Physical 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.

 

 

 

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:

 

Course #	Course				Theory	Lab	Extern	Credits
CMT 100	Medical Terminology				15			1.0
CSK 100	Study Skills				15			1.0
BIO 100	Anatomy & Physiology I				45	30		4.0
PTA 102	Introduction to Physical Therapy				45			3.0
MTH 100	Math & Physics Applications				45			3.0
CCM 120	Communications for the Health Professions				30			2.0
CLE 120	Law & Ethics				15			1.0
Semester I Total					210	30		15.0
Course #	Course				Theory	Lab	Extern	Credits
PTA 103	PTA Techniques				30	45		3.5
BIO 101	Anatomy & Physiology II				45	30		4.0
PTA 104	Fundamentals of Disease				45			3.0
PTA 105	Growth & Development				45			3.0
Semester II Total					165	75		13.5
Course #	Course				Theory	Lab	Extern	Credits
PTA 200	Kinesiology				30	45		3.5
PTA 201	Rehabilitation I				30	30		3.0
PTA 205	Therapeutic Exercise I				45	30		4.0
PTA 210	Clinical Practicum I						80	1.5
Semester III Total					105	105	80	12.0
Course #	Course				Theory	Lab	Extern	Credits
PTA 207	Therapeutic Exercise II				30	30		3.0
PTA 202	Rehabilitation II				38	30		3.5
PTA 211	Clinical Practicum II						280	6.0
Semester IV Total					68	60	280	12.5
Course #	Course				Theory	Lab	Extern	Credits
PTA 204	Administrative Procedures				30			2.0
PTA 208	Special Topics				45	21		3.5
PTA 209	PTA Seminar				32			2.0
PTA 212	Clinical Practicum III						280	6.0
Semester V Total					107	21	280	13.5
PROGRAM TOTALS					655	291	640	66.5

 

 

Job 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

 

 

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.