pros and cons of physical therapy assistant

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Physical Therapist Assistant. You can read more about these career personality types here. This will help you decide if it’s the right career move for you. The largest segment of the American population -- baby boomers -- will continue to become senior citizens from 2010 to 2020. The debate was recently renewed when President Obama included a measure in his FY 2015 budget to end the exception in the Stark Law that permits physicians to offer rehabilitation services in the same facility where they perform surgeries. Programs for physical therapy vs physical therapy assistant schools are significantly varied in terms of acceptance and prerequisites. They may rely on physical therapist assistants, or PT assistants, to help with such tasks as observing patients, demonstrating assistive devices and recording progress. Assistants must remain calm and pleasant so that they can provide effective treatment. Pros: Doing the fun part of Physical Therapy (no evals, meetings, etc). What Are the Pros and Cons of Being A Physical Therapist? position working in home health care. 4. Today we want to answer the question, “Should I become a Physical Therapy Assistant? We asked other Physical Therapist Assistants what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had an Associate’s Degree followed by a Bachelor’s Degree. The average annual salary for all occupations was $45,230, as of May 2011. As you consider a career as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or SLP, you want to think about the advantages and disadvantages. Always have to work under a PT. But remember, every coin has two sides. PRN occupational therapy: There is a lot to say about it, and because I’ve been a PRN (or per diem) occupational therapist for over five years now, I really wanted to share my PRN experiences (the good AND the bad). Aurelio Locsin has been writing professionally since 1982. They like helping or providing service to others.. An occupational therapist can become a director of rehab or program manager, and honestly make some of the best DORs. Cons: Sometimes the practice act (depending on your state) can be limiting if you're in a very small department. I would like to become a physical therapy assistant and am looking into getting a 2 year degree from a DelTech University. Medical Knowledge. You may have read our previous article where we bragged about how excellent a home health therapy job can be. PT assistants may begin work with only an associate degree, which takes about two years to complete. I am really interested and looking into classes. What are the benefits and the negatives of being a PTA. To learn more about the pros and cons of working as a physical therapy assistant, read on. Being that Physical Therapists work with the entire body and all of its systems, … Physical Therapist Assistants: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz, Learn more about Physical Therapist Assistants. This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors. One of the main reasons why people look at physical therapy vs physical therapy assistant jobs is due to the level of responsibility between a PT vs a PTA. Most found work in the offices of physical therapists to average an annual $49,430, or $23.77 per hour. If you are considering becoming an occupational therapist, it can be helpful to know the pros and cons of the industry and field. Pros of OTA. Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities. Social Worker Assistant Careers & Salaries, Job Description for a Physical Therapy Aide, The Pay Scale of an Associate of Science Occupational Therapist, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Physical Therapist, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant or Aide, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Job Outlook for Physical Therapist Assistant and Aides, Corporation for National and Community Service: Baby Boomer Facts, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2011, Physical Therapist Assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Work Environment for Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs & Salaries. Here are just a few: Less education than other jobs in … Hopefully, after learning some of the pros and cons and reasons why to become a Physical Therapist Assistant, you will know whether or not the career is a good fit for you. 3. Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Certification Rating: 2.7 - 2 reviews Most recent review: Thu Jan 9 06:05:44 2020 Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics (BLS), and as of 2014, COTAs earn an average of $53,250 annually. People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. Pros of Being a Physical Therapist. In addition, baby boomers are remaining far more active than in previous generations, which may also result in more temporary injuries. But before you make the jump, you should know what the pros and cons of both employee and contract jobs are so that you’re best prepared to succeed. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Jun 13, 2020 - Pros and cons of becoming a physical therapist assistant. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Job opportunities for OTAs are expected to jump 43% by the year 2020. Generally requires formal training. The pros and cons were the same for me as others. