If you are interested in helping people regain their health and mobility after suffering from a debilitating disease or injury, you might want to consider pursuing a career as a physical therapist assistant. As with other jobs within the healthcare industry, employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants are expected to be quite abundant over the next several years. In addition, physical therapist assistants have the potential to earn a very attractive income, which is just one more reason to consider pursuing a career in this field.

Exploring the Duties of the Physical Therapist Assistant

A physical therapist assistant is responsible for providing assistance to physical therapists as they treat patients to relieve pain, increase mobility and reduce the impact of physical disabilities. The physical therapist assistant may work directly with the patient or may perform other tasks for the therapist, including gathering and preparing equipment. In some settings, a physical therapist assistant may be called upon to perform clerical tasks such as answering phones and completing paperwork and insurance forms.

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

In order to become a physical therapist assistant, you need to have at least a high school diploma. In many states, however, you need to obtain a minimum of an associate’s degree to work as a physical therapist assistant. After completing the necessary educational requirements, you may need to successfully complete an examination in order to obtain licensing as a physical therapist assistant. In some states, licensing is not necessary.

Employment and Salary Outlook for Physical Therapy Assistants

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than the average occupation over the next several years. This is largely because the number of disabled individuals requiring physical therapy is expected to grow over the next several years as the population continues to age.

The Bureau also reports that physical therapist assistants earned a median annual income of $41,360 in 2006. Those working in home healthcare facilities earned the highest salary, with an annual median income of $46,390. Those working in the offices of physicians earned the least, with a median annual income of $39,290. Those who were employed as physical therapist aids, on the other hand, earned a median annual income of $22,060 in 2006. Aids working in nursing homes earned the most, with a median annual income of $24,170 and those working in the offices of physicians earned the least with an annual median income of $21,230.

To learn more about how to become a physical therapist assistant and to explore available online and ground campus programs, visit Top-Colleges.com.