Usually, when you go in for a physical therapy session, the therapist sometimes doesn’t do the actual treatment set up. He or she will assign those duties to a therapy assistant. As it turns out, therapists are one of the most in demand professions in the U.S. today. It should come as no surprise that therapy assistants are equally in demand, as are the medical colleges that facilitate their training.

First and foremost, it should be noted there is quite a difference between a therapy assistant and a therapy aide. Aides generally just need a high school degree, are hired on the spot, and are trained on the job. Their responsibility is mainly janitorial, clerical and as an extra set of hands. They don’t do direct therapy. They also don’t need to be registered or certified.

Physical therapist assistants support the therapist in providing care to patients. Under direction and supervision they execute the PT’s programs, including providing exercise instructions. They also do therapeutic methods like electrical stimulation, mechanical traction, ultrasound and massage, as well as gait and balance training. Physical therapist assistants record the patient’s responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist.

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 medical school degree 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.

As of 2008, the United States employed nearly 64,000 assistants. The Bureau projects there will be a need for an additional 21,000 by 2018. That’s a 33% increase, making it one of the most in demand occupations out there. To find out more about this profession and the medical science degree that can get you there, two good places to start are with a college career counselor and the occupation’s professional society, the American Physical Therapy Association. A degree can be the gateway into a fulfilling and rewarding career where you help those in pain feel better.

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