Physical therapy is an exciting and rewarding field that helps individuals with physical injuries or abnormalities. There are a lot of responsibilities in physical therapy positions, including the facilitation of exercise on special equipment and applying clinical methods. There are many possible patients, including individuals with back pain, arthritis, cerebral palsy, head injuries, sprains, and broken bones. There are two main career paths within this field, which are physical therapy assistant (PTA or Aide) and physical therapist. While it is understandable that the salary of licensed physical therapists is much more then that of an assistant, the cost of education is also substantially greater.  The physical therapy assistant will work directly under the therapist and will be instructed to assist on a variety of tasks. The scope of the tasks performed by will range depending on the facility. This position usually involves working with patients as they carry out the assignments of the physical therapist, such as movement exercises and gait therapy. Clerical duties are also a part of the PTA position. Answering phones, ordering supplies, and scheduling appointments are aspects of the physical therapy assistant’s job. The PTA will not be performing clinical procedures that require a licensed physical therapist. A physical therapist will work with a patient to assess the methods or types of therapies that will produce the greatest possible results.

This will involve meeting with the patient and assessing their skill and pain levels. The physical therapist will prescribe certain activities and assist in their proper completion. They will also administer clinical therapeutic procedures, including mechanical traction and electrical stimulation. Most of the work will be to increase the mobility of the patient and decrease pain as much as possible. To become a physical therapy assistant or aide, you must first study at an accredited physical therapy assistant school or university. These programs usually last only two years and cost about $10,000 for in-state students and about $30,000 for out of state students. Students will leave the program with an associate’s degree. In addition to schooling, you must also pass a state examination before you are allowed to begin practicing. These exams usually cost around $350. Additionally, field work hours are usually required to begin working. This means that the student must spend a number of unpaid hours serving as an assistant in order to learn the trade. Professionals are also required to have First Aid and CPR training in many states. The physical therapy assistant program is not a prerequisite to becoming a physical therapist as it does not provide the necessary coursework. Coursework in an assistant program varies between schools, but usually involves basic medical education classes.

In order to become a physical therapist, you must first study in an accredited physical therapy school or university. These programs are usually two to three years long and cost around $13,000 for in-state students and $35,000 for out of state students. Master and doctoral level programs are also available and can take up to four years. Many physical therapy schools offer programs that take only two or two and a half years. The cost of participating in a master or doctoral level program is around $12,500 for in-state students and about $32,000 for out of state students. In addition to a college education, physical therapists must pass a licensure exam before they are allowed to practice. This exam costs about $350. The coursework will include medical and chemistry classes, but the exact coursework varies according to the school. Physical Therapy assistants and physical therapists work in a wide variety of locations, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health care, outpatient clinics, schools, sports facilities, and private practices. The jobs performed at each facility will depend on the populations being served. Sports facilities will hire assistants and physical therapists to help athletes become ready to play again. This atmosphere is drastically different than other facilities. Nursing home opportunities will require that the assistant or therapist is interested in working with a frail and physically challenged population. Physical therapists have the additional option of starting their own facility. This allows them to specialize in any area desired and to work with populations they enjoy making  a very nice salary.

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