If you are passionate about health, wellness, and helping people, a career as a physical therapist assistant may be for you. Physical therapist assistants help patients recover from injuries, illness, and various health problems.  Learn more about the employment outlook for physical therapist assistant. 

Physical therapist assistants (PTA) are in high demand, and for good reason. More and more PTA jobs are opening up due to the aging population. There is an increase in demand for services that help patients return home.   Learn more about the employment outlook for physical therapist assistant. 

Physical therapy is no longer only used as a treatment for acute injuries. It is also for common ailments, including body pain, spinal stenosis, pregnancy, and Parkinson’s disease, just to name a few. So if you’re ready to find a rewarding career as a physical therapist assistant (PTA), you’ve come to the right place.

How will the employment outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants look over the next few years?

The employment outlook for the physical therapist assistant is positive. Demand for physical therapy services will far exceed supply in the next decade. So, it is a great time to enter the profession. 

As an assistant, you can learn a variety of skills.  You can later use these skills as a full physical therapist. Or even in alternative healthcare careers such as sports medicine and chiropractic. This leaves the door open for career advancement and opportunities. 

The outlook is good as the demand for physical therapy increases. A physical therapist assistant assists a physical therapist in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. Due to the growing population and an aging baby boom generation, demand for physical therapy services increases.

Employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to increase 32 percent from 2020 to 2030. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.

 What is the current employment rate for Physical Therapist Assistants?

If you are a physical therapist assistant, there should continue to be plenty of job growth in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants is currently about 140,500. Of course, this depends on there being enough funding and training programs available. 

However, with the aging baby boomer population, this shouldn’t be a problem. The need for medical care is only going to increase. Proper funding may help there to be a positive outlook for physical therapist assistants well into the future.

How Much Does a Physical Therapist Assistant Make?

Physical therapist assistants are one of the most sought-after and highly paid allied health care professionals. They are in high demand because they perform various tasks that help diagnose and treat patients with physical disabilities or injuries. They also provide support to other health care staff and can perform administrative duties.

The salary for a physical therapist assistant can vary depending on their location, years of experience, and education level.

Physical therapist assistants typically work full-time shifts Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day. However, they may have to work overtime on occasion if they have a patient who needs extra care.

PTAs earn on average ~$49,180 annually, which doesn’t include any benefits that would be offered.

Physical Therapist Assistant Employment Expectations

Do you want a career where you work with the public? Where you are needed in all settings? And have the chance to increase your education? What about advance your career path? 

Then physical therapist assisting may be your calling. 

You will work with a professional team to help patients improve movement and function through exercise. They may also use manual therapy, therapeutic activities, and other interventions.

Physical therapist assistants work under the direction of physical therapists to provide physical therapy treatments and procedures. The physical therapist assistant performs treatments and patient procedures. They work with patients who are recovering from injuries or illnesses, including patients with cardiac, pulmonary, and brain problems. They also work with patients who have orthopedic problems, arthritis, other rheumatoid diseases, lymphatic disorders, and specific infectious diseases.

Physical therapists work longer hours and have trouble finding qualified staff to assist them with their patients’ care. This means that physical therapist assistants may be able to find excellent employment opportunities. Especially if they have specialized training or certifications related to orthopedics or sports medicine.

Physical Therapists and How They Work with PTAs

Physical therapists work with the assistant to help people live better lives. Their expertise is in body, heart, and brain conditions. This allows them to treat a wide range of issues, including injury rehabilitation and balance disorders.

PTs want their patients to achieve their optimal level of functioning. They employ a comprehensive approach that involves addressing the patient’s medical history. They also look at the condition. Then they advise the patient on all aspects of health-related fitness. 

They use a number of methods and techniques to help their patients achieve their optimal level of physical well-being.  They also use electrical therapy treatments. These treatments can include electrical stimulation to relieve pain. It can even regenerate tissue. 

Ultrasound therapy can be used for muscle relaxation and soft tissue injuries. And low-level laser therapy can be used to accelerate healing times.

Whether they’re treating arthritis, a sports injury, or back pain, physical therapy can help patients recover and get healthy again.

 Are there opportunities for job growth?

The outlook for job growth for physical therapist assistants is very positive. The BLS shows the number of jobs for PTA’s will be expected to grow by 23% between 2016 and 2026. This is more than twice as fast as the average growth rate for all occupations in the United States (10%). In fact, this is one of the fastest-growing professions in America today.

Some of the factors contributing to this trend include an aging population.  They have more physical ailments requiring treatment. There is an increased awareness among medical professionals about the importance of physical therapy. The PTA field also has a strong presence in rural areas with fewer healthcare professionals available and high demand for care.

 What degree level do physical therapist assistants need to achieve?

Do you enjoy working in the medical field? Are you a people person? If so, then a career as a physical therapist assistant (PTA) may be a good fit for you. PTAs work closely with physical therapists and patients, guiding them through treatment regimens to improve their mobility or overall wellbeing. 

Achieving an associate’s degree is the first step towards becoming a PTA. It doesn’t matter if you receive your education at a community college or other accredited institution of higher learning.

Getting Started on Your Career As a Physical Therapist Assistant Degree

The physical therapist assistant field remains a highly sought after occupation in today’s job market. It will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. The employment outlook may be strong. But the competition is fierce. 

Employers prefer candidates who have excellent communication skills. They should also have great computer skills. This means that you should always keep your resume updated and stay connected on social media as well.

Want to become a Physical Therapist Assistant and improve the quality of life for patients? Then visit us at SABER College. Let’s get going!