Physical Therapist Assistant and Aides

In order to become a physical therapy assistant or aide you will need to hit the books a bit. Most states will require certification as well as an associate’s degree, however, states vary in their requirements, and so a little research may be necessary. Although having some educational background will probably make it easier to gain employment. Aides with only a high school diploma will find that the competition is high and may limit their ability to prove themselves depending on their experience in the field of medicine. Physical therapy assistants have stability in their jobs that, if laid off, will allow them the skills to find jobs in other areas such as a physician’s assistant, or in certain areas of sports medicine. However, physical therapy is extremely lucrative and the assistants can make up to $55,000 a year. The job market for assistants is expected to increase because the aides will allow for a decrease in costs for a licensed physical therapist. After a patient has completed the rigorous physical therapy and they have settled into a routine, the assistant can provide the care for a cheaper price. Unfortunately legislation is contemplating whether or not physical therapy can be reimbursed, but that is expected to be a small side step in the big scheme of things.

Physical therapy assistants have a high reward return with their jobs because they get to experience all of the patient’s progress from the front lines. Many assistants will claim that their job is often times more rewarding because they get to have personal time with many of the patients that the therapists do not. Physical therapy works with people who have been in accidents, people who suffer from chronic pain such as back pain or arthritis, and people with physical disabilities. There are a wide range of duties that are performed during physical therapy and an assistant will aide in massages, exercises, ultrasounds, and other methods of treatment. An aide may also be asked to do consultations, to keep up with records, help with follow-up appointments, and any clerical duties that may need attending. It would be helpful to know basic skills on a computer, have strong communication skills, and have the ability to work with different demographics of people. As a physical therapist’s assistant you may need to help your patients with things that are difficult such as insurance forms or payment methods and plans.

Physical therapist assistants have a large responsibility and the job is high stress, but if you like working with people, you have a lot of patience and a way with people, it may be the occupation for you.