Physical therapist assistants must conduct therapeutic exercises and execute therapeutic massage techniques on patients. They additionally fit supportive devices such as crutches or leg braces and determine the progress of a patient. Physical therapist assistants also can perform therapeutic methods such as paraffin baths, mechanical traction, electrical stimulation or even ultrasound. They essentially help patients to heal, adapt to their conditions, improve their mobility or relieve their pain. In addition, physical therapist assistants perform administrative duties including ordering supplies, filling out forms or answering telephone calls. Physical therapist assistant training programs teach students how to perform these tasks effectively.
Individuals who are interested in becoming physical therapist assistants must complete a two-year associate degree program in this field. They can choose from more than 200 accredited physical therapy assistant programs in the United States. These programs are accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many programs require students to complete their First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certifications while in the program as well.
Classes in a physical therapist assistant training program cover topics such as physiology, anatomy, psychology, medical terminology and therapeutic communications. Students study interpersonal communications, joint and tool mobility, pathophysiology, and therapeutic assessment as well. In addition, courses cover kinesiology, neurological concepts, orthopedics and even pediatrics. Physical therapist assistant training programs also allow students to get experience in working with various health conditions such as neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, integumentary or musculoskeletal conditions, according to Mercy College of Health Sciences in Iowa.
Completing courses in an accredited physical therapist assistant training program prepares students to obtain licensure, registration or certification. Most states require physical therapist assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. Physical therapist assistants in some states must pass a state exam as well. These health care professionals also typically must meet continuing education requirements to keep their license. With physical therapist assistant training, individuals can find work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers and home health care services.
Employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to climb by 35 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be attributed to a growing aging population that needs physical therapy. Median annual wages of physical therapist assistants in May 2008 were $46,140, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.