READ : Physical Therapist Assistant Degree: and Tuition

Position: READ This: Physical Therapist Assistant Degree: Requirements and Tuition

Physical Therapist Assistants Work with Patients Under the Guidance of a Physical Therapist

Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist to provide treatment for people with injuries or illnesses. Because PTAs must work under the direction of a physical therapist, they are not qualified to make diagnoses. However, they can instruct patients in exercises and techniques to help improve mobility and manage pain.

The PTA is responsible for carrying out a plan of care, developed by the physical therapist, which includes performing procedures such as applying modalities that may include heat, cold, electricity and ultrasound; wound dressings; assistive/adaptive equipment; therapeutic procedures promoting wellness; therapeutic massage; and deep heating agents like paraffin bath.

What Do Physical Therapist Assistants Do?

Physical therapist assistants help patients regain mobility, recover from injuries and prevent future injuries. These professionals work with patients under the direction of a physical therapist to assist in the development of treatment plans. Specifically, a PTA will develop work plans for patients that outline exercises and equipment that can help patients improve their range of motion or ability to walk or balance.

PTAs also talk with patients about how to avoid future injury, such as through weight management or stretching.

How Much Do Physical Therapist Assistants Make?

While the median salary for a PTA is $57,430, there are several factors that can affect the amount of money you make. For example, those in the top 10 percent of PTAs earn more than $79,860 while those in the bottom 10 percent earn less than $40,350. These discrepancies often depend on where physical therapist assistants live and work.

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

As a physical therapist assistant, you will assist a licensed physical therapist in providing physical therapy treatments to patients. You will:

• Prepare and maintain treatment areas, work areas and equipment.
• Plan, prepare and carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and/or prevent physical dysfunction in patients.
• Implement selected components of patient care plans as established by a supervising therapist.
• Instruct, motivate and assist patients with performing exercises and functional activities such as transfers (from bed to chair), walking, standing or use of adaptive equipment for mobility within the treatment area per the plan of care established by the supervising therapist and perform other tasks in accordance with state laws.

A PTA Degree Opens the Door to an Entry‑Level Healthcare Career

The physical therapy profession requires qualified, confident assistants to assist in the treatment of injured patients. A physical therapist assistant uses their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to apply this treatment with the goal of restoring function and improving mobility. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment opportunities for PTAs will increase significantly in the coming decade.

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