Definition of Occupation:

Physical therapist assistants perform components of physical therapy procedures and related tasks selected by a supervising physical therapist. These workers assist physical therapists in providing services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. Patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.

Description of typical work activities/transferable skills:

• Safeguards, motivates, and assists patients in improving their functional abilities.
• Observes patients during treatment, and records data on their responses and progress.
• Measures a patient's range-of-joint motion, ease of movement, and vital signs.
• Helps patients dress, undress, and put on or remove supportive devices.
• Records treatment given and equipment used.
• Fits patients for orthopedic brace, prosthesis, or supportive device, and trains them in proper use.
• Transports patients to and from treatment areas.
• Cleans work areas and equipment after treatment.

Levels of Education:

Certificate: N/A
Associate:
Individual must have an Associate of Applied Science Degree and be licensed by the State of Texas. To take the Physical Therapist Assistance licensing exam, a person must be a graduate of a PTA educational program which is accredited.

PLEASE NOTE: Transferability of degree or certificate to other institutions will vary depending on the institution and the department. Speak to a counselor or advisor for options.

Special Admissions/Prerequisite Courses:

The PTA department DOES have special admissions criteria for their program. Please see the NHMCCD catalog for detailed information. Admission to this program is a competitive process.

Some prerequisites are completion of Anatomy and Physiology I and The Profession of Physical Therapy with grades of "C" or better and at least 40 hours of exposure to the field under the direction of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

Please see the NHMCCD catalog and Montgomery College’s website for more information.

Method of Delivery:

• Traditional/On-Campus
  

Some typical job titles for Physical Therapist Assistants:

Certificates:

• N/A

Associate Degree:

• Certified Physical Therapist Assistant

Types of Industries that typically hire graduates:

• Acute Care Hospitals
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Outpatient Clinics
• School Systems
• Home Health Agencies

Workplace Skills:

• Operating medical equipment
• Helping people to understand health care instructions
• Treating physical problems
• Working as a member of a health services team
• Collecting and recording medical information

The following information is provided for individuals seeking career counseling. The MBTI provides information regarding an individual’s personality preferences and the Holland code provides information regarding an individual’s interest. If you are interested in learning more about how your interests and personality fit in with this and other career options, please see a career counselor at any of the NHMCCD campuses

Myers-Briggs Type (MBTI):

• INFJ
• ENTP
• ENFP
• ENFJ

Holland Interest Code:

• Social
• Conventional
• Realistic
  

Working Condition Requirements:

The hours and days that physical therapist assistants work vary with the facility and with whether they are full- or part-time employees. Many outpatient physical therapy offices and clinics have evening and weekend hours, to help coincide with patients’ personal schedules.

Physical therapist assistants need a moderate degree of strength because of the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment. In some cases, assistants need to lift patients. Constant kneeling, stooping, and standing for long periods also are part of the job.

Industry Certification/Licenses:

Not all states require licensure or registration in order for the physical therapist assistant to practice. The states that require licensure stipulate specific educational and examination criteria. Complete information on practice acts and regulations can be obtained from the state licensing boards. In Texas graduates must pass the licensing exam administered by the Texas State Board of Physical Therapist Examiners in order to practice. Additional requirements may include certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid and a minimum number of hours of clinical experience.

Earnings:

The National average annual earnings is $ 35,740. The Houston average annual earnings is $39,756. To find earnings for your specific geographic location, go to www.salary.com and enter your zip code for the specific occupation you are interested.

Source: Choices

PLEASE NOTE: Earnings and salaries will vary with industry, region and experience of employee.

Employment Outlook:

Employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average through the year 2012. The impact of proposed Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for therapy services may adversely affect the short-term job outlook for physical therapist assistants. However, over the long run, demand for physical therapist assistants will continue to rise, in accordance with growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function. The 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 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. In addition, future medical developments should permit an increased percentage of trauma victims to survive, creating added demand for therapy services. Physical therapists are expected to increasingly utilize assistants to reduce the cost of physical therapy services. Once a patient is evaluated and a treatment plan is designed by the physical therapist, the physical therapist assistant can provide many aspects of treatment, as prescribed by the therapist.

Source: CHOICES/Occupational Outlook Handbook