Physical Therapy Assistants and Aides

Employment opportunities for physiotherapists, staff and volunteers are plentiful in today's difficult job market. Medical and scientific research has highlighted the need for many rehabilitation services. Our population is aging at a rate that the support of many medical staff. These are just some of the reasons why the choice of a career as a physical therapy assistant or help a good decision.

Assistants directly under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The majority of their work direct patient care. They work with patients to restore or improve mobility and support of patients with pain issues. You can use techniques such as exercises, electrical stimulation, massage, hot and cold therapy, ultrasound and traction to achieve these results. Orthopedic procedures such as hip and knee replacements are becoming more common. Employees are often the rehabilitation services for these customers. Persons engaged in the trauma injuries, the benefits of physical therapy for recovery. Sometimes Therapist on staff to offer instruction in connection with exercises that are at home or for instructions on how to use crutches or rolling walkers. Physical Therapist Assistants are usually required to document and report patients' responses to treatments and patients' progress.

Most states in the United States an assistant, a junior grade. In addition, some states require licensing. The American Physical Therapy Association reports that in 2009 there are currently 224 accredited bodies 237 physical therapy assistant programs. Moreover, there is an additional 44-programs in development for this educational program. Completion of a state or national exam can be for approval as a Physical Therapy Assistant.

Compensation and duties

The average annual salary for employees and volunteers after Indeed.com is $ 65,000. The U.S. Department of Labor indicates that the median annual earnings of physiotherapists assistants were $ 41,350 in 2006. Payscale.com reports, however, that the median annual starting salary for a physiotherapist is $ 38,118. Many factors such as geography, size and type of employer, the wage indicators.

Aides work under the supervision of a physiotherapist or an assistant. Their job duties are many and varied. They are essentially responsible for ensuring that the therapy sessions running. It enables patients to and from therapy sessions. They keep the therapy with supplies and the things clean and organized. Aides Mai also clerical duties, such as planning dates, ordering supplies, and filling out insurance forms. You can help patients with dressing or undressing. An aide weighs patients. Aides are not licensed, so they are not any kind of physical therapy with the patient.

Educational requirements for help are a high school diploma or GED. Many facilities offer on-the-job training for this position. Previous experience as a certified Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide useful when searching for this type of work.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported that in 2006 the median annual earnings of physiotherapists aides were $ 22,060. Payscale.com pointed out that currently the average annual median salary of three physical therapy assistance is $ 18,581. Another source, CareerOverview.com lists the median average annual pay for a helper than $ 22,100.

Jobs for physical therapy assistants and helpers are acute care hospitals, nursing facilities, home health, schools, rehab facilities, orthopedic clinics, and physician offices. Some physiotherapists have a special procedure, this is another way of employment. The working hours for these positions can be very different. Some weekend and evening work.

Individuals in pursuing a career as a licensed physiotherapist may find that beginning as assistants or consultants offer a high level of experience may be helpful in achieving this goal. Working in the environment can help with the terminology and procedures involved with physical therapy. This will certainly help with educational and clinical requirements for a physical therapy program. Persons who have a career as a physiotherapist, you can explore this idea by you first as a consultant or assistant. This is a person, a better idea of the actual daily tasks of a physiotherapist. This experience is also an advantage in preparing a resume, if you decide not to pursue a career as a physiotherapist.

Autor: Michael Morales

Michael Morales is an EMT paramedic and director of education for Vital Ethics Inc., providing basic and advanced life support training and certification programs.

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Added: June 9, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/