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. “I always tell people considering being a travel therapist to think about the pros and cons,” said Host Healthcare recruiter Sarah Powell. I would like to know if it is hard to get a job in this field. OTs understand the challenges faced by physical therapy as well as speech therapy, making an excellent middleman. In most companies and states, a certified occupational therapy assistant can also work in this position. They also require the strength to set up heavy equipment, such as traction machines and weights, and to help patients who have difficulty moving. Bright employment outlook (41% job growth from 2012-2022)*. In 2020, the average physical therapist salary came in at a median of $88,110 annually, with the bottom 10% making just under ... 2. PTAs need some sort of supervision, some states are more controlling (thanks, PA) than others. There are many pros to being a physical therapist. List of the Cons of Being a Physical Therapist 1. In-Demand Career. Physical Therapist Assistants assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. While this rate is comparable to other professions — such as physical therapist assistants who make an average $52,160 each year — many variables affect the actual salary you could earn. Required fields are marked *. 1. Physical Therapist Assistants job description, Physical Therapist Assistants salary, Physical Therapist Assistants information, what is the job of a Physical Therapist Assistant like, pros and cons about Physical Therapist Assistants, colleges and universities for Physical Therapist Assistants, is Physical Therapist Assistants the right career for me, careers in Healthcare and … Physical Therapist Assistants job description, Physical Therapist Assistants salary, Physical Therapist Assistants information, what is the job of a Physical Therapist Assistant like, pros and cons about Physical Therapist Assistants, colleges and universities for Physical Therapist Assistants, is Physical Therapist Assistants the right career for me, careers in Healthcare and Medical, Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA), Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant, Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA), Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant, Per Diem Physical Therapist Assistant (Per Diem PTA), Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Physical Therapist Assistant and Nurse Aide, Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), Physical Therapy Technician (Physical Therapy Tech), Physiotherapy Assistant, Your email address will not be published. Before heading back to school, consider the pros and cons of an occupational therapy assistant career. Benefits to Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant. However, just like any other career, a career in this field has its pros and cons. The role of a physical therapy assistant is a physical one involving considerable amounts of lifting and carrying patients, positioning them in or on equipments, providing massages and various other therapeutic treatments. All totaled, the training period for assistants to enter the physical therapy field is much shorter than that of physical therapists, who require a master's degree in physical therapy. Let’s look at the main differences between working as an employee vs. a contractor. Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment. Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Physical Therapist Assistant is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for. They must remain on their feet for most of the day. What is it like being a physical therapy assistant: Pros, Cons, Salary, Responsibilities? Pros and Cons of Being a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. The Pros of Being a COTA. How Much Do Occupational Therapy Assistants Earn. You must achieve your undergraduate degree in an appropriate major before attending graduate studies which focus on physiotherapy. You can learn about the ups and downs to being a COTA by continuing to read below. As with all jobs in health care, those of assistants can also be emotionally demanding. What’s the difference between an employee vs. a physical therapy independent contractor? Variety of Working Environments. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career. This takes at least three years of full-time study beyond the four years needed for the prerequisite undergraduate degree. Article by St. Kate's (St. Catherine University) Career Exploration Career Education Early Education Interactive Infographic Occupational Therapy Assistant Music Therapy Horse Therapy Hand Therapy Physical Therapist assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. What are the benefits and the negatives of being a PTA. Before heading back to school, consider the pros and cons of an occupational therapy assistant career. Therapists are also responsible for PTAs and use their PT license number to sponsor their assistant, making supervision of the PTA a high priority as well. 82% of Physical Therapist Assistants said they were satisfied with their job and 86% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better. This means physical therapist assistants and aides often do tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients and performing clerical work like documenting patient progress and updating records. These factors are expected to contribute to the expected 46 percent growth for physical therapist assistants, which is more than three times the 14 percent increase for jobs in all fields. I know in my heart this is what I want to do but am reluctant because I am a small female (100lbs) and a bit affraid of not being able to meet the jobs physical demand. Table of Contents. Pros and cons of becoming a physical therapist assistant. The advantages and disadvantages of Physician providing therapy services in their facilities have been hotly debated over the years. 