Physical Therapy Assistant Schools - Your First Step Towards a Promising Career

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a Physical Therapy Assistant(PTA)? Then perhaps you should go through the Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in your area to find out about the training and courses offered.

Training to become a physical therapy assistant is indeed quite an interesting and an enjoyable experience. Simply put, a PTA is a person responsible for assisting physical therapists with a vast range of clinical tasks. These assistants work closely with therapists and administer treatments to most patients. Some of the main tasks of a PTA include:

• Providing assistance in treating patients to improve their mobility, reduce their pain and prevent them from developing physical disabilities


• Aiding in exercises, massages, ultrasound, paraffin baths and electrical stimulations


• Maintaining the cleanliness of the equipment as well as the treatment area


• Organizing the necessary tools and treatment area


• Helping patients who require support or pushing their wheelchairs

The Training

In order to become a Physical Therapist Assistant, you must first complete your high school diploma and then search the best PTA Schools to find the best. Though an associate's degree is sufficient, some Physical Therapist Assistants choose to pursue a bachelor's degree and gain additional work experience before entering the practical field. An advanced degree is also an option you may consider, but it is only required if you wish to become a Physical Therapist

Choosing the Right School

In order to become a good Physical Therapy Assistant, you must first find a good Physical Therapy Assistants' School. So, while checking schools, look for the following factors:

• Accreditation


• Location


• Costs and Financial Aid


• Timings


• Flexibility


• Curriculum and the Courses offered

Courses Offered

During their course of study in Physical Therapy Assistant Schools, future PTAs normally have to study some basic courses such as:

1. Introduction to Physical Therapy

This is a foundation course that is based upon the history of the Physical Therapy, its current state and the upcoming treatments. An understanding of the different health care ethics, psychosocial effects of injuries and different rehabilitation methods is involved in this course.

2. Therapeutic Exercise

This is a class where students learn to develop exercise programs and monitor patients' performance. Other topics included within this course involve injury prevention, conditioning and performance maintenance.

3. Pathology Class

Here students will learn about human pathology, common ailments and injuries. Apart from this, they will also learn how to help in healing patients' respiratory, gastrointestinal, circulatory and musculoskeletal conditions.

4. Orthopedics Class

This class helps students understand different diseases, ailments and injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system. This in turn enables them to recognize the different symptoms of orthopedic conditions as well as develop treatment program.

Now that you are well aware of the different aspects of choosing from the many Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in your area, are you ready to pick the right school for you?