Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants may find jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and outpatient clinics, treating patients of all ages who suffer from movement problems due to injury, illness or surgery. PTA’s help patients learn to sit, stand, run, climb stairs, throw and perform work, home and recreational activities properly. The ultimate goal is to help patients become as functionally independent as possible. Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist. Graduation rates for the program in previous years include  81.2% in 2011, 68.8% in 2012 and 61.5% in 2013.

Labs, classes, clinical work and internships will provide hands-on training for Physical Therapist Assistant students at Gateway. Labs will teach students how to use equipment and techniques that are used with real patients. Students practice these techniques with classmates, to gain confidence and competency in their skills. Many classes will include actual patients with specific conditions that volunteer to come to lab giving students practical, real-life experience. Gateway’s lab is equipped with the latest in physical therapy treatment devices, including: ultrasound, iontophoresis, TENS units, neuromuscular electrical stimulation units, whirlpools for hydrotherapy, traction devices, exercise equipment and assistive devices like crutches, canes and walkers, for gait training. Lab experiences will help students as they progress to their clinical rotations, where they will work under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist aide, treating patients. Initially, students will observe their clinical instructor and will progress to hands-on patient care as appropriate. By the end of the final full-time clinical rotation, students are expected to be independently providing care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

There is an increasing demand for physical therapist assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to increase 46 percent through 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations, due to the healthcare needs of a growing elderly population. Gateway has seen a 100 percent employment rate for all program graduates. PTA’s can earn a very competitive salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of PTA’s was $55,170 in 2015.

Graduates will be required to take the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy national licensing exam(link is external) after graduation to be qualified to practice in the particular state they will be working. Upon passing this exam, certified physical therapist assistants can work in various settings including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and outpatient clinics under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The 3-year average licensure pass rate is 92.3% for the exam (graduating classes 2011-2013).