Category Archives: Physical Therapy Assistance

What Would It Take To Earn A Physical Therapy Assistant Salary?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected 30% growth in employment for physical therapists between 2008 and 2018. This is due to the growing number of people that need physical therapy services, like the large baby boomer generation. This generation is now entering their prime age when heart attacks and strokes are more prevalent, which will at times require cardiac and physical rehabilitation. The reality of this situation is that this will spur the demand for physical therapy assistants in coming years. In fact, there is an even larger projected growth for this occupation, a 35% growth for the same time period. If you’re thinking of entering this field at all, now is the best time to do it as the physical therapy assistant salary is proving to be very competitive.

A physical therapist can have more than one assistant, depending on his workload. A physical therapy assistant works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist in providing treatment aimed at improving patients’ mobility, relieving pain, and preventing or lessening physical disabilities. They record the patient’s responses to the treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist.

The physical therapy assistant salary is quite competitive compared to other assistant jobs in the healthcare industry. The mean annual salary of a physical therapy assistant is $48,590 as of May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent of employees earned less than $28,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,830. There are differences in the amount of physical therapy assistant salary due geographical location, varied work settings, and the additional training and education that individuals have aquired.

Physical therapy assistants working in home health care services receive an annual pay of $60,360. Those that are working in nursing care facilities earn $52,700 while those in general medical and surgical hospitals receive $47,000 a year. Physical therapy assistants working in physicians’ offices get paid $44,120 annually, whilst those working in offices of health practitioners are paid $46,910 a year in assistant salary. Most physical therapist assistants work in offices of health practitioners, with approximately 25,030 assistants currently working in this setting. Following not so far behind the health practice are general medical and surgical hospitals with, as of May 2009, around 16,640 assistants in this environment.

As you would expect, employers located in different States pay their therapy assistants a little differently. The States where assistants are paid the highest salary include the States of Texas, California, Nevada, Connecticut, and Florida. In Texas, you can expect to receive around $61,710 in yearly assistant salary. This is the highest out of all the States. The second highest avarage salary is found in California, where assistants can expect to receive around $56,820 annually.

Physical therapy assistants are required by law in most States to hold an associate degree. In 2009, there were 223 post-secondary physical therapy assistant programs which were accredited by The American Physical Therapy Association’s Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. These programs usually last two years to completion, and once you’ve finished this program, you will be awarded an associate’s degree. Most States also require licensure, registration, or certification in order fo you to work in this role. Aside from graduating from an accredited educational program, candidates are also required to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. Some States even require passing their own additional ‘State’ exams before you can work as a physical therapy assistant. To get more information on the particular requirements of the State where you’re planning to work, we recommend you to call your State’s licensing board immediately for more information.

Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in as Little as Two Years

There is an increasing demand for the services of physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and aides in the U.S. and they are expected to grow much faster than average for all other occupations. Getting into the physical therapy profession requires long and extensive years of education but for those who are not ready for such training but would still want to earn a good salary then the position of being a physical therapy assistant should be ideal for you. With at least two years of physical therapy education, you may already be able to work and earn as a physical therapy assistant.

The physical therapy assistant typically works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. It is the physical therapy assistant that implements the treatments plans made by the physical therapists for the benefit of the patients. These treatment plans are aimed at increasing mobility, reducing pain, as well as alleviating the debilitating conditions of the patients. These treatments may include electrical stimulation, traction, exercise, ultrasound, and gait and balance training. They are also responsible documenting the progress of the patients and then report the results to the physical therapist. These physical therapy assistants may work in health practitioners’ offices, hospitals, nursing care facilities and home health care settings.

Almost all states require the physical therapy assistants to hold at least an associate’s degree in physical therapy. As of 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the American Physical Therapy Association’s Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education has already accredited more than 220 physical therapy assistant programs. These programs usually take two years to complete. These programs include classroom lectures and clinical experiences. Most States also require the physical therapy assistants to have a license, certification, or registration.

In the United States, the median physical therapy assistant salary as of October 2011 is $45,896. The salary range for physical therapists may vary depending on the institution where the PTA works. Between 2008 and 2018, the physical therapy assistant jobs are expected to increase by a rate of 33 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This would result to about 21,200 new jobs through 2018. Most of these jobs will be in nursing facilities as well as in other settings that are usually offering treatments for the elderly. Rural areas may also offer great employment opportunities for the physical therapy assistants as most PTAs are usually living urban and suburban areas.

Aside from the physical therapy assistant salary, there are also other benefits that come with the job. There may be paid days off, health insurance coverage, retirement plans, and dental benefits. These can create a huge difference in the overall value of the job. As you can see, the physical therapist assistant career is one rewarding profession with career advancement opportunities. This could also be a stepping stone for those who want to further pursue a career as a physical therapist. In the meantime, enjoy reaping the benefits of the physical therapy assistant profession.

Looking Into the Physical Therapy Assisting Career

Those who are interested in going for a career in physical therapy but are not ready for the extensive grad school education, a career as a physical therapy assistant may be a better alternative for them. This is also a great ticket or stepping stone to becoming a physical therapist.

