Physical Therapist Assistant Degree
Physical Therapist Assistant: A job with a healthy forecast – 35% growth by 2018!*
A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is supervised by a licensed physical therapist and provides a variety of physical therapy services to patients of all ages, from all walks of life. This job embraces diversity, as each patient has unique needs and conditions that affect their ability to perform normal, everyday tasks and activities. A physical therapist assistant plays a vital role in helping patients ease their suffering and pain. Our Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree gives you an opportunity to learn the skills needed to assume a position as an entry-level physical therapist assistant. The career offers diversity in employment, as physical therapist assistants (PTA’s) are needed in many different settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, in- and outpatient clinics, schools, athletic and recreational facilities, and wellness centers.
We want you to succeed. The training you recieve in our Physical Therapist Assistant program is focused on giving you an intensive blend of formal education and hands-on experience so that you are ready to meet the needs of a physical therapist assistant position. Enjoy practical, real world training. If you are ready to begin your career as a PTA, here are some great reasons to consider our Physical Therapist Assistant program:
- Formal instruction, laboratory practice and hands-on clinical experience are combined to give you a well-rounded blend of knowledge for success
- The Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program is often completed in as few as two years – usually five semesters. A short investment of time for an exciting new skill set
- Preparation for the PTA licensure exam the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Physical Therapist Assistant training: A hands-on experience
Being physical therapist assistant means taking the term ‘hands-on’ literally. As a PTA, you will be able to engage in treatments and procedures that include the application of therapeutic hot/cold modalities, manual therapy, helping patients learn to use crutches, applying dressings and supports, and engaging in needed administrative tasks. Our PTA students receive formal instruction on physical therapy through exciting and diverse coursework. Classes include anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and patient communication, as well as laboratory practice and hands-on clinical experience in the field.
Once you’ve successfully completed your physical therapist assistant training at Carrington College, you should have the skills and the confidence to:
- Provide a range of physical therapy services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
- Communicate in a confident, professional manner with patients and colleagues.
- Assess patients’ individual needs and communicate with them relevantly.
- Demonstrate your proficiency in critical thinking and information management.
Physical Therapist Assistant: A career that is gaining muscle!
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment prospects for a qualified physical therapist assistant are expected to increase by about 35% through 2018 — that’s much faster than the average for all occupations*. As the population continues to age, the demand for physical therapy services will increase. Additionally, you have the opportunity to work with patients who have had to face tragic life circumstances, like automobile accidents and an array of medical disabilities. Having a career as a physical therapist assistant (PTA) puts you in the role of helping enhance the lives of each patient and their unique set of circumstances. Flex your career muscle and reach out immediately to a Carrington College Admissions Representative.
The Carrington College Physical Therapist Assistant program is available at our Mesa, AZ, Boise, ID, Albuquerque, NM, and Las Vegas, NV campuses, and culminates in an Associate of Science degree. Once you have successfully graduated, most states require you to then study for, and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Once you have passed this licensure exam you will be eligible to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
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Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.
* U.S. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition.