Become A Physical Therapist Assistant

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Working As A Physical Therapist Assistant

Assisting and Caring for Others
Documenting/Recording Information
Getting Information
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Performing General Physical Activities

Deal with People
$45,914
Average Salary

What Does A Physical Therapist Assistant Do

Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain. Physical therapist assistants are involved in the direct care of patients. Physical therapist aides often do tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients, and performing clerical duties.

Duties

Physical therapist assistants typically do the following:

Observe patients before, during, and after therapy, noting patient status and reporting it to a physical therapist
Help patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care
Treat patients using a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching
Use devices and equipment, such as walkers, to help patients
Educate a patient and family members about what to do after treatment

Physical therapist aides typically do the following:

Clean treatment areas and set up therapy equipment
Wash linens
Help patients move to or from a therapy area
Do clerical tasks, such as answering phones and scheduling patients

Physical therapist assistants help physical therapists provide care to patients. Under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, they treat patients through exercise, massage, gait and balance training, and other therapeutic interventions. Physical therapist assistants record patients’ progress and report the results of each treatment to the physical therapist.

Physical therapist aides work under the direct supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. They usually are responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and organized, and preparing for each patient's therapy. They also help patients who need assistance moving to or from a treatment area. In addition, aides do a variety of clerical tasks, such as ordering supplies, scheduling treatment sessions, and filling out insurance forms. The types of tasks that physical therapist aides are allowed to perform vary by state. Contact your state licensing board for more information.

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How To Become A Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants entering the profession need an associate’s degree from an accredited program. All states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed or certified. Physical therapist aides usually have a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training.

Education and Training

All states require physical therapist assistants to have an associate’s degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. There were more than 300 associate’s degree programs for physical therapist assistants accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education in 2015.

Programs typically last about 2 years. Classroom study includes courses in algebra, English, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Assistants also gain hands-on experience during supervised clinical work. They may earn certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first-aid skills.

Physical therapist aides typically have a high school diploma or the equivalent. They usually gain clinical experience through on-the-job training that can last from about a week to a month. Employers often prefer to hire applicants with computer skills.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

All states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed or certified. Licensure typically requires graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program and passing the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapist assistants administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Some states require that applicants pass additional state-administered exams, undergo a criminal background check, and be at least 18 years old. Physical therapist assistants also may need to take continuing education courses to keep their license. Check with your state board for specific licensing requirements.

Physical therapist aides are not required to be licensed.

Important Qualities

Compassion. Physical therapist assistants and aides should enjoy helping people. They work with people who are in pain, and they must have empathy to help their patients.

Detail oriented. Like other healthcare professionals, physical therapist assistants and aides should be organized and have a keen eye for detail. They must keep accurate records and follow written and verbal instructions carefully to ensure quality care.

Dexterity. Physical therapist assistants should be comfortable using their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. Aides should also be comfortable working with their hands to set up equipment and prepare treatment areas.

Interpersonal skills. Physical therapist assistants and aides spend much of their time interacting with clients, their families, and other healthcare practitioners; and therefore should be courteous and friendly.

Physical stamina. Physical therapist assistants and aides are frequently on their feet and moving as they work with their patients. They must often kneel, stoop, bend, and stand for long periods. They should enjoy physical activity.

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Physical Therapist Assistant jobs

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Physical Therapist Assistant Career Paths

Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Outpatient Physical Therapist Clinician

Physical Therapist

Massage Therapist Therapist Occupational Therapist

Therapy Program Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant 6.8 years
Physical Therapist 5.1 years
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant 4.9 years
Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant 4.0 years
Physical Therapist Assistant 4.0 years
Pediatric Physical Therapist 3.6 years
Staff Physical Therapy Assistant 3.5 years
Occupational Therapy Assistant 3.4 years
Per Diem Physical Therapist 3.2 years
Physical Therapy Technician 2.2 years
Physical Therapist Technician 2.1 years
Student Physical Therapist 1.0 years
Physical Therapy Internship 0.5 years

Top Careers Before Physical Therapist Assistant

Top Careers After Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist 12.6%
Staff Physical Therapy Assistant 10.6%
PRN 10.5%
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant 7.6%
Director Of Rehabilitation 6.7%
Rehab Director 6.7%
Registered Nurse 4.4%
Personal Trainer 4.4%
Sales Associate 4.3%
Massage Therapist 4.2%
Manager 3.4%
Internship 3.2%
Server 3.0%
Program Manager 2.9%
Home Health Aid 2.8%
Therapy Program Manager 2.8%
Program Director 2.7%
Cashier 2.5%
Volunteer 2.4%
Receptionist 2.3%

Physical Therapist Assistant Demographics

Gender

Female
66.8%
Male
31.6%
Unknown
1.6%

Ethnicity

White
79.6%
Hispanic or Latino
11.3%
Asian
6.9%
Unknown
1.6%
Black or African American
0.5%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
61.1%
French
4.9%
Portuguese
4.0%
Russian
3.6%
Arabic
3.6%
Chinese
2.8%
Polish
2.4%
Hindi
2.0%
Tagalog
2.0%
Thai
1.6%
Italian
1.6%
German
1.6%
Swedish
1.2%
Korean
1.2%
Filipino
1.2%
Dakota
1.2%
Urdu
1.2%
Gujarati
0.8%
Mandarin
0.8%
Ukrainian
0.8%

