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Physical therapist assistants help physical therapists to provide treatment that improves patient mobility, relieves pain and prevents or lessens physical disabilities of patients. A physical therapist might ask an assistant to help patients exercise or learn to use crutches, for example, or an aide to gather and prepare therapy equipment.
Physical therapist assistants perform a variety of tasks:
- exercises
- massages
- electrical stimulation
- paraffin baths
- hot and cold packs
- traction
- ultrasound
Physical therapist assistants record the patient’s responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist.
How long will it take?
Most physical therapist assistants earn an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. At AC, training will require a two year program, plus a summer session.
How much can you earn?
Average salaries in 2006 ranged from $35,000 to $46,000 per year.
Where can you work?
About 71% of physical therapist assistants work in offices of physical therapists or in hospitals. Others work in nursing care facilities, offices of physicians, home health care services and outpatient care centers.
AC can help you get there!
