Physical therapy assistant programs train students to do the hands-on work
in helping a client to heal. Grads of these programs work with patients under
the supervision of a physical therapist.
Training programs are often run in conjunction with occupational therapist
or rehabilitation assistant programs. During these programs, which vary in
length from 14 to 22 months, students commonly take part in practica or
clinical affiliations. This gives them practical experience helping clients
in need of therapy.
In the U.S., programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association
(APTA). These programs award an associate of science degree.
Elizabeth Chape is an instructor at Sacramento City College. "Graduation
from an accredited program is typically the standard used to determine if
students are able to take the examination for licensure," she says.
Students can generally expect to take a combination of general courses
and courses specifically related to the field.
"Students can expect to take English, math, psychology, speech science
and physical therapy classes that are lecture or lecture-lab combinations
with hands-on experience," says Cindy Mihelich. She is an instructor at
Pueblo Community College in Colorado.
Chape says typical courses include communication, ethics, kinesiology,
physical therapy modalities and procedures, medical disorders, therapeutic
exercise, and functional activities and gait.
Mihelich adds that students will acquire skills that include assessment,
massage, modalities such as hot packs and ultrasound, therapeutic exercises,
proper use of crutches and more.
In high school, work on developing a strong science, biology and anatomy
background, says Ken Lee. He is an instructor at Miami-Dade Community
College.
Most programs look for good marks in biology and English. Some require
completion of college-level anatomy and physiology. Be sure to check the enrollment
requirements at the school you're interested in as early as you can.
Volunteer work in a related area will help.
"Volunteer or observational experience in a physical therapy practice (outpatient
clinic, skilled nursing facility, hospital, or rehabilitation setting) is
recommended in order to assist students in making a career decision," says
Chape. "Much can be learned from volunteer experience, or work as a physical
therapy aide."
Besides tuition and books, you may have to buy a lab coat, name tag and
uniform. There are also costs associated with moving somewhere for a clinical
placement.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field, see Physical Therapist
Assistants and Aides
American Physical Therapy Association
Find current news, publications and more on the physical therapy
industry
PT Magazine
For people working in physical therapy
PhysicalTherapist.com
Find out what's new in the profession