How to Work as a Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapists and their assistants offer a very helpful and appreciated service to patients, as they help work with them and guide them through the process of physically recovering from an injury or accident. Becoming a professional physical therapist assistant requires the proper schooling and training.

Instructions:

1. Do some research about the field and profession first. The most useful online resource is the website for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). It will have a listing of schools, a description discussion about the profession of physical therapy and various career options.


2. Keep in mind that being a physical therapist assistant is not the same thing as being an actual physical therapist or a physical therapist aid. The physical therapist has a deeper understanding and received far more training in the field and will have earned a master's or docoral degree in the field. The physical therapist assistant will have earned an associate's degree and may assist in carrying out some of the treatment prescribed, especially if the patient needs routine care. A physical therapist aid will not deal with much of the actual treatment and will mainly assist with clerical duties.


3. Choose a program and apply to be a student there. Again, the APTA website will help you narrow down a list of schools offering physical therapy assistant training. Depending on the school, there will be some things you can do to make your acceptance more likely. Many physical therapy assistant programs prefer students who have visited one or two physical therapy sites and have familiarized themselves with the field. You can make yourself stand apart from other applicants by volunteering as an aid or working part time in a physical therapy office. An emphasis on science classes along with your other general education classes in your previous schooling will also make you an appealing candidate.


4. Complete the training and receive your degree diploma.


5. Apply for work as a physical therapist assistant.