Physical Therapist Assistant

Orlando

A real opportunity to make a
major difference in the lives of others.

Physical therapist assistants play key roles in helping people overcome physical problems caused by an illness or accident. Under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants help provide patient treatment. Responsibilities include:

• Directing exercises
• Performing massage and electrical stimulation
• Applying paraffin baths, hot and cold packs and ultrasounds
• Recording patients’ responses to treatment and reporting the outcome
• Helping move patients to and from the treatment area

In addition, they may also perform some clerical tasks, such as ordering supplies, answering the phone and filling out insurance forms. The extent to which an aide or an assistant performs clerical tasks depends on the size and location of their employer.

A high-demand occupation

As the large baby-boomer generation enters the prime age for heart attacks, strokes and broken bones, the need for these professionals will expand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for qualified physical therapist assistants will to grow at the fast rate of 29% within the next decade.

Opportunity for advancement

Many physical therapist assistants advance to administration positions. These positions might include managing all the assistants in a large physical therapy organization or acting as the director for a specific department such as sports medicine. Experienced assistants can also go on to teach in an accredited academic program, lead health risk reduction classes for the elderly, or organize community-run fitness and risk reduction activity programs.

Opportunities are best for physical therapist assistants who hold an associate degree and are licensed.

Check out all of our available
Physical Therapist Assistant Programs.

A great future for those who have what it takes

Physical therapist assistants need a moderate degree of strength because of the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment. Frequent kneeling, stooping, and standing for long periods also are part of the job. The hours and days that physical therapist assistants work vary, but many work evenings and weekends to accommodate their patients’ schedules.

A career as a physical therapist assistant could be right for you, if you:

• Have the interpersonal skills needed to work with those who require encouragement as well as instruction
• Have the strength and agility required to work with physically disabled patients
• Can clearly communicate and demonstrate specific instructions and directions
• Have a desire to help people in need
• Are well organized and can set realistic patient goals