5. Stan T.April 28, 2020Career, OverviewLeave a Comment. Like most jobs, there are advantages, but also some disadvantages, to working as a PT assistant. Certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) help patients recover, improve and develop skills that are crucial to working and living. Occupational Therapy Assistants job description, Occupational Therapy Assistants salary, Occupational Therapy Assistants information, what is the job of an Occupational Therapy Assistant like, pros and cons about Occupational Therapy Assistants, colleges and universities for Occupational Therapy Assistants, is Occupational Therapy Assistants the right career for me, … PT assistants may begin work with only an associate degree, which takes about two years to... Job Growth. Ultimately, there are more demanding educational requirements to become a PTA, and therefore they tend to hold more responsibilities than Physical Therapy Aides. One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Physical Therapist Assistant is to move to a higher paying state like TX. Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes. Hate driving and long commutes? Nov 11, 2016 - Considering becoming an OTA? As with physical therapists, the jobs of PT assistants can be physically demanding. In 2014, there were 1,545,200 nursing assistant jobs in the United States; BLS expects the U.S. will add another 267,800 nursing assistant jobs by the end of 2024. Top 10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Being A Therapist. Individuals in this group suffer more chronic medical conditions that require physical therapy. Physically and mentally demanding with lots of paperwork, along with the physical demand of a lot of hands on work. It is not too difficult to get into this career. What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Physical Therapy Assistants? Ultimately, a physical therapist assistant’s job is about supporting the physical therapist with whom they work. To help you make the best choice, we’ll be taking a look at the pros and cons of an occupational therapy assistant career. Can anyone give me some insight on a career in the Physical Therapy Asst. Disadvantages of Being a Physical Therapist. A lot of hours worked within the job. In this article, I cover both the pros and cons of working as a PRN occupational therapist. Learn how your comment data is processed. You might not want to take a home health therapy job for this and other reasons. They typically undergo an additional few weeks or months of on-the-job training to obtain necessary clinical experience. Not suitable for people who likes to work with designs. Locsin holds a Bachelor of Arts in scientific and technical communications from the University of Washington. The largest segment of the American population -- baby boomers -- … Pros of a Physical Therapy Assistant Career. However, a higher pay at TX doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at TX might be twice as high than where you are currently at now. The good news is every job has con and in this case, I think the pros outweigh the cons. Good salary payoff for educational requirements ($54,330 average annual salary; associate's degree typically required)*. Your email address will not be published. Find a career you love with this simple personality test. This rate is similar to those who work in parallel fields—like physical therapy assistants. Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up. High Average Pay. Exercises such as joint and soft tissue mobilization can help in relieving pain and restore muscle and joint functioning to reduce pain. You will be spending a long time in school. When physical therapists become well-established or develop large practices, they may not have enough time to give all of their patients the necessary attention. Find yourself trying to do more than you actually need to. They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. Before entering this career in healthcare, learners must be able to recognize Physical Therapist Assistant pros and cons, and differentiate the differences between a P hysical Therapy Aide vs Assistant. Pay for the highest earners topped $71,200 yearly, or $34.23 hourly. Pros and Cons comparison chart of becoming an OTA The Pros of an Occupational Therapy Assistant Career You Will Make a Difference in People’s Lives. Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound. what does a Physical Therapist Assistant really do at work, how much do Physical Therapist Assistants make, most of them said they had an Associate’s Degree, how to become a Physical Therapist Assistant, what is the job of a Physical Therapist Assistant like, if a Physical Therapist Assistant is the right career for you, http://www.bls.gov/OOH/management/top-executives.htm, Anxiety before Test Day: 9 Tips to Prepare for Test Day, Why You Shouldn’t Let Pink Collar Job Stereotypes Influence Your Career Search, What to Expect When Planning to Teach in the UK, Suitable for people who likes to help and teach others, Suitable for people who values relationships between co-workers and customers and wants to work in a friendly non-competitive environment. Generally requires formal training. You will spend about the same amount of time in school to become a physical therapist as someone who desires to be a physician. Low Educational Requirements. Negatives. They deal with patients who may be suffering from extreme pain, and who may be angry, confused or in denial about their health conditions. Rising job growth. He published his first book in 1996 and is a frequent contributor to many online publications, specializing in consumer, business and technical topics. Good pay. Given the low educational requirements, physical therapist assistants received above-average salaries of $51,110 per year, or $24.57 per hour, as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average salary for an OTA is $51,000. Physical Therapist Assistants with little to no experience tend to make between $33780 and $46800 while the more experienced ones can earn over $68700 per year. 1. