Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical therapist assistants help physical therapists provide treatment for patient mobility, such as the relief of pain or the rehabilitation of physical disability. Graduates from a physical therapy assistant program are responsible for the physical therapist’s clerical tasks, the gathering and preparation of therapy equipment, and the organization of each patient’s therapy. Physical therapist assistants may also be trained to act as assistants for occupational therapists.

Physical therapy assistants should not be confused with physical therapy aides, which follow a different job outlook and are being phased out by physical therapy assistant program graduates.

Physical Therapy Assistant Salary

Physical therapy assistant degree graduates averaged approximately $46,000 a year in 2008 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The low end of the median was $28,000 and the higher range was over $64,000. Physical therapy assistants in home health care services earned more than physical therapy assistants in the offices of physicians.

Physical Therapy Assistant Training and Qualifications

In most states, physical therapy assistants are required by law to hold an associate degree within their given field. The American Physical Therapy Association’s Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits postsecondary the physical therapy assistant program options at the community and junior college level, as well as at career schools both on campus and online. In 2009, 223 accredited programs were available for physical therapy assistants; these programs take an average of 2 years.

Physical therapy assistants do not require licensure to practice, although most States regulate physical therapist assistants through State licensure, registration, or certification programs. In addition to graduating from an accredited physical therapy assistant program, these physical therapy assistants pass the National Physical Therapy Exam and, in some cases, State exams. A physical therapy assistant program graduate should consult their State’s licensing boards for more information.

Job Outlook

Physical therapy assistants are expected to experience a spike in demand in the decade of 2008 to 2018; the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an overwhelming 35 percent increase. The increasing elderly population, combined with insurance companies’ changes to reimbursement for the readiness of physical therapy, attributes towards physical therapy assistant’s projected growth rate; 35 percent is not only one of the largest growth percentages in the health care industry, but also one of the largest growth rates of all jobs in the United States.

Physical therapists are experiencing astronomical growth too, but given that elderly patients—including the baby boomer generation—need additional assistance during treatment, the demand for physical therapy assistant program graduates is absolutely vital. In addition, physical therapists recognize that the employment of assistants reduces the cost of physical therapy services.

Advancement

Graduates with physical therapy assistant degrees may advance their knowledge and skills into different clinical areas after graduation. The American Physical Therapy Association offers recognition for physical therapy assistants that specialize in geriatric, pediatric, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy, to name a few. Physical therapy assistants may also qualify for post-baccalaureate physical therapist programs.

Learn More

To learn more about physical therapy assistant programs, fill out the form for information. Alternatively, check out physical therapists.