Earn an associates degree as a physical therapy assistantPhysical Therapist Assistant

 

A Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant

 

Physical therapist assistants aid Registered Physical Therapists with patient rehabilitation. They perform a variety of tasks, including exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction and ultrasound. These physical therapy professionals record the patient's responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist.

 

Physical Therapist Assistants are patient, resourceful, empathetic and tactful in order to help patients and their families understand their treatments and adjust to rehabilitation. They also need a moderate degree of strength because of the physical exertion required in assisting patients with treatment. Additional duties as a physical therapy professional may include clerical tasks, such as ordering depleted supplies, answering the phone, and filling out insurance forms and other paperwork.

 

For physical therapist assistants, employment opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, and private practice, as well as long-term care facilities and sports medicine centers.

 

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Physical Therapist Assistant Program Description

 

As a student in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima, you'll learn techniques that will help improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease as a physical therapy professional.

 

 

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Outline:

 

General Education courses are listed in italics.
Course #CourseTheoryLabExternCredits
CMT 100Medical Terminology15  1.0
CSK 100Study Skills15  1.0
BIO 100Anatomy & Physiology I4530 4.0
PTA 102Introduction to Physical Therapy45  3.0
MTH 100Math & Physics Applications45  3.0
CCM 120Communications for the Health Professions30  2.0
CLE 120Law & Ethics15  1.0
Semester I Total21030 15.0
 
Course #CourseTheoryLabExternCredits
PTA 103PTA Techniques3045 3.5
BIO 101Anatomy & Physiology II4530 4.0
PTA 104Fundamentals of Disease45  3.0
PTA 105Growth & Development45  3.0
Semester II Total16575 13.5
 
Course #CourseTheoryLabExternCredits
PTA 200Kinesiology3045 3.5
PTA 201Rehabilitation I3030 3.0
PTA 205Therapeutic Exercise I4530 4.0
PTA 210Clinical Practicum I  801.5
Semester III Total1051058012.0
 
Course #CourseTheoryLabExternCredits
PTA 207Therapeutic Exercise II3030 3.0
PTA 202Rehabilitation II3830 3.5
PTA 211Clinical Practicum II  2806.0
Semester IV Total686028012.5
 
Course #CourseTheoryLabExternCredits
PTA 204Administrative Procedures30  2.0
PTA 208Special Topics4521 3.5
PTA 209PTA Seminar32  2.0
PTA 212Clinical Practicum III  2806.0
Semester V Total1072128013.5
PROGRAM TOTALS65529164066.5

 

 

Physical Therapist AssistantJob Outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow much faster than the average through the year 2018, reflecting the growing number of individuals with disabilities or limited function.

 

Also, according to a recent report released by U.S. News and World Report in August 2009, physical therapist assistant positions are one of the five jobs that are in-demand for those looking for work in today’s economy.

 

 

 

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Length

 

Approximately 18 months

 

 

 

For more detailed information on Pima's Physical Therapist Assistant program specifics, financial aid and lifetime job placement assistance for graduates, please visit your local campus below.

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Denver, Colorado
Mesa, Arizona
Seattle, Washington
Tucson, Arizona

 

Request More Information

 

Contact Pima Medical Institute today and request more information about physical therapy assistant programs, and other career training programs including dental assistant, veterinary assistant, pharmacy technician or medical assistant.