How to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant

If you love being active and have a passion for helping others recover from an injury and regain their fitness, then you should consider becoming a physical therapist assistant (PTA). This is a rewarding job that’s currently in very high demand.

Here are some reasons why you should choose this career and tips on how to become a PTA.

Why Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?

A PTA is one of the best healthcare support roles. A therapist assistant helps patients using exercise, movement and an understanding of the body’s anatomy to regain strength, improve mobility and relieve pain.

Physical therapist assistants have a great job outlook. PTA jobs are expected to grow faster than most other occupations. The aging Baby Boomer generation is causing a rise in the demand for PTAs as they retire and develop more age-related health problems.

Also, physical therapist assistants can earn a very lucrative salary. This offers great prospects for anyone who’s looking for a career that’s rewarding both in terms of job satisfaction and income.

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

Here are the important steps you need to take to become a PTA:

1. Earn a physical therapist assistant associate’s degree:Earning this degree could take you just 18 months, and you’ll spend a quarter of your time with hands-on clinical training.
2. Get licensed:Most states require you to pass a licensing exam after you’ve obtained your degree.
3. Sharpen your PTA skills:Most PTA jobs require you to have treatment planning, therapy and rehabilitation skills. You also need to be physically fit because you’ll stay on your feet for most of the day. You also need to have good communication skills as you explain treatment plans to patients and how to perform exercises at home.
4. Improve your resume and interview skills:Spend time polishing your resume, so you can receive a call back each time you apply for a job. You also need to improve your interview skills. Wherever possible, let your potential employer know whether you prefer working with athletes, the elderly, adults or children with disabilities.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant?

Normally, you can complete your degree program and take your licensing exam within two years or less.

Get Excited About Working as a Physical Therapist Assistant

If you want to pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant, contact us now. At OrthoBethesda, we employ PTAs and provide an environment where up and coming PTAs-in-training can develop clinical skills.

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