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Physical Therapist Assistant
As a Physical Therapist Assistant, physical therapists rely on you to work closely with them to help people of all ages who have limited mobility and are unable to perform the physical activities of daily living.
Once the physical therapist evaluates the patient and develops a treatment plan, you provide many parts of the treatment under the therapist’s direction. You instruct patients in exercises and other physical activities, and may also use special equipment and therapeutic methods like electrical stimulation, mechanical traction, massage, or gait and balance training. In addition, you collect and record data on the patient’s progress, and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist.
At Baker, through our small class sizes and participatory learning programs, you’ll develop the skills and techniques used in a clinical setting to help people rehabilitate. As a graduate of our program, you will be eligible for licensure or certification examinations in any state.
Career Facts
- The average annual wage for Physical Therapist Assistants is $48,590.
- Employment growth will be much faster than the average because of increasing demand for physical therapy services. From 2008 through 2018, employment is expected to grow by 35 percent.
- Physical Therapist Assistants work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, private practice, geriatric care facilities, sports medicine centers, and schools.
- Work schedules vary with the facility. About 28 percent of all physical therapist assistants and aides work part-time. Many facilities have evening and weekend hours to accommodate patient schedules.
- Developing skills in clinical areas can help you advance in this field. The American Physical Therapy Association recognizes those who have additional skills in geriatric, pediatric, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy. You can also advance by transitioning into an administrative or management position.
Programs
Want to get the ball rolling?
Everything about our college is aimed at getting you the job you want in the shortest time possible — from our affordable tuition, to how we choose our programs, to our small class sizes, and flexible class schedules.
Discover what Baker can do for your future. Schedule a visit or enroll online today.
