Career Guide: What to Expect as a Physical Therapist Assistant

The healthcare sector offers a plethora of rewarding and fulfilling careers, and among these, becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) stands out as a particularly interesting choice. It's a career that combines the intellectual challenge of the medical field with the emotional satisfaction of helping others recover their physical abilities. In this blog, we are going to take an in-depth look at what it's like to be a PTA - from typical daily routine work to the overall career benefits. So, if you’re thinking of taking the plunge and stepping into the shoes of a PTA, keep reading.

Introduction

In simplest terms, a Physical Therapist Assistant is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT). Their main responsibility is to assist the PT in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. In addition to this, the role of a PTA also involves educating patients and their families about various aspects of health and recovery.

A career as a Physical Therapist Assistant can be highly rewarding. PTAs help people of all ages who suffer from medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limit their ability to move and function normally in their daily lives. By doing so, PTAs play a significant role in helping these people get back on their feet, literally and metaphorically. It is a profession that makes a significant difference in individuals' lives, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of.

The day-to-day tasks of a PTA

A typical day of a PTA includes activities such as applying therapeutic treatments like heat, cold, ultrasound or aquatic therapy under the direction of the PT, assisting patients perform specific exercises as part of the recovery process, and teaching patients how to use mobility aids like walkers. This profession requires a solid knowledge of therapy and rehabilitation, good communication skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work closely with patients in a compassionate, understanding manner.

Education and Training

To become a Physical Therapist Assistant, you will need to complete a two-year associate degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program mixes class learning covering topics like anatomy, kinesiology, and therapeutic procedures, with hands-on clinical experiences. Following completion of the program, you will also need to pass a national physical therapy exam to become a licensed PTA.

Career Outlook and Salary

According to the U.S Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the demand for PTAs is set to grow 33% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than most other occupations. The median annual wage for PTAs was $58,790 in May 2019.

Conclusion

Being a Physical Therapist Assistant can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy helping others and who have an interest in the healthcare field. Furthermore, the fact that it does not require as many years of schooling as other medical professions and that it has a high job growth rate makes it attractive to many individuals.

However, like any career, it's not for everyone. It can be both physically and emotionally demanding, and it requires a great deal of patience. Yet, if you're passionate about making a significant impact on people's wellness, ready for a challenge, and interested in a career with excellent prospects, becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant could be the perfect fit for you.