Physical therapy assistants in Virginia are trained to provide treatments such as exercises, massage, hot and cold packs, electrical stimulation for strengthening muscles and paraffin baths for reducing swelling in muscles. They work with patients who have conditions such as sprains, sports injuries, neurological conditions, amputations and back injuries. These health care professionals also are responsible for recording patients' response to treatment and sharing this information with the physical therapist. Virginia physical therapy assistant training programs teach students how to perform these duties.
Individuals who are interested in becoming physical therapy assistants in Virginia can complete associate degree training programs at colleges such as Wytheville Community College in Wytheville and Medical Careers Institute in Alexandria. Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale also offers a training program for physical therapy assistants. When looking for programs, students should select those accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Aspiring Virginia physical therapy assistants must submit their high school transcripts or previous college transcripts when applying to a Virginia training program. They also might have to take placement tests in math and English and shadow a physical therapist or licensed physical therapy assistant. Colleges additionally might require students to complete prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry or medical terminology. In addition, students should be prepared to complete a physical examination and criminal background check.
Classes in a physical therapy assistant training program in Virginia cover topics such as anatomy/physiology, kinesiology, medical reporting and musculoskeletal structure and function. Students also study psychology, therapeutic procedures/exercise, pathological conditions, medical reporting and rehabilitation procedures. Students are required to complete clinical practicums that give them hands-on experience in the field. In addition, students must pass an examination, which is required in order to practice as a physical therapy assistant in Virginia, according to the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.
Graduates of a physical therapy assistant training program in Virginia can find employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, fitness centers and even home health care agencies. They can work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. Physical therapy assistants in Virginia tend to migrate toward Roanoke, Danville and Lynchburg, where jobs are more common relative to the population, according to CityTownInfo.com. However, a large number of jobs exist in Richmond and Virginia Beach as well.