The job outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants and the demand for their services is so good that government analysts predict more than 1,000 positions will open up every month, on average, for the next decade.
Trained and licensed Physical Therapist Assistants should have little trouble finding job opportunities for the foreseeable future.
There is a high demand for physical therapist assistants, especially due to the aging baby boomers who are more susceptible to chronic and incapacitating conditions that require the services of a physical therapist assistant. According to the BLS, the demand for physical therapist assistants will shoot to 33 percent between 2019 and 2029 which is a much quicker rate than the 4 percent job growth for all other sectors during the next decade.
Is it a good paying job?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the statewide average salary for California’s physical therapist assistants is $64,850, the second highest state average in the United States. However, salaries for physical therapist assistants depend on the amount of experience they have had throughout their careers.
How Do I Become One?
The preferred and minimum entry requirement in all states is an Associate’s Degree from a program such as Casa Loma College, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. During that two years, students will learn about the different types of therapies that exist, including deep tissue massage, mobility development, pain management, modality use and more. This knowledge is put into practice in a supervised clinical environment to practice skills in therapy, patient interaction and communication. To obtain licensure to work as a Physical therapist Assistant, a state-administered national exam must be passed.
Where Would I Work?
The vast majority of PTAs, approximately 72%, work full-time in hospitals or privately-owned physical therapy practices. Others work in home health, schools, and rehab units. Approximately 28% of PTAs work part-time.
What Would I Do?
Following the initial and subsequent evaluations of physical therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants will work one-on-one with patients providing the planned course of treatment, including exercises and treatments that improves mobility, relieves pain, and prevents and lessens physical injuries and disabilities. Physical Therapist Assistant will also acquire and record data pertaining to the treatments provided, making any modifications in the treatments either for the progress of the patient or to ensure the comfort or safety of the patient.
How Do I Learn More?
Learn more about the PTA profession and Casa Loma College’s hands-on, fully accredited program.