Job Duties for a Pediatric Physical Therapist Assistant

A pediatric physical therapist assistant helps physical therapists provide care to children. The position requires less education than that of a physical therapist. Many students work as assistants while continuing their education to become physical therapists.

Features

A pediatric physical therapist assistant works under the supervision of a pediatric physical therapist to assess and treat infants and children for problems including fractures, spinal issues, brain injury, cardiac disease and muscular diseases. An assistant helps patients exercise, provides massages and records patient progress.

Education

A physical therapist assistant holds, at minimum as required by law, an associate's degree from an accredited physical-therapy program. Assistants often continue work on a bachelor's degree, then a master's degree, to become physical therapists.

Licensing

Although licensing is not a federal requirement for physical therapist assistants, some states mandate it, so check the requirements in the state where you plan to work.

Salary

Earnings for a physical therapist assistant vary depending on location and working environment. In 2006, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the average annual income for a physical therapist assistant was $41,360.

Job Prospects

The Bureau of Labor predicts that the field of physical therapist assistant will continue to grow to replace the assistants who attain higher positions. Competition is expected to be strong, with many qualified candidates. Experience working in a clinic helps.

References

• Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
• United States Bureau of Labor