Physical Therapist Assistant

 

Career and Major Information
Earnings
Related Occupations
Related Web Sites

 

Career and Major Information:

Walters State's two-year concentration for Physical Therapist Assistant is designed to prepare successful graduates for entry-level employment in the field as physical therapist assistants.  The primary goal of physical therapy is to rehabilitate patients suffering from an illness or disease that is affecting their mobility or strength.  Working under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, the physical therapist assistant provides specially prescribed treatments and exercises that are aimed at improving mobility, relieving pain, or preventing and/or limiting physical disability.  Some of these treatments may include exercise, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, paraffin baths, massage, traction, and hot or cold packs.  Other duties may include fitting and adjusting patients’ orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices such as canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs; measuring range of motion and reporting progress; observing and recording patients’ treatment and progress toward goals; instructing patients to learn and improve ability in functional activities such as walking and bending; encouraging and motivating patients toward treatment goals; and participating in treatment planning meetings.  Specialization in certain areas such as children, the elderly, athletes, or the severely disabled is an option.  Additional training requirements or certification may include first aid, CPR, and a certain number of hours of clinical experience. 

Jobs may be found in hospitals or clinic settings and may include rehabilitation centers, home health agencies or long-term care facilities. 

The physical therapist assistant must hold at least an associates degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program and must be licensed to practice in Tennessee.  Not all states require licensure or registration.  Contact the specific state licensing board for more complete information.  Better than average growth is expected through the year 2012 due in part to the aging baby boom population who are getting to the age of greater susceptibility to chronic and debilitating conditions.  In addition, medical advancements that are lengthening the average lifespan and increasing the survival rate of trauma victims are also increasing the need for therapeutic services.

 

Earnings:

The Tennessee Career Information Delivery System website lists the salary range for a beginning physical therapist assistant in Tennessee as $23,880 to $24,875 annually.  With experience the range increases significantly to $34,575 to $38,970.  The national average is higher by up to $7,000 per year.  Salary figures quoted are based on national figures. Local or regional salaries may be lower.

 

Related Occupations:

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist Aide

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist Assistant and Aide

 

Related Web Sites:

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy

            http://www.fsbpt.org/

The Tennessee Physical Therapy Association

            http://www.fsbpt.org/

The American Physical Therapy Association

            http://www.apta.org

 

Much of the above information was collected from the 2004-2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor.  For additional information on these and many other careers, please visit the following web sites:

 

Occupational Outlook Handbook - U.S. Department of Labor

www.bls.gov/oco/

 

Tennessee Career Information Delivery System (TCIDS)

http://tcids.tbr.edu/.

 

 

For information regarding specific degree program requirements, curriculum, or faculty, please see the department website at http://www.ws.edu/health/default.asp.