How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
A variety of factors are leading to rapid growth in many healthcare fields. The population is aging, more people are undergoing certain types of surgery (including orthopedic surgeries like joint replacements) and more people are insured than ever before. This influx of demand for healthcare services has led to rapid job growth in many medical specialties, including physical therapy. In fact, physical therapist assistants are one of the fastest growing healthcare occupations in the U.S. with projected growth of Do you have an innate passion to help others? Are you looking for a job that keeps you moving all day? If you’ve answered “yes” to both questions, becoming a physical therapist assistant may be the right career choice for you. Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work with patients of all ages and backgrounds who have suffered injuries, are recovering from surgery or have medical conditions that limit their mobility. The fundamental role of a PTA is to help patients restore their health and regain mobility by strengthening muscles and improving movement. PTAs typically work under direct supervision of physical therapists and help patients perform exercises according to the physical therapist’s instruction. As a PTA, you can find employment in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, physician offices, physical therapy facilities, nursing homes, sports medicine facilities and in-home visits. While numbers can vary by state and experience, the average national salary of a PTA is . PTAs employed in the state of Missouri can earn anywhere from $41,000 to $70,280 depending on their place of employment and level of expertise, with $55,810 being the average salary earned by a Missouri-based PTA. To become a physical therapy assistant, you’ll need to earn a college degree, specifically a from an accredited institution. While taking college classes may sound intimidating, many students are able to complete their degrees in less than two years. Many programs offer a variety of learning methods, including academic courses, lab work and hands-on clinical training. Once you’ve completed your studies and earned your degree, you’ll have to pass the standardized exam held by the to become a licensed PTA. Keep in mind that earning a degree doesn’t mean you should stop bettering yourself. Once you become employed, you may need to brush up on your skills periodically to maintain your PTA license. If you live in St. Louis and are interested in pursing a career as a physical therapist assistant, consider enrolling in our accredited program. Our five- semester long, hands-on training will set you on the path to becoming a desirable employee with the necessary skills to work in a variety of medical settings. Are you interested in a healthcare career but you’re still weighing your options? Explore SLCHC’s diverse catalog of program. To learn more about our educational opportunities, call 866-529-2070 or