According to CNN Money, the top careers in the nation is physical therapy assistant. This job is expected to grow by nearly 45% during this decade and the average salary is $46,000 per year. Physical Therapy Assistant (PTAs) usually work in hospitals and clinics, clean, comfortable environments, but some PTAs do home care for people who cannot travel comfortably. This work is in extended care and PTAs will seldom find themselves working in Trauma. The job usually requires only 40 hours per week and most jobs have excellent benefits. The job requires implementing treatment programs designed by specialists in such disparate fields as physical therapy, orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, and pediatrics. The assist patients who have back injuries, strokes, head injuries, cerebral palsy, arthritis, and sports injuries. The help patients improve mobility, alleviate pain and learn how to compensate when they have permanent injuries, such as amputees.
They must measure the motor function in each patient, gauge coordination and balance. The patients muscle strength and endurance must be recorded along with the range of motion in all affected joints. They regularly use infrared and ultraviolet light, whirlpool baths and ultrasonic machines. The treatment plan is usually designed by a physical therapist, who might be working with other specialists on this particular patient. The importance of people skills cannot be stressed enough. PTAs work in a literally hands on situation with patients on a daily basis and people skills are an essential component.
One part of the job that most do not like is paperwork. There are usually a great number of administrative jobs that are the responsibility of the physical therapy assistant. This leaves the physical therapist more time to focus on patient evaluation and planning treatment programs. There are many classes available online the can increase your knowledge if you are currently working as a physical therapy assistant and if you are considering giving this field a look, you can be sure that it is one of the fastest growing, top careers in the United States today.
