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Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides assist physical therapists in conducting medically prescribed treatment programs for patients to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability following disease, injury, or loss of a body part.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Physical Therapist Assistants may:

Assist the Physical Therapist in performing patient tests, measurements, and evaluations, such as range-of-motion and manual-muscle tests, gait and functional analyses, and body-parts measurements

Confer with the physician, and with physical and other therapists, social workers, nurses, and psychologists regarding patient cases

Administer manual therapeutic exercises to improve or maintain muscle function

Secure patients in or on therapy equipment

Teach and motivate patients in non-manual exercises, such as isometrics and practical activities, such as walking

Administer treatments involving the application of such agents as light, heat, water, and electricity

Observe the effects of various types and durations of treatments and conferring with the physical therapist and medical staff on adjusting treatment to achieve maximum benefits

Administer deep and surface massage techniques

Administer traction to relieve neck and back pain

Record patients' treatments, responses, and progress

Instruct patients and their families in physical therapy procedures to be continued at home

Train patients in the use of prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommending modifications

Direct the work of Physical Therapy Aides and students in training

Physical Therapy Aides may:

Assist patients in dressing and undressing and putting on and removing supportive devices, such as braces and slings, prior to and after treatment

Support, turn, and stabilize patients during treatments, tests, and evaluations

Administer routine treatments such as hydrotherapy, hot and cold packs, paraffin baths, and massages

Observe patients for signs of fatigue and distress during treatment

Transport patients to and from treatment area and between conveyance and treatment equipment

Prepare and clean treatment equipment and therapy work area

Record treatment and equipment used

Click here to see Physical Therapist Assistants at work!

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

076.224-010 PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS and

355.354-010 PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDES assist physical therapists in conducting medically prescribed treatment programs for patients to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability following disease, injury, or loss of a body part.

Although there are no organized specialties, Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides may focus their efforts on the treatment of a specific group or disability in such areas as general practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiac/pulmonary care, and orthopedics.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides usually work as part of a team directed by a physical therapist. ( See Career Exploration script #177 ). Assistants may work with other health team members such as physicians, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and other specialists. Aides assist physical therapists and Therapist Assistants in treatment programs.

In most instances, Assistants and Aides experience the sights, sounds, odors, and patient behaviors typically found in organizations that treat the sick and injured. They may work in private and public hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, physicians' offices, schools for the handicapped, nursing homes, colleges and universities, research laboratories, and government agencies.

Assistants and Aides generally work in comfortable, well-equipped surroundings. Their work is physically and mentally demanding; they may stand for long periods, move equipment, and help patients turn, stand or walk; and they may perform water therapy in a pool or tank of water.

Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides typically work 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week. They might have to work evenings and weekends. Some workers are employed part-time.

Assistants and Aides may wear a uniform, generally provided by the employer. They may wear a bathing suit for performing water therapy. Some Assistants may belong to the American Physical Therapy Association , a local affiliate, or an employee organization where they work. Members must pay periodic fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which involve direct personal contact with people

• Activities concerned with the communication of ideas

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

You Should Be Able To:

• Reason clearly and logically

• Understand words and ideas, and present information effectively

• Work skillfully with your hands

• See details in numbers/spelling/punctuation in written materials

• Be friendly and influence people

• Rate information by using personal judgement or measurable standards

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Work patiently toward long-range goals

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a patient's diagnosis calls for 3 cubic centimeters of a certain medicine, how many milliliters are needed?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Painkillers include any substance that gives temporary relief from pain without causing a loss of consciousness.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining the progress of a given patient along with suggestions that might increase the progress.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to look at a patient and then decide the best activities to suggest from him or her.

The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here   for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Physical Therapist Assistant, School  for specific licensing information.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS EDUCATION

Approved vocational education programs in Health Occupations Education prepare students for miscellaneous occupations in the health field. Instruction includes assisting medical personnel by providing institutional support functions in areas such as pharmaceuticals, central supply, medical records, and the admission and discharge of patients.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

HEALTH CLUSTER

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

187 PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT TRAINING

Physical Therapist Assistant Training Programs prepare students to work under the supervision of professional physical therapists in rehabilitating disabled persons, restoring physical functions, and preventing disability from illness or injury.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.todaysmilitary.com

PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SPECIALISTS

Physical and occupational therapy consists of treatment and exercise for patients disabled by illness or injury. Physical and occupational therapy specialists assist in administering treatment aimed at helping disabled patients regain strength and mobility and preparing them to return to work.

