Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical therapist assistants and physical therapist play an important role in today’s healthcare system. Through the use of physical therapy, which was first put into practice in 460 B.C., physical therapist assistants (pta) and physical therapist (pt) help patients with physical illnesses, injuries, or physical strains to recover and manage their pain. Although they seem similar, physical therapist assistants and physical therapist differ from each other in many aspects but most importantly in what they do, how to become each one, and their pay.
Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Their job is to observe the patient before, during, and after therapy, noting how they are progressing …show more content…
Physical therapist review new patients’ medical history and any referrals or notes given to the patient from their doctor or surgeon. Physical therapist should be able to diagnose patients’ dysfunctional movements by observing the way they stand or walk, as well as, listening to their concerns. With this information in mind, the physical therapist can now set up a plan of care for the patient to follow, which should also outline the patient’s goals and expected outcomes. Like the physical therapy assistants, physical therapist use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy and work out equipment to ease the pain and help the patient regain mobility and prevent further pain or injury. A physical therapist also evaluates the patient’s progress, which could lead to them modifying the plan of care or trying out some new treatment. In order to become a physical therapist, you must obtain a doctorates degree. Doctorate physical therapy (DPT) programs normally last 3 years and most require a bachelor’s degree for admission. In order to graduate from the programs, students must complete clinical internships. Once becoming a physical therapist, the median annual wage is around $79,000. The lowest 10% is $55,000 and the top 10% made over $112,000 a
Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Their job is to observe the patient before, during, and after therapy, noting how they are progressing …show more content…
Physical therapist review new patients’ medical history and any referrals or notes given to the patient from their doctor or surgeon. Physical therapist should be able to diagnose patients’ dysfunctional movements by observing the way they stand or walk, as well as, listening to their concerns. With this information in mind, the physical therapist can now set up a plan of care for the patient to follow, which should also outline the patient’s goals and expected outcomes. Like the physical therapy assistants, physical therapist use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy and work out equipment to ease the pain and help the patient regain mobility and prevent further pain or injury. A physical therapist also evaluates the patient’s progress, which could lead to them modifying the plan of care or trying out some new treatment. In order to become a physical therapist, you must obtain a doctorates degree. Doctorate physical therapy (DPT) programs normally last 3 years and most require a bachelor’s degree for admission. In order to graduate from the programs, students must complete clinical internships. Once becoming a physical therapist, the median annual wage is around $79,000. The lowest 10% is $55,000 and the top 10% made over $112,000 a