Career Information Related
 to 
Physical Therapist Assistants 
(Date Reviewed: October, 2002)
Faculty Reviewer: Professor Cepeda

Sample of Job Titles and Salary Ranges

Physical Therapy is the assessment, evaluation, treatment and prevention of disability, pain, or movement dysfunction resulting from injury, disease, or disability.

A broad and detailed knowledge of anatomy, a thorough working knowledge of principles of exercise and therapeutic techniques, and a mastery of patient care procedures involved in the handling of the sick and injured are all necessary accomplishments for the competent PTA. Good health, emotional stability, accuracy, and the ability to get along with people are essential. Since PTA's frequently work with seriously ill or injured patients, they should be endowed with a good measure of empathy and compassion.

An entry-level position in the hospital setting for a licensed PTA with no prior work experience in the Washington Metro area has been estimated at approximately $30,000 per year

Possible Employers

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) may practice limited physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist. The employers listed below are places where PTA graduates have been employed.  However other job settings include, hospitals, private practice settings, rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, pediatric centers, home care, and specialty clinics (sports medicine, orthopedic etc.) PTA's have excellent opportunities to practice as part of a team of health care providers and their scope of care allows for interactions with patients as well as sophisticated equipment.

Recent Students

Over the long run, demand for physical therapist assistants will continue to rise because of the growth in the number of patients with disabilities or limited function. The rapidly growing elderly population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that require therapeutic services. These patients often need additional assistance in their treatment, making the roles of assistants and aides vital. The large baby-boom generation is entering the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, further increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation. Additionally, future medical developments should permit an increased percentage of trauma victims to survive, creating added demand for therapy services.

Preparation
PTA's may be prepared in Associate Degree programs. An Associate of Applied Science Degree program can be completed as a full-time student in two years or can be taken on a part-time basis for general education requirements. Graduates from an Accredited PTA program are eligible to apply to take the National Physical Therapy Licensing Examination which is required to practice in Maryland.

While some PTA's may choose to continue their education and become physical therapy students, it is important for the PTA student to understand that the technical courses offered in the PTA program do not necessarily transfer for credit in PT programs.

As part of the educational process, students learn and develop skills in the academic setting and in various clinical settings during the program. Clinical education allows the student to enhance new skills by practicing under the instruction and supervision of a physical therapist.

• College Catalog: Physical Therapist Assistant

• Schedule of classes

• Admissions  Criteria to MC's program 

• Counseling: Collegewide Page

• Accredited Programs for Physical Therapists Assistant

• American Physical Therapy Association

• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Salary Information in General
• Enter "Physical Therapist Assistant" in search engine, e.g. :
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