Overall employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow 24 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Only you know which choice is right for you. If working with people is what drives you to this industry, then becoming a PTA might be your best choice. If you are currently working as a PTA or considering the next steps to begin your physical therapy assistant career, consider these potential future roles:, Earn your doctorate in physical therapy to become a physical therapist. If the direct patient care of a PTA career sounds right up your alley, get started today by learning more about the Rasmussen University Physical Therapist Assistant Associates degree program! More Information, Including Links to O*NET, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm, Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists, Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities), Observe patients before, during, and after therapy, noting the patients status and reporting it to a physical therapist, Help patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care, Treat patients using a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching, Use devices and equipment, such as walkers, to help patients, Educate patients and family members about what to do after treatment, Clean treatment areas and set up therapy equipment, Help patients move to or from a therapy area, Do clerical tasks, such as answering phones and scheduling patients. Many schools offer federal financial aid options for applicable students. A PT must possess a doctoral degree in physical therapy, while a PTA is only required to have an associate degree from a PTA program or a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as kinesiology. physical therapist, or where allowable by law the physical therapist assistant, be physically present and immediately available to supervise tasks that are related to patient and client services. Related Article: How to Become a Physical Therapist in Oregon. Physical therapist assistants help patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care. As the one who runs a clinic and the different processes within it, its up to you to handle billing, insurance and other administrative duties. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. You can get your associate's degree right out of high school and be ready to enter the field at the age of 20 having not spent four years on a degree you wont need. Youll need to first earn your Bachelors degree, which will take four years in most cases, and once thats complete, youll move on to an approximately three year Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. , According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level PTAs make between $58,190 and $76,600 a year. If youre interested in learning more about careers as a Physical Therapy Aide and exploring whether Healthcare Career College is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information. Youll also have a much shorter stint in higher education, able to enter your field within just a few short years. How Do You Transition into Online Personal Training? All states require licensure, which involves passing the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapist assistants. Physical therapist assistants and aides spend much of their time interacting with patients, their families, and other healthcare practitioners; therefore, they should be courteous and friendly. Physical therapy assistants work with people with health conditions or injuries. Physical therapist assistants should be comfortable using their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. 05.17.2023, Kirsten Slyter | According to APTA, there are 20 states that have no restrictions or limitations for treatment by a physical therapist without a referral. Glynn Cosker | For additional information about Licensing and State Authorization, and State Contact Information for Student Complaints, please see those sections of our catalog. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face. For example, you might decide that you'd like to focus on sports-related injuries or surgery rehabilitation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) reports that the mean annual wage for a PTA is $60,740. In contrast, physical therapist assistants have a much shorter path to getting started, as they only need to complete an Associates degree. 1 As physical therapy aides and assistants, you will be the link between patients and fellow professionals in the physical therapy world. The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives the mean annual wage of physical therapists around $92,920. Make sure your answer has only 5 digits. The Furthermore, if youre drawn to a specific area in physical therapy like orthopedics or geriatrics, as a PT, you could choose to be a specialist. Physical therapists play a critical role in the lives of their clients, but the effect that physical therapist assistants have is no less critical. A physical therapy assistant (PTA) is not the same as a physical therapist (PT). Physical Therapy Assistant vs Aide Physical therapist assistants and aides may work closely together in the same office, but there are several differences between the two roles. Direct access only applies to PTs, not physical therapy assistants. The physical therapist assistant complies with the APTA Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist ssistant. A physical therapist assistant (PTA) works with a physical therapist (PT) in clinics or other medical settings to implement treatment plans and provide patient care to those suffering from conditions affecting their mobility. Check with your state board for specific licensing requirements. However, their job duties focus more on keeping the clinic organized and maintained rather than direct patient care. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnessesto regain movement and manage pain. Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. Some employers may ask for a bachelors degree in a related field, but the majority like to see experience in the health care industry in a position like a PTA. Just as these job titles have different job duties, they also require different levels of education. This video talks about the similarities and differences of a PTA and PT Aide or technician and it also discusses. The average annual salary for PTAs is $59,440, and you might be able to bump that number up even more by working overtime during certain times of the year. In addition, aides do a variety of clerical tasks, such as ordering supplies, scheduling treatment sessions, and completing insurance forms. She researches and writes articles on behalf of Rasmussen University to help empower students achieve their career dreams through higher education. Now that you know the job duties of PTs and PTAs, the other aspect of the day-to-day is the work environment for each of these professions. Please enable javascript to play this video. The median income for a physical therapist assistant is $52,000. Within DPT programs, aspiring physical therapists learn about topics like biomechanics and neuroscience, build clinical experience and gain hands-on practice. They must have an Associates degree from an accredited institution, which will take approximately 2 years to complete. Their work ensures that the physical therapy environment is clean and ready for incoming patients and that PTs have everything they need to carry out a patients care plan. Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbpS0uBh7b0. Website by, Medical Assistant Administrative and Clinical. Speaking of. If you dont mind extra time spent in school earning an Associates degree, consider becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant. You can earn this certification in one of eight areas: pediatrics, oncology, wound management, orthopedics, acute care, geriatrics, cardiovascular/pulmonary, and neurology.. Published 2021. If youre an organized individual who doesnt mind clerical tasks, a Physical Therapy Aide program may be right for you. Physical therapist assistants and aides are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses. There are lots of factors to weigh as you evaluate these physical therapy career options. Nebraska Methodist College recently unveiled a state-of-the-art lab for physical therapist assistant and occupational therapy students. Under the guidance and supervision of a physical therapist (PT) and a physical therapist assistant, they may be responsible for: Escorting and transporting patients to and from treatment rooms Many physical therapy assistant education programs require applicants to earn a high school diploma. Here is how you know. A physical therapist must first complete a four-year bachelors degree, usually in a related field such as kinesiology or exercise science, and then complete a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree that takes two and a half to three years. This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of physical therapist assistants and aides. Rasmussen University has been approved by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), through which it offers online programs in Texas. The tasks that physical therapist aides are allowed to do vary by state. Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs, work under the supervision of physical therapists to help patients progress through their care plan. Some work nights and weekends because many physical therapy offices and clinics have extended hours to accommodate patients schedules. They require a high school diploma or equivalent, can be full-time positions, and don't require formal training (on-the-job training is usually enough). If possible, try volunteering at a local hospital or clinic that employs PTA's or PT Aides. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median physical therapist assistant salary in May 2019 was $58,790 per year or $23.55 per hour, with a projected job growth of 33% between 2019 and 2029. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensatedannual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. An occupational therapy assistant and a physical therapy assistant work toward goals, but the goals are different. 79 salaries reported, updated at July 23, 2023 Today, we offer up a comparison of PTA versus physical therapist, highlighting the benefits of each career path and the key differences between the two. National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a registered trademark of Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Corporation. The program includes classroom instruction, and PTAs spend an average of 16 weeks in clinical educational experiences, working directly with a licensed PTA in a clinical setting. All states require licensure, which involves passing the National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapy Assistants. So I have first hand experience with how both fields work. Learn more about physical therapist assistants and aides by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In fact, PTAs enjoy rich, rewarding careers filled with opportunities to have a significant impact on countless individuals. Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental conditions or developmental disabilities. As you consider your options, think about the following: If you would like to enter the physical therapy field sooner rather than later, Physical Therapy Aide school could be the right choice for you. Since they work closely together, youll find them working in similar settings. Physical Therapy Aide vs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. mean salary for physical therapists is $92,920. Thursday, September 8, 2022. An official website of the United States government And for both jobs, youll need to move or lift patients and equipment and be on your feet a lot. For OTAs, it's much more - it's about any of the things that "occupy" your life. Many people, fully intending to become a Physical Therapist, start by getting their Bachelors degree, which means they apply for PT school their senior year of college or shortly thereafter. Physical therapist aides and assistants work together, as was already mentioned. Take The Free Quiz. During their work, PTAs help PTs carry out rehabilitation plans so patients regain strength, recover from surgery, improve athletic performance, or heal from an injury or disease.. Earn a high school diploma. Role of Aides in Physical Therapy Service. Physical therapist assistants give therapy through exercise, stretching, and other interventions. Education Required: Physical Therapist Assistant: Associate Degree (2-3 years) Physical Therapist: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree (4 years for bachelor's degree, plus 3 years for DPT degree) Responsibilities: Physical Therapist Assistant: Assisting PT in executing treatment plan; also, possible clerical duties. During those two years, youll learn about the different types of therapies that exist, including deep tissue massage, mobility development, pain management, modality use and more. Graduates end the program with an associate's and/or a bachelor's degree. PTs work in all rehabilitation settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, private practice, schools and more. Physical therapy aides can work in a variety of clinical settings, but are most commonly found in private practice outpatient settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job prospects for PTA's are excellent right now, with much faster than average growth projected for the next several years due to an aging population increasing demand for health care services such as physical therapy. Here are six steps you can take to become a physical therapy assistant: 1. