Physical therapist aides and assistants (PTAs) perform a variety of tasks under the supervision and direction of physical therapists. Physical therapists assistants, sometimes called physical therapist aids help the physical therapist make therapy sessions more productive. In 2008 physical therapist assistants held about 60,000 jobs, while physical therapist aids held about 46,000 jobs.
Education Requirements for PT Aides and PT Assistants:
In many states, to work as a PTA you must complete an accredited physical therapist assistant program where you will earn and associates degree. In addition, you must acquire CPR certification, clinical experience and other first aid. The majority of employers provide on the job training and physical therapist aides must have a high school diploma. As physical therapist aides are not licensed, some states do require registration or licensure in order to practice.
Job Description PT Aides and PT Assistants:
As a PTA you will perform components of treatment procedures. Some of which include:
•massages
•ultrasound
•paraffin baths
•electrical stimulation
•hot and cold packs
•exercises
You will also keep the treatment area clean and organized, help patients get to and from the treatment area as well as prepare for each patients therapy. Some additional duties include clerical tasks, such as answering the phones, filling out insurance forms and paperwork, and ordering supplies. The extent of the duties depends on the location and size of the facility.
Salary for PT Aides and PT Assistants:
In May of 2004 the median annual earnings of PTA’s were $37,890. The lowest 10 percent earned $24,110 or less and the highest earned more than $52,110. In 2008 Physical therapist assistants earned an hourly wage of $22.18 and a median salary of $46,140.
Job Outlook:
Employment for PTA’s is expected to grow much faster than other occupations as the demand for physical therapist aides and assistants continues to rise. Due to the increasing amount of the population being elderly, and vulnerable to debilitating and chronic conditions that require therapeutic services.
they need physical therapist..
To become a physical therapist assistant, you are required to have an associate degree in physical therapist assisting. Licencing requirements vary from state to state.
Employers typically require physical therapist aides to have a high school diploma. They are trained on the job, and most employers provide clinical on-the-job training. Remember, there is a difference between an aide and an assistant. There are a number of colleges (mostly community colleges) that offer a two year associates of applied science degree as a physical therapy assistant.
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"A physical therapist's assistant helps the physical therapist with patient care. They may supervise routines, instruct patients in how to preform exercises and other duties all under the supervision to the PT."
Generally not.
The average salary for a physical therapist assistant is $52,320 per year. Physical therapists earn more than the majority of healthcare jobs.
around $3960
The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the nature of work for physical therapy assistants.Physical therapist assistants and aides help physical therapists to provide treatment that improves patient mobility, relieves pain, and prevents or lessens physical disabilities of patients. A physical therapist might ask a physical therapist assistant to help patients exercise or learn to use crutches, for example, or an aide to gather and prepare therapy equipment. Patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as lower-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.Physical therapist assistants assist physical therapists in providing care to patients. Under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, they provide exercise, instruction; therapeutic methods like electrical stimulation, mechanical traction, and ultrasound; massage; and gait and balance training. Physical therapist assistants record the patient's responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist.Work environment. Physical therapist assistants and aides need a moderate degree of strength because of the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment. In some cases, assistants and aides need to lift patients. Frequent kneeling, stooping, bending, and standing for long periods also are part of the job.The hours and days that physical therapist assistants and aides work vary with the facility. About 28 percent of all physical therapist assistants and aides work part-time. Many outpatient physical therapy offices and clinics have evening and weekend hours, to coincide with patients' personal schedules.For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.
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Some would include, a respiratory therapist, and a physical therapy assistant.
If you were a physical therapists assistance you would probabley have to no alot about what the therapist does, as well as sending patients in and booking appointments.