Become a physical therapist assistantIf you’re interested in the way the human body moves, and you have a desire to help people, a career as a physical therapist assistant may be perfect for you. As a physical therapist assistant, you have the opportunity to help people who are often in considerable pain and discomfort. You can also enjoy the added benefit of being in a career that is in high demand. Considering that you can get the education you need to become a physical therapist assistant in a year or less, there is every reason to get started on the path to your new career as a physical therapist assistant.

Physical Therapist Assisting is a Career in High Demand

physical therapy assistant growthPhysical therapist assistants are in high demand in today's economy. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook is expected to grow at a rate of 41% from 2012 through 2022 – much faster than average. This is exciting news for anyone interested in a career as a physical therapist assistant. Not only do you get to help people recover from their injuries, you may get great job security as well.

In addition to being in high demand, this career is also rewarding from a monetary standpoint. According to the BLS, the median pay for a physical therapist assistant in 2012 was $52,160 per year, or $18.96 per hour. Good pay, job security and the opportunity to make a difference – a physical therapist assistant career has a lot to offer.

Set Your PTA Expectations

Although it is nice to know that the education you get will yield a solid career with good pay, there is more to work than just the money. You want to know what it will be like when you are out and using your degree. There are a wide variety of companies and organizations you can work for as a physical therapist assistant, each with their own particular way of doing things. But there are some common things you will find as you work in the field of physical therapy. These include:

Rewarding Work

Physical therapists do incredibly important work. Depending on where you are working, you may be helping children, the elderly, military service members and people from all walks of life. They are coming to your organization because they need help. They may be recovering from surgery, or an injury. They may not be able to walk or use their extremities. You will be assisting in their recovery, which can be extremely rewarding.

Understanding Human Movement

Helping people through physical therapy requires understanding the human body and how it moves. As you work along with the physical therapist, you will gain a great deal of knowledge about the human body and how to help it heal. The work you do with the therapist will make you more aware of your own body and the bodies of others, and will be a great foundation if you ever choose to become a physical therapist yourself.

Increased Responsibility

Physical therapists have assistants for a very important reason – it is impossible to do everything on your own, no matter how dedicated or talented you are. Assistants provide vital support to therapists that may be very busy, which means you can expect an increased level of responsibility than what you may be used to. As you learn the organization you are working in and the needs of the therapist or therapists you are supporting, you will likely gain more responsibility. Increased responsibility is great for career growth and increasing your proficiency at your job.

Job Mobility

One of the great advantages to being in a career that is in high demand is mobility. Once you have gained some experience in your field at your first job, you could be in even higher demand. If you want to move to another organization – across the city, or across the country – it may become much easier to do so. Careers like physical therapy assistants are fantastic for people who may want to travel and experience more than the town where they currently live.

Start Working Toward Your Physical Therapy Assistant Career Today!

If you are interested in a career as a physical therapy assistant, there is no better time to start your education than now. At ECPI University, we offer an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assisting. This degree program will prepare you to be competitive in the job market and knowledgeable in your profession, offering you everything you need to begin your career. And best of all, you could earn your degree in as little as a year and a half!

Learn why so many students interested in health sciences attend ECPI University and then contact us to get started. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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