical therapist assistant. However, earning specialized certifications can open up more career opportunities and possibly increase your salary potential.
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) vs Physical Therapist (PT)
While physical therapy assistants and physical therapists work together to help patients heal, regain movement, and increase mobility, there are clear distinctions between the two roles and the requirements to work in each role.
Physical therapy assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists. In this role, they help patients execute treatment plans, which includes exercises and other recommendations from the PT. PTAs are typically required to complete an associate level program and pass their NPTE certification exam.
Physical therapists are the ones who direct rehabilitative care for patients. They are the ones who create the treatment plan and provide advanced care. To become a physical therapist, you will need to complete a doctorate program in this field.
Have more questions about the differences between these two careers? Check out this informative blog article that dives into this topic in more detail!
Physical Therapist Assistants: Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that overall employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 26 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 24,300 openings for physical therapist assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Demand for physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the health needs of an aging population, particularly the large baby-boom generation. This group is staying more active later in life than previous generations did. However, many baby boomers also are entering the prime age for heart attacks, strokes, and mobility-related injuries, increasing the demand for physical therapy in rehabilitation.
In addition, more physical therapist assistants will be needed to help patients learn how to maintain their mobility and manage the effects of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.
Physical therapists are expected to rely on physical therapist assistants, particularly in long-term care environments, in order to reduce the cost of physical therapy services. This should contribute to employment growth of physical therapist assistants.
What can I do with a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree?
Earning a Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree is required to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in all states. By earning this 2-year degree, graduates meet the educational standards to pursue careers as Physical Therapist Assistants in virtually all employment settings that employ these professionals.
Additional Training/Requirements
Every state requires Physical Therapist Assistants to be licensed or certified by the state before entering the field. Typically, to be licensed, candidates must be graduates of an accredited associate degree program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants. In some states, applicants must pass state-level exams as well, demonstrating knowledge of state regulations on the practice of Physical Therapist Assistants. Many states require that candidates for Physical Therapist Assistant license or certification undergo criminal background checks and be at least 18 years of age. In some states, maintaining a license or certificate may require the completion of continuing education courses every year.
For more insights into the Physical Therapist Assistant field, visit the Healthcare Degrees section of the Bryant & Stratton College blog. By exploring the blog and our website, you will find a great deal of helpful information that can help you learn about careers in the Physical Therapy field or any other occupational field that you may be interested in pursuing.
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