One of the things that draw people to a career as a PTA is the salary. The stability of a PTA position is also great in Washington. This number is expected to go up to 1, by the year The need for PTAs is expected to increase all across the country as well, so if you decide to get your degree, you should still have job stability regardless of what state you move to. If you decide to practice in Washington after graduation, you will make the most money working in the cities of Seattle, Tacoma or Spokane.
People who work as PTAs in SeaTac, Maple Valley and Walla Walla make the least amount on average, but since those areas have a lower cost of living the pay differential can even out.
The majority of PTAs work in hospitals and nursing homes, but PTAs are also needed at rehabilitation centers, sports centers and for home healthcare. In addition to tuition and fees, bear in mind the following school expenses you will likely incur:.
Generally speaking, PTA school is a good challenge but most students should be able to complete it. However, anyone with a good work ethic and study habits will perform well. During your education, you will begin interviewing for clinical positions and also for full-time work after graduation. It can be confusing knowing how to present yourself in medical interviews, but these tips will help. Everyone approaches learning and studying differently. Below are some tips to help make PTA school easier.
Learn the education and schooling requirements to become a PTA, such as the type of degree required, PTA program length, tuition and fees, time spent in a classroom vs a clinical, state license requirements, and some general course requirements. As you plan out your education needed to become a physical therapist assistant it is important to be aware of the degree requirements. Instead, they must attend an accredited college and earn a Physical Therapist Assistant, Associate Degree which can be completed in 2 years or 5 semesters.
There are currently physical therapy assistant programs nationwide that offer associate degrees. Most of these degree programs consist of general education courses, physical therapy courses, and clinical education. Physical therapy assistant curriculum primarily consists of:. Included in this curriculum, as is included with many other allied healthcare careers, are CPR and basic lifesaving first aid skills. On average, a PT student spends 16 weeks in a full-time clinical education experience.
If you are interested in becoming an assistant but do not have the funds, time, or some other means to pursue the required education, then you should consider becoming a physical therapy aide. Physical therapist aides work in the same environment as physical therapy assistants.
Aides work under the supervision of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants while assisting the patients with their physical therapy exercises and treatments. Aides should be physically fit, enough to be able to bend, kneel, and lift.
Aides will also need to utilize strong communication and social skills while interacting with patients and other office staff. Additionally, good organizational skills for carrying our administrative office tasks are important.
Physical therapy aides are employed with a number of diverse tasks including aiding patients in movements, assisting them in and out of the therapy area of the clinic, and offering other patient aid. Aides also perform clerical work, monitor client progress, and set up equipment for therapy. As you can see, physical therapy aides must have a unique combination of skills including physical strength to aid patients, as well as sensitivity to offer their assistance in a compassionate manner to clients.
As I mentioned before, those not interested in obtaining a physical therapy assistant associate degree, can still meet the requirements to work as a PT Aide. There is not a required license or certification to become a physical therapy aide. Aides do not have college degree requirements, although a high school diploma is typically a job requirement for this position.
Volunteering to help the disabled in a clinic or hospital will surely improve your resume, enhance your skills, and ensure that you have a passion and interest in working in the physical therapy field for a long-term career. The majority of PT clinics and offices that hire aides offer on the job training to make sure their aides qualify. Training for PT aides can last anywhere from 3 months to 1 year of working with experienced employees who will teach the trainee things like:. Although not required, taking some physical therapy courses or physical fitness courses would be a great way to get an edge on your competitors applying for the same job as a physical therapy aide.
In fact, there are physical therapy aide programs that you can attend, and successful completion of one of these programs would give you a certificate that would greatly increase your marketability for a career as an aide.
As you plan your career in physical therapy you have decisions to make regarding your education to make sure you complete the physical therapy assistant requirements. Alternatively, you can get started in your career as a PT aide and receive on the job training, without having to obtain an associate degree. Aides always have the option to go back to school to advance their careers and become a physical therapist assistant PTA or a physical therapist PT.
So, research some of the available physical therapy assistant schools online and local PTA programs available. If you decide to bypass working as an Aide, to go for the required PTA associate degree, then keep in mind that with an online program you will still be required to complete the clinical portion of the degree offline, in a local PT clinic.
To get started you can use our free PTA Program search by entering your zip code to see a list of programs offered in your local area. Or you can find accredited physical therapist assistant programs in your state searching our database. There are many community and technical colleges that offer all of the prerequisite courses and clinical experience required for your state licensure examination.
Yes, there are physical therapist assistant programs taught online through distance learning. Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to provide skilled direct patient care.
These professionals work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sub-acute care facilities, long-term care facilities, sports medicine clinics, and home health care agencies. Therapists use a combination of therapeutic exercise, massage, and physical agents such as heat, cold, water, and electricity to make the injured or sick part of the body healthy again.
Physical therapy is a service that allows patients suffering from physical disease and disability to get back on their feet. The goals of rehabilitation treatment are to relieve pain, improve strength and mobility, and help patients reach their maximum physical potential while learning to live within the limits of their disability.
Additionally, they should have excellent written and verbal communication skills as this will be useful in the health care environment. After successfully completing the program, graduates are awarded an Associate in Applied Science A.
The PTA program is designed for students who plan to enter professional practice as physical therapy assistants. Get information on Physical Therapy Aide programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information. Becoming a physical therapist assistant involves demonstrating your knowledge and proficiency before a state board of physical therapy in order to qualify for a state-issued licensed.
Physical Therapist Assistant programs are two-year 5 semesters Associate of Science AS programs offered through community colleges, technical schools, and traditional universities and colleges. As you consider your options for physical therapist assistant schools, you will find that programs are widely available.
CAPTE accreditation is crucial when choosing a physical therapist assistant program because it is the only accrediting agency recognized by the U. Department of Education to accredit entry-level physical therapy programs. In other words, you must complete a CAPTE-approved program to become state licensed to practice as a physical therapist assistant.
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