Physical therapy assistants work under the direct supervision of a physical therapist (PT) in helping patients with disability, injury, and other impairments that limits their ability to move about and perform daily living activities. They provide hands-on services that can change the patient’s quality of life. They help the physical therapists in assisting patients during their rehabilitation. They are trained to provide therapeutic exercises, massages, as well as observe and record the progress of the patient’s condition. Other clerical duties they perform include answering phones, ordering supplies, as well as completing forms.

The physical therapy assistants should first earn an associate’s degree in physical therapist assisting in order to be eligible to practice. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CATPE) of the American Physical Therapy Association accredits the post-secondary physical therapy assistant programs. Physical therapy assisting programs include coursework and hands-on clinical experience. They may also be required to have a CPR and first aid training. After completing an associate’s degree in physical therapy assisting, some states require the assistants to be licensed, registered, or certified. Some states also require continuing education credits for the physical therapy assistants to keep their license. Special recognition are given to those who have taken additional specializations such as in pediatric, geriatric, musculoskeletal, integumentary, cardiopulmonary, and neuromuscular physical therapy. The physical therapy assistants may also move-up to other work settings such as in administrative positions.

The job outlook for the physical therapy assistants is excellent and the employment is expected to increase by 33% from 2008 through 2018.This growth rate is much average for all occupations. They held about 63,800 jobs as of 2008, and it is expected to increase to 85,000 through 2018. The median annual physical therapy assistant salary in 2008 is about $46,140. The home health care services provides the highest salaries for the physical therapy assistants with $51,950 annual salary, followed by the $51,090 of nursing care facilities, $45,510 of the general medical and surgical hospitals, and other offices of health practitioners with $44,580. The exact figures of the physical therapy assistant salary may vary according to different factors such as the assistant’s educational qualification, State, employer, licensing, as well as other additional qualifications and skills.

The physical therapy assistant career is one of the best professions to pursue these days. It offers a wide array of working opportunities as their services are very much in demand in the healthcare industry today. It provides working satisfactions while also meeting your financial needs, along with many other working benefits.

Increase Your Earning Potential in the Field of Physical Therapy Assisting

Patients of physical therapy are not inhibited with gender, age, or even by status. Almost anyone can be susceptible to suffer physical injuries that may often lead to major disabilities if ever physical therapy is not applied. Accidents may occur, and debilitating illnesses may cause the patients to suffer some form physical dysfunctions. These are only some of the common causes that physical therapists and their assistants are treating. The physical therapists cannot do these procedural treatments alone, which is why they need the help of physical therapy assistants. Just like the physical therapists, they are also paid with a comparatively great physical therapy assistant salary.

The physical therapy assistants have distinct responsibilities all depending on the type of help the physical therapists need. They carry out the treatment procedures and physical exercises such as hydrotherapy and muscle manipulation that are planned out by the physical therapists for their patients. The therapist will just instruct their assistants and the assistants will perform the procedure, all under the supervision of the therapist. Sometimes, the physical therapy assistant is also expected to perform administrative tasks. They are in charge to keep track of the progress of their patients after each therapy session. If the assistant is able to perform all these tasks well, then they may expect to be compensated with a high salary rate.

Although most of these assistants are working in hospital settings, higher salaries are provided by other healthcare facilities such as in home healthcare services. However, even though hospitals are giving a much lower income for the assistants, they are offered other working benefits that may cover up for the difference in their salaries. Basically, having an associate’s degree is enough for you to begin a career as a physical therapy assistant. To ensure that you getting the quality education you need, enroll in an accredited program. Because their work involves treatments and procedures, the physical therapy assistants are required to have a license before they can truly work in this field. With the right training, education, and license, you will be guaranteed to earn a potentially high physical therapy assistant salary.

The field also offers opportunities for advancements through specializing in any of the different areas in Physical Therapy such as in pediatric, geriatric, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary. The longer their working experiences may be the greater possibility of higher payments they may have. By gaining seniority in the profession, they may move up to higher positions, they may work independently, or sign up for a contract work, all of which gives a higher salaries for the physical therapy assistant. This profession may also serve as a stepping stone for the assistants to become a physical therapist by taking up a four-year degree in physical therapy. There are plenty of opportunities to succeed and earn high in this field. Success is a highly individualized goal that only you have the power to work out for.

Wii Gaming Consoles Invading the World Of Physical Therapy

Becoming involved in one of the fastest growing careers in the allied health field gives you more benefits when along with the opportunity to be of help to those who needs your expert hands. One of the best high paying jobs in the allied health today is that of the physical therapy assistants. This profession provides a high physical therapy assistant salary, without requiring extensive years of education, contrary to the belief of most people that only those professions with a more complex education and training are given the chance to earn a fairly high salary. The least education required of them is a two year associate’s degree in physical therapy. More than 40 States are now requiring the physical therapy assistants to be licensed, registered, or certified.

