Fastest Growing Occupations: #3. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

#3. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

2015 Median pay:          $55,170 per year ($26.52 per hour)

Job Outlook:                 Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 41 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Physical Therapy Assistant (PT) is the best way to start your career in the field of Physical Therapy. If you have less time to commit for education and less financial support, PTA career is ideal for you. You can gain firsthand experience to grow your passion and advance your career through higher education to become a Physical Therapist. It requires a masters or a doctoral degree to become a physical therapist.

PTAs assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

PTAs provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. 

 
How do I become a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)?

Physical therapist assistants entering the profession need an associate’s degree from an accredited program. All states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed or certified. Physical therapist aides usually have a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training.

Education:

All states require physical therapist assistants to have an associate’s degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. There were more than 300 associate’s degree programs for physical therapist assistants accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education in 2015. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is an accrediting agency that is nationally recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Click the link below to choose a program:

http://www.capteonline.org/Students/ChoosingaProgram/

The link below is a shortcut to the directory of accredited programs:

http://aptaapps.apta.org/accreditedschoolsdirectory/default.aspx?UniqueKey=

Programs typically last about 2 years. Classroom study includes courses in algebra, English, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Assistants also gain hands-on experience during supervised clinical work. They may earn certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first-aid skills.

Licenses, Certifications & Registrations:

All states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed or certified. Licensure typically requires graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program and passing the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapist assistants administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Some states require that applicants pass additional state-administered exams, undergo a criminal background check, and be at least 18 years old. Physical therapist assistants also may need to take continuing education courses to keep their license. Check with your state board for specific licensing requirements.