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Sample of Job
Titles and
Salary Ranges
Physical Therapy is the assessment,
evaluation, treatment and prevention of disability, pain, or movement
dysfunction resulting from injury, disease, or disability.
A broad and detailed knowledge of anatomy,
a thorough working knowledge of principles of exercise and therapeutic
techniques, and a mastery of patient care procedures involved in the
handling of the sick and injured are all necessary accomplishments for the
competent PTA. Good health, emotional stability, accuracy, and the ability
to get along with people are essential. Since PTA's frequently work with
seriously ill or injured patients, they should be endowed with a good
measure of empathy and compassion.
An entry-level position in the Out-patient
physical therapy facility setting for a licensed PTA with no prior work experience in the Washington
Metro area has been estimated at approximately $40,000 - $45,000 per year
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Possible Employers
A Physical Therapist Assistant
(PTA) may practice limited physical therapy under the supervision of a
physical therapist. The employers listed below are places where PTA
graduates have been employed. However other job settings include, hospitals, private practice
settings, rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, pediatric
centers, home care, and specialty clinics (sports medicine, orthopedic
etc.) PTA's have excellent opportunities to practice as part of a team of
health care providers and their scope of care allows for interactions with
patients as well as sophisticated equipment.
National
Rehabilitation Hospital
Eastern Neuro Rehabilitation Hospital
George Washington University Hospital
Howard University Hospital
Georgetown University Hospital
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services
Holy Cross hospital
Department of Veterans Affairs
Kessler Adventist Rehabilitation Services
Montgomery General Hospital |
Kaiser
Permanente
Laurel Regional
Hospital
Manor Care Chevy Chase
Metropolitan Orthopedics and Sports Therapy
Montgomery County Public Schools
Shady Grove Adventist Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
PSI Services, Inc.
Wilson Health Care Center at Asbury, etc.
Jim Clark, PT,PC |
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Sources of Additional
Information
Employment Outlook:
Employment of physical therapist assistants (PTA's) is expected to grow
much faster than the average through the year 2008. However, Federal
Legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for therapy services may
continue to adversely affect the job market for physical therapist
assistants in the near term. Because of the effects of these provisions,
the majority of expected employment growth for physical therapist
assistants is expected to occur in the second half of the projection
period.
Over the long run, demand for physical
therapist assistants will continue to rise because of the growth in the
number of patients with disabilities or limited function. The rapidly
growing elderly population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and
debilitating conditions that require therapeutic services. These patients
often need additional assistance in their treatment, making the roles of
assistants and aides vital. The large baby-boom generation is entering the
prime age for heart attacks and strokes, further increasing the demand for
cardiac and physical rehabilitation. Additionally, future medical
developments should permit an increased percentage of trauma victims to
survive, creating added demand for therapy services.
Preparation
PTA's may be prepared in Associate Degree programs. An Associate of
Applied Science Degree program can be completed as a full-time student in
two years or can be taken on a part-time basis for general education
requirements. Graduates from an Accredited PTA program are eligible
to apply to take the National Physical Therapy Licensing Examination which is required
to practice in Maryland.
While some PTA's may choose to continue
their education and become physical therapy students, it is important for
the PTA student to understand that the technical courses offered in the
PTA program do not necessarily transfer for credit in PT programs.
As part of the educational process,
students learn and develop skills in the academic setting and in various
clinical settings during the program. Clinical education allows the
student to enhance new skills by practicing under the instruction and
supervision of a physical therapist. |
Physical Therapist
Assistant Program Now is in a new location
with new :"State of the Art
Facility"
7977
GEORGIA AVENUE Suite 239 |