A physical therapist assistant discusses treatment with a patientAre you interested in finding a new job through healthcare training? A physical therapist assistant works under the supervision of a physical therapist. They contribute valuable support to patients in a variety of settings. They may assist patients who are recovering from injuries and medical procedures. They also work with people who are living with disabilities and mobility restrictions. Discover a fulfilling new career by enrolling in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at The Praxis Institute, with campuses in Miami and Hialeah, FL.

Job Duties for Physical Therapist Assistants

The tasks physical therapist assistants complete vary almost as much as the types of places they may work. The main function of physical therapy is to restore and rehabilitate physical function. This may involve strengthening and increasing the flexibility of muscle groups, or engaging functionality in a limb or other part of the body. It often includes helping patients manage pain.

If you have been prescribed a course of physical therapy, you’ve experienced first-hand the beneficial knowledge and practices that these healthcare professionals deliver to patients every day. Below are a few of the most common functions that physical therapist assistants perform:

Observation

For physical therapy to be effective, the patients must know how to perform the exercise correctly. The physical therapist assistant watches these efforts, suggests corrections and modifications, and takes notes that the physical therapist reads. These notes ultimately become part of the patient’s medical records.

Active Assistance

When patients have mobility issues, they often need manual help to perform the prescribed exercises, whether on a machine, in a pool, using individual balance, or utilizing props. For example, physical therapist assistants help patients learn how to obtain better balance, use canes and walkers, negotiate stairways, and perform other activities of daily living.

Education

Whether it’s illustrating a stretching technique, explaining the physiologic function, or making sure that patients and family members understand how to continue prescribed exercises at home, the physical therapist assistant is an important member of the healthcare team who communicates vital information to patients.

Treatments

Physical therapist assistants may also offer therapeutic massage during patient visits, or they may operate therapeutic equipment as part of the physical therapy appointment.

Job Outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow 32% between 2020 and 2030. Additionally, over 23,000 new openings are projected each year of the decade. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, their healthcare needs often include physical therapy. Whether recovering from a stroke, surviving a traumatic accident, or staying active later in life than previous generations, these older adults are increasing the number of patients who need physical therapy throughout the U.S.

Physical therapist assistants use their healthcare training to work in many settings, including:

  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Physical therapy practices of all sizes
  • Occupational, audiology, and speech therapy offices
  • Senior living and nursing care facilities
  • Home healthcare organizations
  • Physician offices

Career Preparation in a Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Earn an associate degree in physical therapy at The Praxis Institute to become a physical therapist assistant. Our Physical Therapist Assistant program provides thorough training in the clinical sciences, practical aspects of assisting in physical therapy, and core liberal arts classes. The curriculum prepares students for this demanding career with the following courses:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Introduction to psychology
  • Kinesiology
  • Patient care procedures
  • Clinical experience I, II, and III
  • Neuro-rehabilitation

Encompassing five semesters, the program includes hands-on training experiences in clinical settings and adheres to the core values and standards of ethical conduct determined by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Apply to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at The Praxis Institute

The Physical Therapist Assistant program offers flexibility and starts yearly every January at The Praxis Institute. With campuses in Miami and Hialeah, FL, we provide students with excellent teaching and competitive pricing. Explore your options in healthcare training and high-demand careers. Students who qualify may also apply for financial aid, and our career services department offers a variety of assistance and resources for job seekers. Contact us for more information.