Physical Therapy Assistant Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

When people become injured or undergo surgery to correct a condition on one of their limbs, and they are confined to bed rest or to wearing a cast for a period of time, it is usually necessary for them to participate in physical therapy in order to regain their mobility and independence. Although physical therapy is a very difficult and sometimes painful process, it is vital for patients that would like to regain the ability to drive, dress themselves and walk normally once again. Although the physical therapist is the medical professional in charge of devising a treatment plan and counseling the patient, it is the physical therapy assistant that spends most of the hands on time encouraging and educating the physical therapy patient. Physical therapy assistants are required to exercise a great deal of patient and in some cases must be physically fit enough to support or carry their patients.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$36,300
Salary Range
$28,800 - $40,500

Work Environment

Because they are required to work so closely with licensed physical therapists, it is most common for physical therapy assistants to be employed at hospitals or rehabilitation centers. However, there are also opportunities for employment at nursing homes, in college or university sports programs, military hospitals and private physical therapy clinics.

High School Preparation

Those individuals who think that they might enjoy the responsibilities of a physical therapy assistant are encouraged to spend their high school career advancing their knowledge of biology, medical equipment, sports medicine and anatomy. Supporting courses for this line of work include chemistry, geometry, medical assisting, sociology, humanities, health and physical education.

Requirements

Once they have graduation from high school, students that are interested in pursuing a career as a physical therapy assistant are required to enroll in a college level training program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These programs usually last two years and result in an associate’s degree and preparation for the national licensure exam that is provided by the state in which the candidates are hoping to practice.

Career Outlook

The past twenty years have seen incredible advances in medical treatments and technologies, which means that injuries and illnesses that used to claim lives will no longer be so difficult to overcome. This means that more people will survive these tragedies and will need to be enrolled in comprehensive physical therapy treatment programs. Combined with the needs of a growing elderly population, it is expected that the demand for qualified physical therapy assistants will grow rapidly over the next decade. Individuals that are familiar with the latest techniques and equipment will be the most desired for employment.

Professional Organizations

American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (800) 999-2782
www.ncpt.org