Physical Therapy Assistant

Industry:
Education
Last Updated:
September 19, 2023

Job Description Overview

As a Physical Therapy Assistant, you play a crucial role in helping students and staff recover from injuries or disabilities. Your main task is to assist licensed physical therapists in providing care and treatment to patients. Your daily activities may include preparing treatment areas, instructing patients on exercises, performing massages or applying hot or cold compresses. You'll also be responsible for completing documentation and reports to help maintain clear communication between healthcare providers. 

To excel as a Physical Therapy Assistant, you need to be compassionate, organized, and patient. Your job requires a high level of attention to detail, as well as the ability to think critically and solve problems independently. Most importantly, you need to be a strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, as this will help you build strong relationships with patients and other healthcare providers. If you're passionate about helping others and have a desire to work in the education industry, a Physical Therapy Assistant job description may be the right fit for you.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist physical therapists in providing treatment and therapy to people with disabilities or injuries
  • Help patients perform exercises and activities to improve their mobility, strength, and overall health
  • Monitor patients' progress and document their responses to treatment
  • Instruct patients and their families on exercises and techniques to improve overall health and prevent future injuries
  • Set up and prepare equipment and treatment areas for patients and therapists
  • Communicate with other healthcare professionals and staff to coordinate patient care
  • Observe and report any changes or concerns in patients' conditions to the physical therapist
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records and documentation
  • Follow all safety and infection control procedures to ensure a safe and healthy environment for patients and staff.

Experience and Education Requirements

To work as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the Education industry you need to have a combination of education and experience. Typically, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as an Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant educational program. This takes about two years of full-time study. During this time, you will learn about anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and receive hands-on training in clinical settings. After graduation, you will also need to have completed a minimum number of clinical hours working with patients. This combination of education and experience is what will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to help physical therapists in their work.

Salary Range

Physical Therapy Assistant salary range varies depending on various factors such as industry, location, and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of Physical Therapy Assistants in the United States is $49,000 per year, with the top 10 percent earning over $72,000 and the bottom 10 percent earning under $33,000.

In the education industry, Salary.com reports that the median salary for Physical Therapy Assistants is slightly higher at around $51,000 per year. This range can vary level slightly depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of institution.

In other countries, the salary range for Physical Therapy Assistants can vary widely. In Canada, the median salary is around CAD 51,000 per year, while in Australia, it is around AUD 60,000 per year.

Sources:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-5
  • Salary.com: https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/physical-therapy-assistant-salary
  • PayScale: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=PhysicalTherapistAssistant/Hourly_Rate/749ab4d4/Entry-Level

Career Outlook

The physical therapy assistant career outlook in the education industry is growing! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of physical therapy assistants is projected to grow 33% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This is due to an aging population and increased demand for physical therapy services. 

Physical therapy assistants work with physical therapists to help injured or ill patients regain movement and manage pain. They assist with exercises, massages, and other treatments. In the education industry, physical therapy assistants can work in schools to help children with disabilities or injuries. Additionally, they can work in colleges and universities to provide physical therapy services to students and staff. 

Overall, if you're interested in becoming a physical therapy assistant, it's a great career choice with a promising outlook in the education industry over the next five years!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does a Physical Therapy Assistant do in the Education industry?

A: A Physical Therapy Assistant in the Education industry helps students with disabilities or injuries to improve their mobility, strength and function through exercise and other treatments.

Q: What qualifications are needed to become a Physical Therapy Assistant in the Education industry?

A: To become a Physical Therapy Assistant in the Education industry, you need an associate degree from an accredited program, state licensure, and CPR certification.

Q: What kind of work environment does a Physical Therapy Assistant in the Education industry have?

A: A Physical Therapy Assistant in the Education industry works in schools, colleges, or universities where they collaborate with teachers, special education staff and other healthcare professionals such as Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists.

Q: How much does a Physical Therapy Assistant in the Education industry earn?

A: The average salary of a Physical Therapy Assistant in the Education industry is around $57,620 annually, however, the actual pay may vary depending on experience, location, and employer.

Q: What are the duties of a Physical Therapy Assistant in the Education industry?

A: The main duties of a Physical Therapy Assistant in the Education industry include developing individualized treatment plans, providing therapeutic interventions such as exercise, manual therapy, and modalities, documenting progress, communicating with teachers and parents, and advocating for student's rights.


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