Physical Therapy Assistants Shine Because Of Online Degrees
Recovering from an illness sometimes takes longer than the illness itself, and often can have its own hazards and setbacks. Because of this, the physical therapist has become an essential part of a patient’s medical team. Yet it doesn’t end there. The therapist also has a person he or she can’t live without, and that’s the therapy assistant. Many of these assistants trained just the way the therapist did – via medical science degree that let them combine book learning with hands on training.
Just to get the nomenclature straight, there is quite a different between a therapy assistant and an aide. Aides just need a high school degree and can be hired after just an interview. They are trained on the job. Their responsibilities are mainly janitorial, clerical and to provide a helping hand when needed. If they are involved in therapy, it’s under the direct supervision of an assistant or therapist. It’s not uncommon for them to use this as their first stepping stone in becoming an assistant or therapist.
Physical therapy assistants are usually the ones who are hands on when it comes to healing. Techniques they use include electrical stimulation, mechanical traction, exercise, instruction, ultrasound, massage, and gait and balance training. They also keep a history on a patient’s recuperation for the therapist and doctor.
To become an assistant, one needs to take a two-year degree program, graduating with an Associate’s degree in Physical Therapy or similar title. The core of the degree is divided into key areas: classroom courses and clinical experience. The academic classes must include algebra, English, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Clinical classes should include certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), massage, first aid and field experience in treatment centers. Recruiters consider the clinical experience every bit as important as the book end of the program, as this position truly is a hands-on kind of job.
Like the therapist, the assistant must take an exam and become licensed in order to practice. If that isn’t enough, they are also required in many states to stay on top of their field with continuing education. If not, they can lose their certification. To find out if you are in one of those states, it’s suggested you consult with a college career counselor. As it is, most assistants keep subscription accounts with healthcare management degree as a part of the job.
As employment runs the gamut from major institutions like the Mayo Cline to home health care, salaries can range significantly. According to the Bureau of a Labor Statistics, doctor’s offices are on the lower end at just below $44,000. Home health assistants top the field with almost $52,000. Top earners make over $60,000 with full benefits.
Last year, it was reported that there were almost 64,000 practicing assistants in the field, with a need for 21,000 more before the decade is over. This need for almost 33% more makes assistants one of the fastest growing jobs in the country. For those who want to learn more, a good place to start is with a college’s career counselor and financial aid advisor for best colleges for medical. Because of the extreme need here and in other fields where a degree is the criteria, there is a lot of financial aid available. This aid is well beyond the standard Pell, SEOG and other federal grants. Check with your potential college counselor about how to obtain those funds as well.