Physical Therapist Assistant

Description
Wage Data and Employment Outlook
Goals and Certificates
Prerequisites and Required Assessments
Training Providers
How to Get Started
Find a Job

Description

Physical therapist assistants assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. They 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 (click here to visit ONET with additional job task descriptions).

Students completing this degree will have a foundation for the fields of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, physics and movement science through the study of basic principles of patient management, engineering and physics for the PTA, physical agents and modalities, pathophysiology, orthopedics, neuro-rehabilitation for the PTA, therapeutic exercise and will acquire skills for patient care, application of modalities and physical agents, implementation of therapeutic exercise and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation under the PT plan of care and clinical education hours. Students who successfully graduate from the program are eligible  to sit for state licensure examination. Once the state board is passed, they will be able to find work as a licensed physical therapist assistant.  Jobs are readily available throughout California.

Wage Data and Employment Outlook

Median Earnings * for Physical Therapist Assistants in the Central Valley *median earnings definition Median income is the amount that divides the income distribution into two equal groups. This means half of the jobs for this occupation pay more than this amount and half pay less than this amount.

$31.47/hr

Employment Outlook* in the Central Valley *employment outlook definition Employment Outlook numbers represent current employment information in the Central Valley of California. The 2016 total number of jobs is the number of individuals employed in this occupation in 2016. The 2020 estimated number of jobs is the estimated number of individuals that will be employed in this occupation in 2020. Expected Growth is the increase in the number of individuals expected to be employed in this occupation and is shown as a total number and a percent increase. The average annual growth rate is the rate at which, on average, the total number of jobs will increase each year.

2014 Total Number of Jobs in CV: 286 2020 Estimated Number Jobs in CV: 368 Expected Growth 2014 to 2020: Increase of 82 jobs, or 28.5%, an annual average growth rate of 4.3%

Goals and Certificates

Students completing this program of study will earn an Associates of Science Degree and will be eligible to sit for the state licensure examination.

Prerequisites and Required Assessments

Students must complete an application to enter this program. Application requirements include:

• An overall college GPA of 2.5;
• 4 semester units of Anatomy; 4 semester units of Physiology.
  *Combined GPA of Anatomy and Physiology courses must be at least 2.5.

Once admitted to the program, students will be required to obtain a physical examination by a physician, current immunizations, proof of current driver's license, proof of current auto insurance, cleared background check and drug screen, CPR certification from American Heart Association (only). Students must be able to work a 8-10 hour day and 40 hours per week at clinical sites; understand and work from written and verbal orders, effective communication skills, technical competency in patient care, assess changes in patient status, bend/ crouch/stoop several times in a hour, lift/carry a minimum of 30 pounds; reach overhead above 90 degrees; utilize eyesight to observe patients and manipulate equipment.

Training Providers

College of Sequoias - CLICK HERE for more information on the COS Physical Therapist Assistant program

For training programs outside of the local area, CLICK HERE.

How to Get Started

1. Complete the COS Enrollment Process:
   Application for Physical Therapist Assistant Program, CLICK HERE.

Find a Job

1.   Click Here for HEALTHCARE JOB OPPORTUNITIES on the SAEC website