A physical therapy assistant
is one who assists a physical therapist in providing physical therapy
treatment to patients. Physical therapy assistants usually perform
physical therapy proceedings as instructed by the senior therapist. They
assist the senior therapist in managing conditions such as sprains and
fractures, back and neck injuries, burns, arthritis, stroke,
amputations, multiple sclerosis, injuries related to sports, birth
defects and others. It is the duty of the physical therapy assistant to
gather information regarding the patient's response to the treatment and
describe the outcome to the supervising therapist.
Physical therapy assistant jobs promise a rewarding future. These jobs
are increasing in demand day by day, and physical therapy assistants
have excellent career prospects.
Physical therapy assistants are required to have:
An associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program
A valid license proving clinical experience is an added advantage
Physical therapy assistants work in various healthcare settings such as
private hospitals, physical therapy offices, nursing homes, community
healthcare centers, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers,
industrial health centers, research institutions, and pediatric centers,
among others. They are also required in colleges, sport teams and
organizations.
By specializing in a particular clinical area, physical therapy
assistants can advance their career. They can work as directors in the
departments, in areas they are specialized in. They can also advance to
administrative positions where they organize all the assistants in a
physical therapy organization. Physical therapy assistants can opt for a
teaching profession in accredited physical therapist assistant
programs. They can take health fitness classes for the public.
The salary of a physical therapy assistant depends on the position,
degree of education, years of experience, practice setting and
geographic location. To reduce the expense of physical therapy services,
assistant therapists are very much required by physical therapists. Due
to the increasing demand, physical therapy assistants have a good
chance of a rewarding future with high remuneration and benefits.
Physical therapy assistant
