Physical Therapy Assistant positions will always be required  in the health care industry because of the high demand of patients needing proper recovery. New openings are coming up daily in various medical fields, all with a promise of a brighter future. For instance, PTA (Physical Therapy Assistant) jobs are currently in high demand. Once you have completed two years in college, you can apply for a diploma course in a PTA program at your local college or university. Physical Therapy Assistant

There is a common misconception that a physical therapy aide is the same as a PTA. The truth is that a physical therapy aide is qualified by virtue of having hands-on experience while a PTA must possess an associate degree after undergoing extensive formal training. A PTA must also be certified and licensed in order to work as a service provider. However, these jobs also have some similarities. For instance, experts in both professions can work in a therapist’s chamber, a hospital or an outpatient facility on a part-time or full-time bases.

Responsibilities

As the name suggests, a PTA is tasked with helping a physical therapist when he or she is offering treatment to patients. They assist therapists to help patients get back on their feet after being injured in accidents or after suffering from a severe health condition. On a typical day, you will find a PTA helping patients to exercise. You can also find them massaging patients to relieve pain and increase their mobility as per the instructions of the therapist. Other techniques they might use at work include mechanical traction, hot and cold presses, giving paraffin baths and electrical stimulation. The PTA is also required to monitor and record the progress of every patient under their care.

Educational requirements

As mentioned earlier, PTAs must possess a diploma or an associate degree from training institutions that offer accredited programs. PTAs also need to meet the licensing requirements set forth by the state they wish to practice in. In addition to these qualifications, PTAs also need to have a certificate in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) as well as advanced first aid skills. Job applications by PTAs who have previous working experience are usually prioritized.

Job outlook

The demand for PTAs will continue to increase as the industry continues to record impressive growth. Employment projections for the healthcare industry indicate that private chambers and hospitals will account for the biggest percentage of this demand. Outpatient care units and nursing care facilities will also account for a big percentage of this demand. Many PTAs are also expected to be employed to offer home health care services.

The PTA salary range

According to recent studies on average salaries for different professions, the average annual salary of a PTA is around $48,290. This translates to around $22.20 hourly wage for the average PTA. There are many factors that affect the salary range of PTAs. They include education, experience, place of work and the state in which one works. Having the relevant certification will also increase the hourly wage of a Physical Therapy Assistant. The salary range for PTAs is expected to increase in the future as the demand for these experts increase. Physical Therapy Assistant