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Physical Therapist Assistant
Industry: Healthcare
Area: Rehabilitation
Physical therapy assistants work directly with people to enhance movement and foster optimal health and functional ability. Patients include those who have sustained injury or illness, have developmental deficits, have age-related problems, or need preventive care.
Physical therapy assistants perform a variety of tasks. Components of treatment procedures performed by these workers, under the direct supervision of physical therapists, involve exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction, and ultrasound. Physical therapy assistants record the patients responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist.
Work Settings
Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants work in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, home-care agencies, schools, research centers, universities, extended care facilities, corporate or industrial health centers, and sports medicine centers. Advanced expertise leads to work in administration, consulting, research and education.
Education
Physical therapy assistants require an associates degree.
Job Outlook
Therapist 21 percent increase over the next 10 years PT Assistant andAide 29 percent increase over the next 10 years
Salary
Average annual salary $23,000 - $46,000(NYS Avg. $26,720)
Work Schedule
Hours and days vary; may include evenings and weekends