Getting a Job as a Physical Therapy Assistant

Before actually getting the job, becoming a physical therapist assistant, or PTA, requires time, study, and a monetary investment. However, the effort is worthwhile. According to American Physical Therapy Association, median salaries for PTAs exceed $45,000 per year depending on location, experience, and specialized training. What's more, it is considered one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, ensuring job availability in the future.

But more than just earning a decent living, PTAs serve the community in different ways. They provide therapeutic recovery work with disabled children, the elderly, and individuals with athletic injuries.

Assess Motivation

Before pursuing a PTA career, it's important to understand what the job requires. As a PTA, you'll be asked to perform massages, assist with bathing, apply hot and cold packs, record progress, conduct light office duties and clerical work, and report findings to a physical therapist. The job is hands-on with up-close constant and even intimate contact with other people. Patience and strong communication skills are necessary to perform this job well.

In addition, being a PTA requires being on your feet for many hours and physical strength. During treatment, PTAs often lift and move patients, which require upper body and leg strength.  

Education

To become a PTA, you need a 2-year associate's degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. Currently, there are 250 such programs in the United States. Programs vary in cost and focus, but generally they cover theoretical traditional classroom instruction and hands-on supervised learning. Many require an internship with a physical therapist.

Programs can run several thousand dollars, so plan your finances accordingly. If you don't have the money to enroll, consider applying for financial aid. 

Increase your chances of being accepted into a PTA program by taking algebra, biology, and chemistry courses in high school. Also, volunteer at a hospital or health care center to gain some experience. 

Keep in mind that the associate's degree does not automatically fulfill education prerequisites to become a physical therapist, which requires a Masters degree. However, there are special programs available that supply the prerequisites needed to enroll in a physical therapist program at a later date. 

Licensing

After earning an associate degree, you need to get a license to practice. Licensing requirements differ depending on state, but they often require you to pass an examination, accrue a specified number of training hours, and get First Aid and CPR certification.

The National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination is a computerized test that can be taken at 300 locations in the US, Canada, and US territories. The exam lasts 4 hours. You are allowed to retake the exam in the event that you fail. 

Job Application

With degree and license in hand, you are qualified to apply for PTA jobs. Check with your school's career center for job postings. Some PTA programs may actually have counselors who assist you with locating appropriate jobs. Otherwise, refer to online websites like www.PTjobs.com and www.therapyjobs.com. Peruse job openings at hospitals, health care centers, and physical therapy clinics.