When a patient goes through physical therapy, a therapist usually
consults with a doctor to determine a program to help the recuperation
process. One the program is agreed upon, the therapist then assigns
executing said program to an assistant.
As it happens, therapists are
one of the most in-demand occupations in the U.S., with assistant's a
small step behind them. Encouraging those to enter this field are the
many online programs offered.
Just to get the nomenclature straight, there is quite a different
between a therapy assistant and an aide. Aides just need a high school
degree and can be hired after just an interview. They are trained on
the job.
Their responsibilities are mainly janitorial, clerical and to
provide a helping hand when needed. If they are involved in therapy,
it’s under the direct supervision of an assistant or therapist. It’s
not uncommon for them to use this as their first stepping stone in
becoming an assistant or therapist.
Physical therapy assistants are usually the ones who are hands on when
it comes to healing. Techniques they use include electrical
stimulation, mechanical traction, exercise, instruction, ultrasound,
massage, and gait and balance training. They also keep a history on a
patient’s recuperation for the therapist and doctor.
To become an assistant, one needs to take a two-year degree program,
graduating with an Associate’s degree in Physical Therapy or similar
title. The core of the degree is divided into key areas: classroom
courses and clinical experience. The academic classes must include
algebra, English, anatomy, physiology, and psychology.
Clinical classes
should include certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR),
massage, first aid and field experience in treatment centers.
Recruiters consider the clinical experience every bit as important as
the book end of the program, as this position truly is a hands-on kind
of job.
Like the therapist, the assistant must take an exam and become licensed
in order to practice. If that isn’t enough, they are also required in
many states to stay on top of their field with continuing education. If
not, they can lose their certification.
To find out if you are in one
of those states, it’s suggested you consult with a college career
counselor. As it is, most assistants keep subscription accounts with
online colleges as a part of the job.
As employment runs the gamut from major institutions like the Mayo
Cline to home health care, salaries can range significantly. According
to the Bureau of a Labor Statistics, doctor’s offices are on the lower
end at just below $44,000. Home health assistants top the field with
almost $52,000. Top earners make over $60,000 with full benefits.
According to the Bureau, the U.S. had nearly 64,000 assistants working
as of 2008. It projects a need for 21,000 more by 2018, making it one
of the fastest growing fields of employment in the country. This is an
exciting aspect for those who want to start and stay in and in-demand
field.
A good place to find out more about this career and the online degree programs
that can get you there, is with a college career counselor. There is a
considerable amount of financial aid out there for the position too, as
well as others where a medical science degree opens doors, so talking
with a financial aid advisor is highly advisable.
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