Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs
Therapeutic exercises, stretching, balance and gait training, massage, ultrasound or electrical stimulation treatments and instruction using adaptive equipment.
Jul 18, 2006
Duties of the PTA
Physical therapy assistants work in a rehab setting under the supervision of a PT (physical therapist) to assist the patient with therapeutic exercises such as range of motion, stretching and balance and gait training. They can provide massage and ultrasound or electrical stimulation treatments as directed by the PT.
PTAs also provide patient instruction in adaptive equipment and assistive device training with canes, crutches and walkers.
The physical therapy assistant evaluates and documents the patient's progression or regression and reports to the PT.
This field is expected to be one of the fastest growing professions over the next decade.
Education
Physical therapy assistants receive an associate degree from an accredited community college or vocational school. This includes both classroom and clinical hands-on instruction as well as general education courses. For information on accredited PTA schools see the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Salary
According to the Us. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the reported salary range in 2004 was $24,000 to $52,000.
Licensing
After completing an accredited AA degree program, the PTA must pass a state licensing exam. For more information contact the American Physical Therapy Association.