Physical therapy, as what most people know, is involved with physical and motor functioning. This area of medicine focuses on providing therapeutic treatments and activities that will help improve the overall functioning of patients suffering from disabling conditions, accidents, and injuries. As physical therapy assistants, they work under the direct supervision of the licensed physical therapist. Their work involves treatments that include exercises that will increase the flexibility, endurance, and strength of the skeletal and muscular parts of the affected area. They are the ones providing electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, massages, and hot and cold packs to the patients.

One of the coolest things that physical therapy assistants now employ in the activities they provide for the patients is the use of Nintendo Wii. This pretty much adds up to the exciting job that physical therapy assistants hold. Since the release of Nintendo Wii in 2006, it has become the most popular 3D gaming consoles there is. This gaming system is intended to be played and enjoyed by people of all ages. Not only has this gaming system invaded houses, amusements, and gaming centers, but also in unlikely places such as in retirement and nursing homes. Rehabilitation clinics also use Nintendo Wii gaming consoles as part of the traditional adjunct treatments. The original Wii games use hand controller in either one or both of the hands. This allows the gamer to use the gross motor skills in their upper extremity. This Wii technology, Wii Fit in physical therapy, now provides challenges for the lower extremities. Another Wii gaming called as Wii Active then uses a combination of the upper and the lower extremities, with cardio exercises.

The use of this gaming console in physical therapy eliminates most people’s view of PT as “pain and torture”. Using Wii games in physical therapy requires the body to move, just like in traditional physical therapy exercises. Because it literally is a gaming consoles, the patients become so mentally enthralled with the challenge of the game that they become almost unmindful of the difficulties or restrictions in their movements. Wii games are the type that also creates and brings out the patient’s competitiveness. This inner drive of the patients is one of the biggest factors that affect the speed of their recovery, thus making physical therapy very effective for them. Wii games that have become very popular in rehab clinics are those involved with sports such as tennis, boxing, bowling, baseball, and golf. The use of the Wii gaming system in physical therapy brought entertainment to what was once a boring and strenuous therapy. Partly due to these developments in physical therapy, more patients are now enjoying their therapy sessions. Gone are the negative concept and ideas of the patients about rehab. Some patients may think this is for their entertainment alone, but for the physical therapists and physical therapy assistants, first and foremost, this is for their improvement.

This is only one of the many benefits of being a physical therapy assistant. You get to work with state of the art technology, ranging from the traditional machines, up to the latest inventions and innovations. The satisfaction helping and providing assistance to the patients with the use of these technologies are among the many things that make this profession stand out from the rest. It has made the physical therapy assistant’s job less dull, less stressful, and less demanding. The more and more people will be aware of this recent development in physical therapy, less and less patients will be hesitant about going for rehabilitation therapy.

A Closer Look At Being A Physical Therapy Assistant

For those who are interested in physical therapy but are not quite interested in taking up graduate school education, then the physical therapy assistant career may just suit you well. However, you should take note that even with the lesser educational requirements the associate’s degree course in physical therapy still involves heavy science coursework. This profession is in demand all over the world as they are tasked to perform a variety of activities that will help improve the quality of life their patients who are seriously injured or afflicted with disabling diseases. Physical therapy assistants generally work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist (PT), and together they aim to help patients with physical impairments that hinder them to move and perform normally.

The standard educational requirement for physical therapy assistants in the United States is an associate’s degree. The American Physical Therapy Association’s Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits about 223 programs in physical therapy and it is recommended that the aspiring assistants take their education and training from any of these accredited programs. The programs are generally divided into hands-on clinical training and academic coursework. The clinical training may involve Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR, first aid and on-field experience in actual settings. The academic coursework includes lessons in basic sciences such as anatomy and physiology, psychology, biology and chemistry. There are some states that regulate their physical therapy assistants by requiring them to obtain a certification, licensure, or registration. The National Physical Therapy Exam is provided for those who have completed their training from an accredited program. To maintain the validation of the certification or license after passing the above mentioned exam, a specified number of continuing education is required.

The physical therapy assistants basically assists the physical therapists in working with patients of all ages who are suffering from disabling conditions brought about by accidents, injuries, and other medical diseases. Physical therapists prescribe the activities and treatments for the patients, while the physical therapy assistants carry out these prescribed treatments under the direct supervision of the physical therapists. They perform treatment methods such as electrical stimulation, massage, gait and balance training, as well as observe and record the response of the patient to the treatments.

The average annual physical therapy assistant salary is between $37,170 and $54,900, as of 2008. The median annual rate is about $46,140. The highest ten percent of the physical therapy assistant may be over $63,830, while the lowest ten percent may earn about $28,580 or less. It is also projected that the employment opportunities for physical therapy assistant will grow by 33% within the ten-year period from 2008 through 2018. This growth rate is faster than average over all other occupations.

This interesting career provides a good salary and an excellent employment projection that will guarantee a secure and stable future income. Aside from the monetary benefit, this could also be a stepping stone for those who want to pursue a career as a physical therapist or they can choose to specialize in a certain area of specialization such as in pediatrics, geriatrics, and sports therapy.