Job Spotlight Physical Therapist Assistant (VIDEO)

Job Spotlight Physical Therapist Assistant (VIDEO)Specialized health careers are a beinahe growing field in this countrythe medical school rat race isnt for everyone, so plenty of individuals with a reisepassion for health care and an interest in medicine are pursuing assistants degrees to pharmacy technicians, doctors, dentists, and more. This weeks Job Spotlight is on Physical Therapist Assistants. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1472832388529-0) ) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PTAs will experience at 41% growth through 2020, largely due to an aging Baby Boomer population and extended lifespans. See if this vital role is the right one for youWhat do Physical Therapist Assistants Do?First and foremost, PTAs assist physical therapists. This may mean carrying out patient care, supervising patient therapies, providing feedback, performing sicherheit tasks, documenting treatment, consulting with therapy staff, administering specific exercises o r therapy tasks, or completing patient evaluations.PTAs may use therapy equipment (from prosthetics to specialty care accessories) as on-the-job tools, and need to be well-versed in technology from accounting to patient management software. A background in therapy or counseling and exceptional customer service and communication skills are also huge advantages.So, are you patient, good with people, and compassionate by nature? PTA may be the right field to maximize your talents and work with people who need your help to improve their lives.How to Become OneCoursework for the profession usually includes physiology, medical terminology, procedures for rehabilitation, algebra, English and psychology, hands-on clinical work in physical therapy treatment centers, and first aid training and certification in CPR.Most professional physical therapists require their assistants to have vocational school training, related on-the-job experience, or an Associates Degree. Your school should provide opportunities like internships or entry-level jobs that acclimate you to a clinic or hospital environment.You also need to maintain physical fitness levels that allow you sufficient mobility to support patients, which may involve bending, crouching, and lifting. .Youll also need to pass a board certification exam. The requirements vary, but generally you must graduate from an accredited program and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination at the physical therapy assistant level. The test has 200 questions covering such topics as clinical applications, devices, equipment, and safety. Some states also require their own examinations, and many require continuing education units for license renewal. Check with your state licensing board for up-to-date information.Physical therapy assistants differ from physical therapy aids in that aides are most often trained on the job and straight out of high schoolPTAs are less limited in the services they can provide and do not need as much s upervision by a physician or physical therapist.SalaryThe wages for a PTA can range from $32K to $80K annuallythe median is around $61K. The best opportunities will be found in skilled nursing centers, acute care hospitals, and facilities that treat or house the elderly.Hiring LandscapeThe climate for aspiring PTAs is pretty goodthere are an average of 9 candidates for every available position (that doesnt sound great, but if you were applying for a job with an English PhD there would be hundreds)Top employers includeGenesis HealthCareKindred HealthCareGenesis RehabilitationRehabCareGolden LivingTop cities for PTA jobs are generally found in the Midwest and East CoastSyracuse, NYToledo, OHSpringfield, ILLancaster, PAPROs of being a PTAFlexible hoursYou get to wear scrubsHands-on patient careConstant learning and CONsPhysically demanding jobDependent on outside circumstances for stability, benefits, professional developmentA Typical Job PostingPhysical Therapy Assistant,REHAB ASSOCIA TES, MIStart Date ImmediateFacility Type SNFFacility Specialty Orthopedic Pulmonary RehabSchedule Full Time Monday FridayHours 800 200Lunch 30mFounded in 1995, Rehab Associates provides healthcare staffing and management solutions for skilled nursing facilities, outpatient rehab centers, home care clients and public schools. We specialize in staffing for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Special Education.We retain outstanding clinical service professionals by enabling those seeking long term personal and professional growth. Through team-building rather than just making one time placements, we pay careful attention to the experience and background of our clinicians, carefully matching them with the right facilitys rehab team. We have over 300 clinicians on active assignment and are continually expanding throughout the Northeast.Essential FunctionsTreat patients and provide a plan of carePrepare documentation, progression notes and reports and discharge summariesProfessional QualificationsSNF and Acute Care experienceExperience with Rehab OptimaPersonal QualificationsCompassionateResourcefulProfessionalRequired ExperiencePhysical Therapy Assistant 1 yearRequired License or CertificationValid Michigan PTA License CredentialsRequired EducationAssociate Degree