What They Do

Physical and occupational therapy specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Test and interview patients to determine the extent of their disabilities

• Assist physical and occupational therapists in planning therapy programs and exercise schedules

• Fit artificial limbs (prostheses) and train patients in their use

• Provide massages and heat treatments to patients

• Teach patients new mobility skills

• Set up and maintain therapeutic equipment such as exercise machines and whirlpools

Physical Demands

Therapy specialists may have to lift and support patients during exercise and treatment.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include general science, biology, physiology, and psychology. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with and helping people

• Patience to work with people whose injuries heal slowly

• Ability to communicate effectively

Work Environment

Therapy specialists work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 11 to 31 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in applying therapy techniques. Course content typically includes:

• Anatomy, physiology, and psychology (the study of the body, body functions, and the mind)

• Methods of therapy, including massage, electric therapy, and radiation therapy

• Handling and positioning of patients

• Principles of rehabilitation

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian therapy specialists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, and community health centers. They perform duties similar to military therapy specialists. Civilian therapy specialists often specialize in treating a particular type of patient, such as children, the severely disabled, the elderly, or those who have lost arms or legs (amputees).

Opportunities

Therapy specialists are needed in the services on an annual basis due to changes in personnel and field demands. After job training, therapy specialists provide routine therapy care under the direction of supervisors. With experience, they work with patients with more serious problems. Eventually they may advance to supervisory positions.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Persons wanting to know whether or not this occupation is for them may volunteer to work in the physical therapy department of a hospital, nursing homes, or clinic. Summer, part-time, or full-time work as an Aide is another path to experience. Additional training can be found in secondary vocational education health-occupations education programs or postsecondary physical therapist assistant programs. Physical therapy specialist training is available in branches of the U.S. Military Service.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Physical Therapist employer

internships

volunteer work with a Physical Therapist employer

community service work with an agency

To gain employment in this field, apply directly to hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care facilities, civil service offices, or other employers. Assistance in locating job openings may be obtained from school and college placement offices and local offices of Michigan Works! . Job listings may appear in newspaper want ads and professional publications. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides vary according to the size and type of employer, length of employment and level of responsibility. Those working in urban areas generally earn higher salaries.

Nationally, Physical Therapist Assistants employed in hospitals and other health care facilities averaged $42,700 yearly in late 2007, with most earning between $39,000 and $46,100. The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $34,892 in 2006.

Physical Therapy Assistants in the federal government at Veteran's Administration hospitals had a starting salary of $24,797 in late 2007. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

In Michigan, certified Physical Therapy Assistants employed in hospitals and related institutions earned (late 2007):

Depending on the employer, most Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapy Aides receive paid vacations; sick leave; life, health, disability, and hospitalization insurance; and pension plans. Some also receive dental and optical insurance. Benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Limited advancement opportunities exist for Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides without further education and training. With completion of an associate's degree program, however, a Physical Therapy Aide could become a Physical Therapist Assistant. Advancement to physical therapist requires a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy and a license from the state . Physical therapy department heads and managers often have a graduate degree. A possible career ladder may be: Physical Therapy Aide, Physical Therapist Assistant, Physical Therapist.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nearly 101,400 Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides were employed nationally in 2004. Employment of these workers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Increased awareness of the role of physical therapy in rehabilitation, sports medicine, the growth of programs for physically impaired children and other rehabilitation activities, plus expansion of care and facilities for the elderly are expected to lead to the creation of many new positions for Aides and Assistants. Due to a shortage of physical therapists, the current need for increased numbers of Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides will continue. The industry distribution for Physical Therapy Assistants and Therapy Aides looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

There are approximately 3,310 Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides employed in Michigan. Most Physical Therapist Assistants worked in or near metropolitan areas and large cities. Many worked in hospitals. Others worked in outpatient care facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, public schools, or societies for physically impaired children.

Employment of Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides in Michigan is expected to grow  much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 140 annual openings is expected for Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides, with 80 due to growth and 60 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

In Michigan, as throughout other parts of the nation, there is a shortage of physical therapists. This shortage, along with continued medical cost containment measures, is expected to prolong an increased demand for qualified Physical Therapist Assistants and Therapy Aides. Projections indicate the demand will remain as the large baby boom generation approaches the prime age for heart attacks and strokes, thus requiring cardiac and physical rehabilitation.

The ever increasing elderly are another population that may require therapeutic services. Job opportunities are expected to be good in primary health care and preventive services, in traditional areas of rehabilitation, and in home health care.  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

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