Are you considering a career as a physical therapist assistant (PTA)? Are you passionate about being active and want to help others? Becoming a physical therapist assistant is not only a rewarding, in-demand career, but also an intriguing chance to help improve the lives of people in need of rehabilitative care, those recovering from traumatic injuries or illnesses, and elderly citizens in need of long-term supportive care.
Physical therapist assistants work under physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses. PTAs have the opportunity to help improve the quality of life of their patients and they are in high demand. Sound appealing? Florida National University (FNU) offers two physical therapist assistant programs:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Associate of Science Physical Therapist Assistant
What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant Do?
Physical therapist assistants are part of a team that works with patients who have health-related conditions or injuries that limit their ability to move or make it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. They help patients perform exercises, educate patients and family members about post-treatment care, and help them through massage and stretching techniques.
The majority of PTAs work in hospitals or privately owned physical therapy practices, but others work in home health, rehabilitation facilities, or schools. Some of the duties of a physical therapist assistant include:
- Observe patient progress
- Work with patients on therapy
- Prepare medical reports
- Education and prevention
- Community involvement
Florida National University’s Physical Therapist Assistant program will teach you the skills you need to know how to become successful in the field. The top qualities of a physical therapist assistant include interpersonal skills, detail-oriented, compassion, physical stamina, and dexterity.
Why are Physical Therapist Assistants in Demand?
Today’s health care system is in desperate need of PTAs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 26% from 2018 to 2028. Like many other healthcare jobs, the demand for physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the healthcare needs of the aging population and individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity. Not only are PTAs in demand, but according to US News, Physical Therapist Assistants rank #3 in Best Healthcare Support Jobs and #26 in 100 Best Jobs. Becoming a physical therapist assistant may be exactly the career path you’ve been looking for. So how do you become one?
How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
To work as a physical therapist assistant in the United States, you must graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) like the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Florida National University. Once completed, you must take the national licensure exam. Graduates from the PTA program at FNU will be eligible to take this exam upon completion of the program.
Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Florida National University
Florida National University’s Physical Therapist Assistant program is offered at the Hialeah campus and is designed to be completed in less than two years. The program prepares students to enter the field of Physical Therapy by educating skilled, compassionate, and confident entry-level physical therapist assistants who are culturally competent, forward-thinking, and life long learners so they may capably assist physical therapists to successfully address the rehabilitation needs of the patients of the community. Are you interested in learning more about Florida National University’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program? Contact FNU today at 305-821-3333 or visit our site for more information on our programs.
