Physical Therapist Assisting
Overview
Physical Therapist Assisting involves working with a Physical Therapist
to help patients recover more quickly, become stronger and move better in
achieving rehabilitation goals.
A PTA's responsibilities include:
- Working with patients suffering from injury or disease, causing physical
impairments that require treatment intervention to relieve pain and heal damaged
tissue
- Sssisting in the treatment of patients to improve range of motion,
strength, and functional mobility
- Using physical, mental and emotional skills to help patients reach
their potential
Employment opportunities are available in outpatient physical therapy offices and clinics, hospitals and skilled nursing
facilities.
Program Degree
- Associate of Applied Science Degree in
Physical Therapist Assisting
Employment Outlook
Employment opportunities are available in a variety of settings including
outpatient physical therapy offices and clinics, hospitals and skilled nursing
facilities.
From 2006-2008, this program generated a 100% employment rate for program
graduates and 98.9% pass rate (cumulative average) on the National Physical
Therapy Examination (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants.
Physical Therapist Assisting is expected to be among the fastest growing
occupations. In Arizona, Physical Therapist Assisting positions are expected to
increase 35% or more by 2016.
On average, Physical Therapist Assistants earn an hourly rate of $20.18, for an
average annual salary of$41,970. Recent GateWay graduates report earning $18.00
to $26 per hour or $37,440 to $57,080 per year.
