Physical Therapy Assistant

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Work Tasks

• Help physical therapists with patient exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot/cold packs, traction, and ultrasound
• Record the patient's progress during treatment
• Train patients in how to do daily activities
• Fit and train patients to use prostheses (artificial limbs), orthoses (artificial supports), walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, and other devices
• Work for physical therapists, hospitals, outpatient and long-term care facilities, nursing and rehabilitation homes, disabled childrens facilities, home health agencies, schools, health maintenance organizations, and research centers
• Work with artificial limbs and supports, braces, canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, traction and exercise equipment, electricity, heat, cold, ultrasound, and medical records

Salary, Size & Growth

• $38,500 average per year ($18.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (111,900 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (3.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 2-year degree from an accredited physical therapy assistant program, plus clinical experience
• Skills/Courses: College courses include academic study and clinical experience, including algebra, anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and psychology.
• Certification/Licensing: Some states require physical therapy assistants to be licensed.