College of Health Sciences

• Health Sciences Learning Outcomes
• Faculty and Staff-CHS
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• RN to BSN Degree Completion
• Physical Therapist Assistant
  • PTA Program Admission
  • PTA Accreditation
  • PTA Philosophy, Mission, Goals
  • PTA Degree Requirements
  • PTA Course Descriptions
  • PTA Learning Outcomes
  • PTA Graduation and Employment Data
  • PTA Licensing Exam Data
  • PTA Student Handbook/Clinical Handbook
  • PTA Career Opportunities
• Certified Medical Assistant

PTA as a Career

Physical Therapy is a discipline that promotes optimal human health and function.  Using scientific evaluation and treatment procedures, potential or existing acute or prolonged movement dysfunctions are identified, prevented, corrected or alleviated.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a skilled clinical practitioner who performs patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and carries out a treatment plan following established procedures. The PTA instructs patients in exercises and activities of daily living; administers treatments using special equipment; observes and reports the patients' responses to treatment; and assists in performing evaluations, special tests, and complicated treatment procedures.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES --Physical therapy settings include hospitals, schools, rehabilitation facilities, private practices, nursing homes, orthopedic and sports medicine centers and patients' homes.  Opportunities for specialization in this growing profession include cardiac rehabilitation, rural home health care, aquatics, industrial rehabilitation, education and research.

OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK --According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition of the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow by 29 percent over the 2006-16 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations... long-term demand for physical therapist assistants and aides will continue to rise, as the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function grows." Therefore, the occupational outlook for the PTA looks good today and in the future.

PTA Career Opportunities

Hospital Systems
Acute Care
Neurological Rehabilitation
Burn Care
Oncology
Home Health
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Industrial Rehabilitation
Outpatient
Medical & Surgical Rehabilitation
Pediatric Rehabilitation

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Centers

Industrial Rehabilitation

Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Private Practice
Home Health
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Industrial
Rehabilitation Outpatient
Neurological Rehabilitation

Public Health Departments
Home Health
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Neurological Rehabilitation

Schools and Education
Neurological Rehabilitation
Research
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Teaching
Pediatric Rehabilitation

Skilled Nursing Facilities
Long Term Care
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Neurological Rehabilitation

Wellness Programs
Adult Day Care
Physical Fitness
Assisted Living Centers
Recreation Programs