Tips on how to Get an Associate Degree in Physical Therapy
Physical therapy assistant usually implements treatment so as to improve mobility, lessen physical disabilities and at the same time relieving pain of patients. These kinds of professionals normally work under a physical therapist who has been licensed. They also deal with patients who have got impairments as a result of illnesses, diseases or accidents. This kind of degree will offer students a medical background and a hands on experience which is necessary for one to succeed in this growing field.
Physical therapy assistants, in most states, are mandated by law to have an associate degree. It will take you two years to complete this course. It is advisable that students look for schools which have been accredited by The American Physical Therapy Associations Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Students are supposed to have a GED or a higher diploma.
You will find that in this course, the program is supposed to cover various topics such as biology, physical therapy science, anatomy, orthopedic therapeutic exercises, medical terminology, rehabilitation principles, neurological therapeutic exercises and the patient care skills. Patient positioning and transfer activities can be included into rehabilitation principles. Students are also required to learn other techniques that include hydrotherapy, paraffin, cryotherpay procedures, electrotherpay and radiant energy. They are also required to know how to do massage on certain patients, sterile technique, how vital signs can be monitored care for wounds. Students can also go to an extent of covering an advanced first aid, kinesiology, algebra, human musculature, pharmacology, pathology, technical writing, psychology and English.
This kind of program prepares students to be ready to undertake licensure exams meant for physical therapy assistants. Some of the state requires these kinds of students to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam while others prefer state exams. Physical therapy assistants are also required to complete credits in continuing education so as to keep their license. In addition, those students also gain extra skills in areas such as integumentary physical therapy, cardiopulmonary or even pediatric.
Students are required by tis program to undertake a given number of hours hands on experience. These kind of opportunities can be found in clinics or hospitals which offers services of physical therapy and as a result prepare students for the real work in their field that is quite demanding.
After completion, these students can find entry level opportunities doctor's offices or hospitals as physical therapy assistants. Some of them work for nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, home health care services, rehabilitation facilities for inpatients, fitness centers and even hospices. Due to the increase in the population of elderly people, job opportunities for physical therapist assistants is expected to climb upwards by 35 percent from the year 2008 up to 2018.