What's it like being a physical therapy assistant?

Physical therapy assistant?

• Hi, How much does a physical therapy assistant make? Do they make good money? its not a physical therapist but its an assistant... is it still a hard job to do? Whats the dfiference ...show more

• Answer:

  According to the bureau of labor and statistics, most PTAs are earning between about $42 and $62K, but the median salary is right in the middle of that. Pay is often dependent on the region and setting in which you work (nursing homes tend to pay the highest), region and experience. PTA school still has a competitive entrance, but the level of coursework one needs to get in is less academically challenging than becoming a PT. It's an associates degree. Inpatient refers to working with patients who are "in-house"...this might mean hospitalized patients or patients who are in a nursing home or acute rehabilitation facility. Outpatient refers to patients who are residing at home and come into a clinic for therapy. Inpatient settings see a variety of patients with acute or "sub acute" (extended illnesses) that range from acute medical illnesses: pneumonia, heart failure, immediate phase after joint replacement surgery to working with patients who are recovering from extended medical illnesses: stroke, debility, etc. Oupatients are typically the "orthopedic" population: people with knee injuries, back pain, sports related injuries, but can also include the more "recovered" patients with neurological problems: MS, long phase recovery of stroke, etc.