WHO ARE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS?
Physical therapist assistants, or PTAs, are skilled health care providers who work under the supervision of physical therapists. Duties of the PTA include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments, and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient's responses. In addition to direct patient care, the physical therapist assistant may also perform such functions as patient transport, and clinic or equipment preparation and maintenance.
WHAT DO PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS EARN?
According to American Physical Therapy Association member surveys, the median income for a physical therapist assistant is $30,000. PTAs who were employed in the southern and western regions of the nation earned the highest median salary. PTAs in Corpus Christi, Texas, as of 2001, made $30,000 - $43,000 annually.
WHERE DO PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS WORK?
Physical therapist assistants work in hospitals, private physical therapy offices, community health centers, corporate or industrial health centers, sports facilities, research institutions, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, pediatric centers, and colleges and universities.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A PTA?
Physical therapist assistants must complete a 2-year education program. Candidates receive an Associates in Applied Science degree upon graduation. The course of study includes 2 semesters of pre-requisites and 1 year of PTA and clinical courses. There are 266 accredited physical therapist assistant education programs throughout the country, graduating more than 5,000 PTAs annually.
WHAT ARE THE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS?
Currently, Texas requires physical therapist assistants to be licensed. Licensure stipulate specific educational and examination criteria. Information on practice acts and regulations may be obtained by contacting the licensure board. (512) 305-6900 or http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us/pt/