Although both jobs exist in the world of physical therapy, you might be surprised by certain aspects of each career including their salaries. One of the biggest differences lies in the amount of schooling that one goes through to make it into their field of choice.
Physical therapists face a much lengthier process to attain their degrees. The schooling is different in both subject and length. The demand for physical therapist assistants is increasing due to an aging population baby-boom generation. Many baby boomers are entering the age for heart attacks, strokes and mobility-related injuries that require physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Speaking of…. Getting into PTA school is therefore much easier to get into than PT school, which is a notoriously difficult nut to crack given the fierce competitiveness, requirements and the incredibly strict limits that colleges place on the number of students they can take per class.
Nebraska Methodist College recently unveiled a state-of-the-art lab for physical therapist assistant and occupational therapy students. PTAs interact regularly with clients. It takes a special kind of individual to be a PTA , someone who can talk freely with just about everyone and really listen when clients express their hopes, frustrations and doubts. That compassion component is critical for PTAs to put into practice on a daily basis while following the plan of care prescribed by the Physical Therapist.
While a PT will speak with a client near the start of the process and check in at certain key points to monitor progress, patient interaction time is actually far below that of a PTA. If working with people is what drives you to this industry, then becoming a PTA might be your best choice. As you go into your job search, understand what your preferred practice areas are—do you want to work with athletes? The elderly?
People with disabilities? While it might not be practical in all locations, narrowing your search and tailoring your resume and interview answers to your preferred physical therapy specialty area can help you prioritize and focus yourself while searching.
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Posted in Physical Therapist Assistant. Carrie Mesrobian Brianna Flavin Ashley Brooks This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen University to support its educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Please visit www. External links provided on rasmussen. A physical therapist assistant works under physical therapists to help patients increase mobility and manage pain.
That's half the schooling and a fraction of the cost of seeking a bachelor's degree. Physical therapist assistants help patients with injuries or illnesses regain movement and reduce or manage pain. These professionals help patients do specific exercises that are part of the patient's care plan.
They also perform tasks like massages, gait and balance training, and stretching to help patients. Physical therapist assistants might also use tools like walkers to help patients. Physical therapist assistants might also observe how patients are recovering or performing and report back to the physical therapist.
They also may record the patient's progress and results. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredited nearly postsecondary programs in , which typically last about two years and award an associate degree.
Most states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed. Your state offers the exam you must take to get certified, and the cost varies depending on where you live. PTAs should obtain clinical experience working directly with patients to strengthen the skills they learned in school and gain new insight into the field by working closely with licensed physical therapists. You may gain experience through clinical hours, an internship, or on the job. Depending upon your desired specialty, you can pursue additional credentials or certifications, such as:.
For many specialty certifications, PTAs must complete at least 2, hours of clinical practice to meet eligibility requirements. Specialty exams administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialistsmeasure a candidate's knowledge of the advanced skills.
Fees may vary, but often cost in the hundreds of dollars for exam application fees. Data from the U. Department of Labor-sponsored website. Physical therapist aides do more of the support work. They may clean treatment areas, set up physical therapy equipment, wash linens, help patients ambulate, and do clerical tasks in the office.
These professionals usually just need a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Unlike aides, these professionals have a more hands-on approach with patient care, performing some of the actual stretching and movement exercises, along with other treatments like massage. They need an associate degree covering physical therapy assisting and have to be certified. The physical therapist is in charge of the patient's care plan.
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