Physical Therapist Assistant
Degree Options:
Associate DegreeCampus Location:
AthensDivision
Life Science & Public SafetyThe duties of a PTA may include teaching patients/clients exercise for mobility, strength and coordination; training for functional activities such as walking with various assistive devices such as crutches, canes, walkers, or other equipment; applying manual therapy techniques such as massage or joint mobilization; using physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation; and performing data collection and examination techniques to assess patient progress with interventions. Physical therapist assistants must maintain constant effective communication with the physical therapist regarding patient progress and response to treatment and record this information in patients’ medical records.
PTAs assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages and cultural backgrounds who have medical problems or health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTAs may also measure changes in the patient’s performance as a result of the physical therapy provided. A PTA should have a genuine desire to help others and be able to motivate them to do their best. Physical therapist assistants held about 98,700 jobs in May 2019. The industries that employed the most physical therapist assistants in were as follows: Offices: private physical therapy (46 percent) Hospitals (23 percent) Skilled nursing facilities (10 percent) Home health care services (9 percent) Offices: physician-based (8 percent) Employment opportunities are projected to grow by approximately 27 percent from 2018 through 2028. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2019-2020 edition, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides. Learn More: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm
Specific Facility, Tools Or Educational Tools Available
The classroom/lab space includes all equipment that represents current physical therapy practice, giving stuents a real-world learning simulation. Students are required to complete a 16-week, fulltime clinical education.
Additional Details
Class Times Offered:
DaytimeDeadline for Selective Admission:
May 21st- Fall Semester Start