May 13, 2009
Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs
Physical therapist assistant jobs are usually found in hospitals. The assistants work closely with a physical therapist on a patient's treatment program. They may do some of the actual therapy work such as giving massages, paraffin baths, setting up traction, or doing ultrasound testing. Their work is similar to that of the supervising therapist, helping patients with mobility, pain relief, and overcoming disabilities. They can work with the patients on their therapy program, record responses and outcomes of each session, and then report back to the therapist.
The physical therapist assistant jobs are most likely found in hospitals, where there are more active rehabilitation services available to patients. They work with accident victims, post operative patients, and those with head injuries, cerebral palsy, and other disabling conditions. They may help those with heart disease, and arthritis, or pain. A common post operative job is to get patients to become familiar with getting around on crutches.
The assistants need to have some physical strength, as they work with patients in their treatment. They may have to lift patients, stand for long sessions, or do a lot of kneeling or stooping. Many assistants work a part time shift, including nights, weekends, and other times that best fit their patient’s schedules.
Physical therapist assistant jobs require more training and education than therapist aide jobs. While aides are trained on the job, the assistants usually earn an associate degree. The program they follow is a two year accredited program for physical therapist assistant. They may also need to be licensed in some states. Many of the courses are academic science courses like anatomy and physiology, and biology. Others provide hands-on clinical experience. They may get the hands-on experience in treatment centers. Most also take courses in CPR and first aid.
Like the physical therapist, the assistant needs to be good with people, and have patience, and a desire to help others who need assistance. They need to be detail oriented, and have organizational skills. They can specialize in a clinical area. Some may focus on sports medicine, or geriatrics, or a particular type of injury such as sports injuries.
There is opportunity for the physical therapist assistant jobs to be an entry to higher administrative positions or teaching. They can lead to jobs as directors of departments or organizations. Other related jobs are in teaching classes for the community, the elderly, and running community fitness and risk reduction programs. Most physical therapist assistant jobs are found in the offices of supervising therapists or in hospitals. There are openings also in home health care, outpatient services, nursing homes, and in private physician offices.
Job outlook is good, due to an increase in the elderly population who are more likely to need these services. Increased accident survival rates also means more rehabilitation services will be needed. Your local healthcare staffing company is a good place to find entry jobs, part time and temporary physical therapist assistant jobs.
