Physical Therapy Assistant Schools

Learn What Training To Expect From Physical Therapy Assistant Schools

Want to experience the world of physical therapy and rehabilitation? Physical therapy assistant schools can help you realize that dream. The reality is unless you have at least a master's degree in physical therapy, you cannot be a physiotherapist.

But because of the increasing demand for this allied health service, there are many employment opportunities open for someone interested in a position as physical therapy assistant. You can also use the exposure to determine if this is what they want to do professionally in the future.

Rehabilitation assistants

Patients who undergo physical therapy include those who have suffered from accidents or injuries, are recovering from surgery, and may be afflicted with chronic or debilitating medical conditions that limit their mobility. A licensed physical therapist evaluates each patient and designs a program for his rehabilitation and recovery. But since therapy consists of several physical activities, physical therapy assistants are on hand to help with patients, many of whom come in for treatment sessions simultaneously.

To qualify, you need an associate degree in physical therapy assisting. Presently, there are 250 accredited physical therapy assistant programs nationwide that you can choose from to get your training. It is both theoretical and practical and clinical internship is an important competent to make you the skilled practitioner required in the workplace. So it is important that the physical therapy assistant schools you are eyeing have very strong clinical training.

How do you prepare to become a PT assistant? Most programs require courses of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biology, psychology and algebra as foundation for the training. Any previous advance subjects taken up in high school will come in handy. Hands-on clinical experience, which carries more weight, also requires CPR skills aside from practicing the techniques learned in class.

Physical therapy assistant courses

Aside from physical therapy fundamentals, you will take up courses on neurological disorders, orthopedics, pediatric physical therapy, rehabilitation, sports injuries, speech communication, therapeutic exercises, therapeutic intervention, geriatrics and pathophysiology.

In addition, you will learn medical terminology, pharmacology, patient communication, medical ethics, patient communication, laboratory practice and clinical training.

And since physical therapy involves the use of various equipment training will also cover familiarization with tools such as clinical hydraulic lifts and accessories, therapeutic heating or cooling pads, vascular compression apparel or supports and electrotherapy combination units.

PT assistants are also likely to be assigned clerical tasks, especially preparing reports on progress made by patients. Computer skills are therefore necessary particularly because there are several software used at work for this aspect of the job.

Physical therapy assistant schools -- whether in Texas or California -- that can provide all these training and equipment will produce the better and more competent graduates. It is also important that mentor or faculty support is strong to ensure your needs as student are addressed in a timely manner.

Florida has 17 physical therapist assistant schools, just as Illinois does. The state of Pennsylvania comes in close with 16 schools offering physical therapy assisting programs. Educational institutions are realizing that they can contribute to filling in the demand for these workers and are working to get their programs accredited.

So is it a good time to become a physical therapist assistant? The lowest physical therapist salary for this position is $28,580 annually. The median annual income is $46,140. Even if you did not pursue further studies to become a licensed physical therapist, you can, with experience, still earn up to $63,830 over time.

How do you get your foot inside this door of opportunity? Find out which physical therapy assistant schools can provide you with the best training.

Physical Therapy Assistant Salary >