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Physical therapy assistants work with the physical therapist and use treatments to help improve the mobility and reduce the pain in a patient. The physical therapist assistant salary is great when compared to that of other fields. This short guide will give you a breakdown on what you can expect by becoming a physical therapist.
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Information:
The average physical therapist assistant salary is around $44,000 per year. When starting out, you will make no less than $32,000 a year. However, after a couple of years of work experience you should have no trouble commanding $40,000 a year. Highly experienced PTA's can expect to make over $50,000 annually.
Physical Therapist Assistant Education Requirements:
To become a physical therapy assistant you will need to obtain a 2-year associate's degree from an accredited school. There are well over two hundred programs in the country that offer this degree. Again, it takes about two years to complete, but if you have extra time, you can double up on courses. Most of the courses and colleges also have field experience and clinical work involved in the program, so you will get some real work experience as well as taking classes. It's also not a bad idea for a student to get experience by volunteering part time in a hospital or clinic or working with handicapped children in summer camps.
Physical Therapist Assistant Work Environment:
A physical therapists assistant will usually work in hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. They will be part of a health care team that include doctors, occupational therapists, and social workers and expected to communicate with the other staff as well as the patients. It is also important that you build your interpersonal skills as you will be dealing with people who may not be themselves or are still adjusting to a disability. This is especially prevalent when dealing with children. Assistants will have other duties that give physical therapists more time to put their advanced training to use. Assistants may have to do some office work, for example, or they may get equipment ready for the therapist. They may also prepare a patient for the therapy session.
Finally, make sure to look into student loan information. You may also be eligible for a government grant or even federal aid as well. You can even get some of your basic courses done online which can come in handy if you are short on time. With some discipline and a little groundwork in the beginning, you will have no problem succeeding in this rewarding and exciting career.
Additional Resources:
How Much Does A Physical Therapist Assistant Make
How Much Does An Physical Therapist Assistant Make
How To Become A Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapy Assistant Salaries |