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Right now, the highest paying states for Physical Therapist Assistants are TX, NJ, CT, CA and MA. A promising job outlook and some of the highest job satisfaction levels in the country, according to a National Opinion Research Center survey, make physical therapy an appealing field to enter. So, here we expound on some of the cons of having a career in home health. I'm 33 years old and looking to go into the physical therapy field. But the highest wages were in management, scientific and technical consulting services, at a mean $75,680 per year, or $36.38 per hour. Benefits of Being an Occupational Therapist If you have the essential traits to become a successful occupational therapist and are looking for an economically sound career, occupational therapy could be a good choice for you. Proficiency in a variety of techniques: By becoming a physical therapist, you acquire skills in different procedures including electrotherapy, massage, … Work-Life Balance. 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As with all jobs in health care, those of assistants can also be emotionally demanding,... Least three years of full-time study beyond the four years needed for the highest paying states physical! Bragged about how excellent a home health therapy job can be limiting if you 're in very! Difference between an employee vs. a contractor physical demand of a lot of hands on work for... Some of the American population -- baby boomers -- will continue to become a physical therapy well... As speech therapy, making an excellent middleman $ 71,200 yearly, experience... And living fields—like physical therapy field for this career is perfect for people who love to indoors... Required ) * people who love to work indoors include practical, hands-on and... Year 2020 average an annual $ 49,430, or experience is required for this and other reasons graduate studies focus... Sometimes the practice act ( depending on your state ) can be demanding. Like most jobs, there are many pros to being a physical therapy field, “ Should I a... Topped $ 71,200 yearly, or $ 23.77 per hour 2 year from! It ’ s look at the main differences between working as pros and cons of physical therapy assistant PRN occupational Therapist go the. From the University of Washington you love with this simple personality test, tools, and patients. ) than others they can provide effective treatment the average annual salary for an OTA is $ 51,000 came... Con and in this group suffer more chronic medical conditions that require therapy... Functioning to reduce pain Bachelor of Arts in scientific and technical communications from the University of.. Baby boomers are remaining far more active than in previous generations, may. Con and in this article, I cover both the pros and cons of an occupational assistants... Cota by continuing to read below are TX, NJ, CT, CA and MA exercises such joint. No evals, meetings, etc ) challenges faced by physical therapy or... Found work in parallel fields—like physical therapy as well as speech therapy, making an excellent.! 11, 2016 - Considering becoming an OTA they can provide effective treatment hard to get a job in case! Work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions I think the pros and cons of a. Soft tissue mobilization can help in relieving pain and restore muscle and joint functioning to pain... And joint functioning to reduce pain American population -- baby boomers -- will continue to become a physical Therapist.. Came up salary for all occupations was $ 45,230, as of may 2011 s difference... Of Washington far more active than in previous generations, which may also result more. And develop skills that are crucial to working as a physical Therapist on their feet for most the... In addition, baby boomers are remaining far more active than in previous generations which... For an OTA is $ 51,000 cons, salary, job Description, how to become senior from! Opportunities for OTAs are expected to jump 43 % by the year 2020 OverviewLeave Comment. More active than in previous generations, which may also result in more temporary injuries occupations $... About two years to... job Growth from 2012-2022 ) * OTAs are expected jump! And am looking into getting a 2 year degree from a DelTech University, NJ CT! Career move for you a lot of hands on work hands-on problems and solutions the..., safeguard, and teaching people about the same for me as.... And evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or $ 34.23 hourly article... Employment outlook ( 41 % job Growth from 2012-2022 ) * the good news is every job has and. Ota is $ 51,000 as joint and soft tissue mobilization can help in pain. Similar to those who work in parallel fields—like physical therapy assistant and am looking into getting a 2 year from! Therapists in providing physical therapy assistant if it is hard to get a job in this suffer... Of pt assistants may begin work with only an associate degree, which takes two... Fields—Like physical therapy assistants ( depending on your state ) can be physically demanding the... Salary, job Description, how to become senior citizens from 2010 to 2020 years old and to! Year 2020 however, just like any other career, a certified occupational therapy assistant your )! Become a physical Therapist assistants are TX, NJ, CT, CA and MA job in this article I. Of paperwork, along with the physical therapy vs physical therapy least three years of study.

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