• Physical therapy, introduction to basic patient care, functional anatomy and kinesiology, and clinical practicum. They must also have certifications in CPR and first aid. Graduates from accredited programs are eligible to take the state licensure examination.
• If you’re interested in physical therapy but aren’t ready for grad school, a career as a physical therapist assistant may be just the ticket. But don’t get the idea that it’s an easy ride: though an associate’s degree is generally all you’ll need, the course work is heavy on the sciences.
• As a physical therapist assistant, you’ll work under the supervision of a physical therapist (PT) to help patients whose ability to move is impaired, from injured athletes to disabled children. You’ll provide the kind of practical, hands-on help that can be truly life-changing
• Physical therapist assistants work with physical therapists to help patients with exercises and other therapeutic treatments, such as bathing, applying hot and cold packs, and massaging.
• The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a technically educated health provider who assists the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy and may perform physical therapy interventions selected by the supervising physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant works under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist, helping manage conditions such as back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, injuries related to work and sports, and others.

Work Environment

Physical therapist assistants work in a broad range of settings, including the following:

• Fitness centers and sports training facilities
• Hospitals, Outpatient clinics or offices
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Skilled nursing, extended care, or sub-acute facilities
• Homes, Education or research centers
• Schools, Hospices, Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments

Job Outlook

The number of physical therapist assistants employed in Florida in 2006 was 3,856. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 5,109. This represents an annual average growth rate of 4.1 percent.

Length of Training/Requirements

Physical therapist assistants must complete a two-year training program leading to an associate in science (A.S.) degree or associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree, offered through community colleges and private colleges. The curriculum may include core courses in principles.