AHEC Connecticut
THERAPY & REHABILITATION - Physical Therapist Assistant
To be a successful Physical Therapist Assistant you should...
- enjoy working closely with people, including those who are sick or disabled
- communicate effectively, including educating patients and their families
- be competent in the physical and biological sciences
- enjoy solving complex problems
- desire to improve your community by helping individuals achieve their full physical potential
- desire a career that values life-long learning
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What will my job be like?
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) assist the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments, and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient’s responses.
Where could I work?
Physical Therapist Assistants' work may occur in a hospital, in a school system, in an orthopedic or sports rehabilitation clinic, in the patient's home through a home health agency, or in a hospital that specializes in rehabilitating patients after serious injury or disease.
The hours and days that physical therapist assistants work vary, depending on the facility and whether they are full or part-time employees.
Other workplace settings:
- Physical Therapist's Offices
- Nursing and Personal Care Facilities
- Outpatient Rehabilitation Centers
- Offices and Clinics of Physicians
- Sports Facilities
What is the average annual salary?
$40,009
What is the future of this career?
Employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
Physical therapist assistants must complete a 2-year education program, typically offered through a community or junior college. Candidates receive an associate degree upon graduation. The course of study includes usually one year of general education and one year of technical courses on physical therapy procedures and clinical experience. The majority of PTA programs have specialized PTA courses across two years of study. There is a heavy emphasis on science courses.
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury in consortium with: Capital Community College, Hartford
- Manchester Community College, Manchester
- Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted
- Norwalk Community College, Norwalk
- Tunxis Community College, Farmington
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisites: An approved Physical Therapy Assistant program or graduation from an approved US Physical Therapy school or 20 years of PTA employment prior to October 1, 1989.
Where can I get more information?
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 999-APTA
www.apta.org