THE WORLD IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, SO ARE HEALTH CARE CAREERS

Home About Us Our Sponsors Careers Education Employers Labor Market Info Important Links Downloads Contact Us		Physical Therapist Assistant  (Rehabilitation Professions) DID YOU KNOW?   (click for more) DID YOU KNOW?   (click to hide) How is technology impacting any of the following areas in the Physical Therapy field? 1. Education: We have generally ceased using the traditional library. Most of our students use on-line access to “library information.” Our PTA Program is beginning the shift toward use of ITV courses – currently for two of the specific PTA prerequisites. 2. Research: Our program faculty are not actively involved in research. 3. Direct patient care: More documentation is technology rather than paper based. One company at our employers’ day announced that by July 1 all documentation would be technology based. More PT equipment is now run by a computer. 4. Administrative issues: See documentation comment. One extended care facility now has all PT patient records on computer in preparation for outcome based reimbursement. 5. Any other area you deem important: Since the world is now computer based, students need to be computer competent to begin the educational process. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Physical therapist assistants perform a variety of tasks. Components of treatment procedures performed by these workers, under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, involve exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction, and ultrasound. Physical therapist assistants record the patient`s responses to treatment and report to the physical therapist the outcome of each treatment. Mean annual salary for this position is $39,380. WHERE EMPLOYED: Physical therapist assistants work alongside physical therapists in a variety of settings. About sixty percent of jobs for assistants were in hospitals or offices of physical therapists. Others work in nursing and personal care facilities, outpatient rehabilitation centers, offices and clinics of physicians, and home health agencies. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Physical therapist assistants need to have a moderate degree of strength, due to the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment. For example, in some cases, assistants need to help lift patients. Additionally, constant kneeling, stooping, and standing for long periods are all part of the job. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Physical therapist assistants typically earn an associate`s degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. Licensure or registration is not required in all states for the physical therapist assistant to practice. The states that require licensure stipulate specific educational and examination criteria. Complete information on practice acts and regulations can be obtained from the state licensing boards. Additional requirements may include certification in CPR and other first aid and a minimum number of hours of clinical experience. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Accredited physical therapist assistant programs are designed to last 2 years, or 4 semesters, and culminate in an associate`s degree. Programs are divided into academic study and hands-on clinical experience. Academic coursework includes algebra, anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and psychology. Before students begin their clinical field experience, many programs require that they complete a semester of anatomy and physiology and have certifications in CPR and other first aid. Both educators and prospective employers view clinical experience as an integral part of ensuring that students understand the responsibilities of a physical therapist assistant. Educational program types for this career. EMPLOYERS: Potential employers for this career. LAST UPDATED: 9/9/2007 - Update Current status - Active
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