Do you enjoy learning about the human body and want to pursue healthcare training? Then, it’s time to explore the skills and experience acquired in a physical therapist assistant program. Guided by physical therapists and working with people of every age and physical condition, healthcare professionals are central to helping patients lead more active, healthy lives. Education at an accredited institution is the first step to becoming a physical therapy assistant. Learn more from The Praxis Institute, which offers an Associate in Science degree in our Physical Therapist Assistant program in the Miami, FL, area.

Job Roles and Duties for Physical Therapy Assistants

When visiting a physical therapist’s office for evaluation and treatment, clients usually are directed to work with a physical therapist assistant as they learn the prescribed exercises, postures, and activities. As a vital member of the physical therapy healthcare team, assistants allow the physical therapists to see more patients for evaluation and services that only they can provide. In addition, through working directly with clients, physical therapy assistants monitor and document their progress, assure that the treatments are performed correctly, and provide feedback to the physical therapist.

Just as physical therapists work in settings other than private practice, so do physical therapist assistants. For example, patients in hospitals and rehabilitation centers receive visits by physical therapy assistants to help them regain function after experiencing trauma or surgery. Home health agencies are another large employer of physical therapy assistants, who visit clients in their homes, helping them with prescribed exercise routines. They teach exercises and health habits that help clients keep a necessary level of fitness and ability, enabling independent living. These clients can range from individuals with a variety of disabilities, to those recovering from injuries, and the aging population.

There is a growing demand for graduates of physical therapist assistant programs, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 32 percent increase in jobs through 2030. Demand is rising in fitness facilities, sports centers, nursing homes, hospitals, private offices, research programs, and schools. The healthcare sector is a growing part of the U.S. economy, with an increasing need for healthcare professionals who teach and perform administrative tasks.

Discover the Advantages of The Praxis Institute

The Praxis Institute provides students with teaching from outstanding faculty. The physical therapist assistant program offers flexibility, with some classes offered online. The program is competitively priced, and students have the opportunity to apply for financial aid. Graduates of the program have a 100 percent employment rate, with 73 percent of all graduating classes passing the NPTE Board Exam.