Physical Therapist Assistants

Physical therapist assistants and physical therapist play an important role in today’s healthcare system. Through the use of physical therapy, which was first put into practice in 460 B.C., physical therapist assistants (pta) and physical therapist (pt) help patients with physical illnesses, injuries, or physical strains to recover and manage their pain. Although they seem similar, physical therapist assistants and physical therapist differ from each other in many aspects but most importantly in what they do, how to become each one, and their pay.
Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Their job is to observe the patient before, during, and after therapy, noting how they are progressing
and reporting back to the physical therapist. They receive a plan of care given to them by the physical therapist that explains what specific exercises they will be doing with the patient that day. It is also their job to use a variety of techniques to help the patient cope with any pain, soreness, or swelling that happens during the exercise, such as massages, stretching, or the use of a hot or cold pack. Sometimes devices and equipment will be used during the exercise as another way of helping the patient. Lastly, physical therapist assistants also inform the patient and family about what has to be done after the treatment. Before actually becoming a physical therapist assistant, the schooling needed for this profession is not much. Most states require physical therapist assistants to have an associate’s degree. These physical therapy assistant programs last about two years and include both classroom study and clinical experience. Through the program, students also earn certification in CPR and other first aid skills. To begin working as a physical therapist assistant, you must be licensed or certified. Once working as a physical therapist assistant, the median annual wage is a little over $52,000. The lowest 10% get paid about $32,000 annually and the top 10% make over $72,000. Typically physical therapist assistants work full time, as well as, evenings and weekends to help accommodate some patients.
Although some things are similar, there are major differences between the two job titles.
Physical therapist review new patients’ medical history and any referrals or notes given to the patient from their doctor or surgeon. Physical therapist should be able to diagnose patients’ dysfunctional movements by observing the way they stand or walk, as well as, listening to their concerns. With this information in mind, the physical therapist can now set up a plan of care for the patient to follow, which should also outline the patient’s goals and expected outcomes. Like the physical therapy assistants, physical therapist use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy and work out equipment to ease the pain and help the patient regain mobility and prevent further pain or injury. A physical therapist also evaluates the patient’s progress, which could lead to them modifying the plan of care or trying out some new treatment. In order to become a physical therapist, you must obtain a doctorates degree. Doctorate physical therapy (DPT) programs normally last 3 years and most require a bachelor’s degree for admission. In order to graduate from the programs, students must complete clinical internships. Once becoming a physical therapist, the median annual wage is around $79,000. The lowest 10% is $55,000 and the top 10% made over $112,000 a
year.
Although it may seem like physical therapist assistants and physical therapist do about the same thing, once going more in detail it becomes obvious they do not. Physical therapist assistants have more of a hands-on relationship with the patient, only need two years of schooling and get paid around $50,000 annually. On the other hand, physical therapist do more of the planning and decide what exercises the patient will be doing by just observing them and speaking with the patient’s doctor, need many more years of schooling, and get paid twice the amount of a physical therapist assistant. When comparing and contrasting the two, the differences are much more overpowering, which is very important when deciding which one will become someone’s career choice.