Physical Therapy Assistant

Currently there are over 250 accredited physical therapy assistant programs in the country.  Physical therapy assistants must earn an associates degree in physical therapy assisting in order to practice.

Some of the duties of the physical therapy assistant include working with the physical therapist to provide quality care to the patient.  The focus is on daily help for patients in recovery and rehabilitation for burns, strokes, amputations, cerebral palsy and other conditions.  Pain, arthritis and heart conditions are also conditions, which require the treatment of the physical therapist and his or her assistant.

Physical therapy assistants are trained to observe and evaluate patients and to document progress or lack of it. They may adjust braces or crutches and also may be expected to perform clerical duties such as telephone answering and billing.

Curriculum in the physical therapy assistant programs varies somewhat from school to school, but in general, coursework consists of formal classroom training in such subjects as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology as well as general education courses.  These classes form the foundation for the specific physical therapy theory and practice. 

There will also be a internship or externship program following lab work where the physical therapy assistant learns actual techniques and practices in the office setting.

Physical therapists course of study is different from that of the physical therapy assistant, and there are programs, which specialize in moving the student from one field.

In order to practice as a physical therapy assistant in most states, successful completion of a certification and licensing examination, completion of the requirements for an Associate in Applied Science degree in physical therapy and extensive fieldwork are required.