PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

 

Physical Therapist Assistants are technically educated health care providers who assist physical therapists in the provision of care. Working under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, PTAs work to restore function, reduce pain and enhance wellness in patients with a variety of conditions. Physical Therapists Assistants provide selected interventions for patients with orthopedic, neurological, athletic, occupational and congenital conditions.

Hands on application of Physical Therapy interventions are only one aspect of this rewarding career. You will be called on to instruct and motivate patients and their families through the use of compassion and skilled communication. You will become a problem solver, critical thinker and productive member of a rehabilitation team.

Students seeking admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program should enjoy close contact with all types of people and be comfortable with working in and around medical facilities. A significant amount of personal mobility is required for employment as a Physical Therapist Assistant. For additional career information see APTA.org.

Physical Therapist Assistant students study in traditional classroom and laboratory settings. Our on-site PT lab is designed to provide students with a realistic opportunity to experience and perfect a broad range of hands on skills including the use of therapeutic modalities and specialized exercise programming. Students also participate in an extensive clinical education program.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Macomb Community College is a two-year competency based program awarding the Associate of Applied Science Degree. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.

    Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education
    1111 North Fairfax Street
    Alexandria, Virginia  22314
    Telephone:  703.684.2782 or 800.999.2782
    Fax:  703.684.7343
    Web:     www.apta.org

CAREER APPLICATIONS

Physical Therapist Assistants enjoy a broad range of career options and opportunities for professional growth. Physical Therapist Assistants work in a variety of settings throughout the health care industry. Common employment settings include: acute care hospitals, out-patient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. Graduates of the PTA program will find opportunities are widely available for working with clients across the life span from infants and young children to middle adults and seniors.

 

The demand for skilled PTAs is expected to continue at high levels over the next decade with gradually rising salaries likely. Today's graduate PTA can expect a starting salary of

$33,000 to $41,000 annually.