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2021 median annual salary for physical therapists was $95,620, which is more than double the national average salary of $45,760 for all occupations.1, Additionally, employment of physical therapists is projected by the BLS to grow 21 percent from 20202030.1 That amounts to a projected 49,100 additional physical therapists over that period.1, While physical therapists have an understandable earning advantage over PTAs, the earning potential of PTAs is still solid. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Rasmussen University has been approved by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), through which it offers online programs in Texas. Detail oriented. To become a PTA, you must obtain the proper degree, become licensed, and hone the right skills through work experience and training. Here are some of the skills you should consider honing, if you're looking to join the field: Communication: PTAs must possess effective communication skills since the core of their job requires them to work directly with both patients and their physical therapists. The program you have selected is not available in your ZIP code. A PTA can perform manual therapy on patients, as well as oversee exercises as long as they are in contact with a PT and have a PT overseeing the patient's case, says Dr. Elizabeth Alice Kerby, physical therapist at the Kerby Method. Only physical therapists can become board-certified, and with this certification there is typically a pay increase and further career advancement. 2023 Rasmussen College, LLC. If you enter a PTA program, you dont have to worry about first attaining a Bachelors degree that may or may not lead to another degree. They use physical therapy techniques such as stretching, exercises, special equipment and massage to directly help patients regain mobility. PTAs must posses a mix of human and technical skills to ensure they do the best possible job. An assistant in physical therapy (PTA) assists physical therapists (PTs) in giving therapeutic care to patients who have sustained injuries, are recuperating from surgery, or whose mobility has been compromised by illness or long-term health conditions. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. Because they must often lift and move patients, they are vulnerable to back injuries. Youre interested in a career directly helping people heal everything from sprains and breaks to arthritis and strokes. PT aides may not be involved in as much direct patient care as PTAs, but theyre still an essential part of this healthcare field. Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. An additional benefit of working as a physical therapy aide is to gain observation hours, which are required for most PT and PTA programs. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. Like PTAs, physical therapy aides work in hospitals or physical therapy clinics as part of the team that helps PTs offer high-quality care to their patients. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each states websites where these data may be retrieved. However, the earning gap between the two isn't so wide. This pathway may take a while but bridge programs may help to accelerate the path for PTAs transitioning to PTs., Earn a post-professional degree or certification like APTAs PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways to become a specialized PTA. The program you have selected requires a nursing license. What Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides Do, How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant or Aide, Occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants and aides, Employment projections data for physical therapist assistants and aides, 2021-31, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, Top Picks, One Screen, Multi-Screen, and Maps, Industry Finder from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. Other duties of a PT include talking with the patient and their family, so they understand the treatment and recovery process. Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs, work under the supervision of physical therapists to help patients progress through their care plan. Occupational Outlook Handbook Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm. Accessed February 10, 2023., US Bureau of Labor Statistics. All states require physical therapist assistants to have an Associates degree from an accredited program. *Program length when completed in normal time. Assistants and aides can limit these risks by using proper techniques when theywork withpatients. Both careers also offer positive job outlook projections, largely thanks to the Baby Boomer generation approaching an age that comes with mobility-related health issues. Supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants Under Medicare May 27, 2019 / Article Understand the basics behind supervision of PTAs under Medicare. The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings. After graduation and passing the NPTE, reach out to PT clinics or other organizations that hire PTAs to gain relevant work experience. All Rights Reserved. When it comes to comparing the roles of a physical therapist assistant versus a physical therapy aide, it can be hard to know the difference based on the job title alone. The second side of the PT role involves implementing the treatment plan and, throughout the process, evaluating the patient and adjusting the care plan as needed. If youre looking to enter physical therapy, there may come a time when you mull whether or not to become a PT or a PTA.

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