The number of physical therapist assistant jobs is set to grow by 30 per cent by 2018 according to US government statistics.
The Bureau of Labor has predicted that demand for Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) jobs is set to grow exponentially as a result of a continuing aging population and increased heart disease across the population.
When considering career options physical therapist assistant jobs are a safe bet for job security, career satisfaction and a good wage with excellent opportunities for advancement.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Description
PTAs work under the guidance of Physical Therapists to carry out treatment plans for patients who need therapy because of disabilities, diseases, injuries, trauma or health conditions which affect their mobility.
A treatment plan is drawn up by the Physical Therapist and a PTA will then carry out various treatments to reinstate or improve mobility in patients.
Day to Day Work
Generally, physical therapist assistants will carry out the day-to-day physical aspects of helping patients. Patients will include accident victims, stroke and heart disease victims, people with disabilities and those who have suffered head injuries.
Physical aspects of helping patients will vary depending on which area the assistant is working in as roles range from neurological rehabilitation to working with elderly patients in care homes to regain or maintain mobility. Anyone considering physical therapist assistant jobs must be physically fit and strong to handle patients.
Duties for Physical Therapist Jobs
Duties will tend to include therapeutic exercise, ultrasound, motor learning, traction, massage and patient and family education. The PTA will also help patients to use devices such as wheelchairs, crutches and prosthetics.
Physical Therapist Administrative Tasks
Duties will also include reporting to the physical therapist on the progress and response of the patients’ treatment. Administrative tasks such as regular written reports about patients are part of the role as well as general administrative work within departments.
Specialization
After completing a general degree in physical therapy many physical therapy assistants choose to specialize in specific areas which may be of particular interest to them. There are eight different specialties designated by the American Physical Therapy Association which therapists can choose to focus on if they have a particular field of interest.
The jobs include:
· Cardiopulmonary Therapy: patients who have had heart or lung operations
· Clinical Electrophysiology: this is where electrodes are used on the body of people who have suffered trauma such as being in a car accident or war veterans.
· Geriatrics: helping elderly patients suffering with arthritis, osteoporosis, or cancer to maintain or improve their mobility
· Neurology: helping patients with paralysis or balance problems to live independent lives
· Orthopedics: helping patients with injuries or diseases of the musculoskeletal system
· Pediatrics: young patients with problems such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida
· Sports Physical Therapy: helping athletes to achieve optimum performance and prevent injury as well as dealing with sports injuries
· Women’s Health: dealing with prenatal and postpartum depression, urinary incontinence and osteoporosis.
Diversity within Physical Therapist Jobs
There are also opportunities for physical therapists to diversify after gaining experience in the field by going into education as a lecturer or as a career adviser in schools.