Physical Therapist Assistant

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Physical Therapist Assistant Education

Schools

South University
9.0%
Keiser University
6.2%
Pennsylvania State University
5.9%
Baker College
5.8%
Essex County College
5.6%
Greenville Technical College
5.6%
Broward College
5.0%
Butler County Community College
4.8%
Kent State University
4.7%
Community College of Allegheny County
4.7%
Florida State College at Jacksonville
4.5%
University of Phoenix
4.5%
Cerritos College
4.5%
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
4.4%
California University of Pennsylvania
4.4%
Community College of Rhode Island
4.4%
Union County College
4.2%
Central Piedmont Community College
4.0%
Sinclair Community College
4.0%
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
3.7%

Majors

Degrees

Associate
58.9%
Bachelors
16.9%
Other
12.9%
Masters
6.6%
Doctorate
1.9%
Certificate
1.6%
Diploma
0.7%
License
0.5%

Physical Therapist Assistant

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Real Physical Therapist Assistant Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Physical Therapist/Assistant Director of Rehab	Orthopaedic & Neurological Rehab., Inc.	San Francisco, CA	Jan 06, 2016	$98,089
Physical Therapist/Assistant Director of Rehab	Orthopaedic & Neurological Rehabilitation, Inc.	Berkeley, CA	Jan 12, 2016	$89,783 - $99,133
Physical Therapist/Assistant Director of Rehabil	Hallmark Rehabilitation GP, LLC	Hayward, CA	Oct 14, 2014	$87,654
Physical Therapist/Assistant Director of Rehab	Orthopaedic & Neurological Rehabilitation, Inc.	Mountain View, CA	Nov 01, 2016	$86,339 - $108,253
Physical Therapist/Assistant Director of Rehab	Orthopaedic & Neurological Rehabilitation, Inc.	Palo Alto, CA	Jan 12, 2016	$86,339 - $108,253
Physical Therapist/Assistant Director of Rehab	Orthopaedic & Neurological Rehabilitation, Inc.	Mountain View, CA	Jan 11, 2016	$86,339 - $108,253
Physical Therapist/Assistant Director of Rehab	Orthopaedic & Neurological Rehabilitation, Inc.	Palo Alto, CA	Dec 01, 2016	$86,339 - $108,253
Physical Therapist Assistant	River Health Care, LLC	Mercedes, TX	May 01, 2016	$75,000
Physical Therapist Assistant	Interface Rehab Inc.	Placentia, CA	Sep 01, 2014	$72,628
Chronic Pain Therapist Assistant	Moreno-Joseph Spine & Scoloiosis	Safety Harbor, FL	Sep 04, 2015	$66,477
Physical Therapist Assistant	Cumberland Therapy Services, LLC	New Castle, DE	May 19, 2011	$65,741
Physical Therapist Assistant	A and A Satellite	CA	Jan 09, 2016	$56,349 - $73,045
Physical Therapist Assistant	River Health Care, LLC	Mercedes, TX	Jan 12, 2015	$55,000
Physial Therapist Assistant	Ca Physical Therapy Group, Inc.	CA	Feb 04, 2008	$54,074
Physical Therapist Assistant	Sprint Health Solutions, LLC	New York, NY	May 15, 2015	$52,175
Physical Therapist Assistant	Within Normal Limits Physical Therapy P.C.	Amityville, NY	Sep 01, 2015	$51,000
Physical Therapist Assistant-Clinical Education C	Back In Action of Scottsdale LLC	Scottsdale, AZ	Sep 27, 2012	$50,902
Physical Therapist Assistant-Clinical Education C	Back In Action of Scottsdale LLC	Scottsdale, AZ	Oct 01, 2012	$50,902
Physicall Therapist Assistant	Rehabilitation Management and Staffing Services LLC	Stafford, TX	Apr 11, 2016	$48,464
Physical Therapist Assistant	Prime Healthcare Services Inc.	New York, NY	Sep 04, 2014	$45,914
Physical Therapist Assistant	Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation	New Rochelle, NY	Feb 09, 2016	$45,178
Physical Therapist Assistants	IDO Center, Inc.	New York, NY	Mar 17, 2010	$45,079
Physical Therapist Assistants	IDO Center, Inc.	New York, NY	Jan 22, 2008	$45,079
Physical Therapist Assistant	Southern Nassau Physical Therapy P.C.	Lynbrook, NY	Oct 01, 2010	$44,000
Physical Therapist Assistant	RN Staff Inc.	NY	May 14, 2012	$43,827
Physical Therapist Assistant	Earth USA Services Inc.	New York, NY	Sep 03, 2015	$43,000
Physical Therapist Assistant	Earth USA Services Inc.	New York, NY	Sep 12, 2015	$43,000
Physical Therapist Assistant	Earth USA Services Inc.	New York, NY	Jul 02, 2015	$43,000

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Top Skills for A Physical Therapist Assistant

Top Physical Therapist Assistant Skills

Physical Therapy Interventions
Gait Training
Facility

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Skilled nursing facility with a large pediatric wing of severely involved pediatric and young adult patients needing daily physical therapy interventions.
Focus on home safety, balance, fall prevention, gait training, strengthening, transfers.
Provide physical therapy for residents at a skilled nursing facility.
Assist clients with therapeutic exercises and rehabilitation methods both in and out of water.
included providing physical therapy treatment and patient care.