When you get a physical therapy assistant degree you will be qualified to assist physical therapists in a wide range of daily activities. You will be eligible to work in nursing homes, home health care situations, health care practitioner offices and hospitals. You will need an associate’s degree in order to become a physical therapist assistant.

Training And Licensing

To be a physical therapy assistant you will need to get a physical therapy assistant degree. If you want to practice, you will also need to be certified. Something that is very important to keep in mind is that certification qualifications vary from state to state, so find out what the exact prerequisites in your state are.

There are several different courses that you can engage in order to become a PTA:

• Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assisting
• Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health
• Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting
• Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Health

Some physical therapy assistants train on the job, but in most states you need to be fully qualified and licensed in order to practice as a physical therapy assistant. For this you will need an associate’s degree.

Online Physical Therapy Assistant Degrees

An online PTA degree is an easy and flexible way for you to become an accredited PTA, but you need to make sure that the online school that you get your Physical Therapy Assistant Degree through is actually one that is accredited and that you are not effectively wasting your time with the qualification.

The following are generally considered to be the 9 best online schools (in reverse order) for getting your physical therapy assistant degree in the United States:

• Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
• Pima Medical Institute
• Keiser University Online
• Independence University
• Penn Foster Career School
• A.T. Still University
• Argosy University
• Herzing College
• Grand Canyon University

Your Learning Expectations

Different physical therapy assistant programs come with different curriculum’s, but there basics that you will learn will include:

• Theory and Practice of Physical Therapy (resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid, and field experience in treatment centers)
• Medical Sciences Courses
• General Courses (algebra, English, anatomy and physiology, and psychology)
• Practical Work
• You will also develop the skills needed to be well-organized, detail oriented, and caring, as well as being easy to lead and able to work in a team
• Interpersonal skills

More specifically, at the end of a physical therapy assistant degree:

• You should be able to become employed as a physical assistant in an entry-level capacity
• You should be able to comprehend and implement the various procedures that a physical therapy assistant will be responsible for easily and adequately (under the supervision of a Physical Therapist)
• You should be able to pass a licensing exam easily
• You should be able to put theory knowledge regarding legal and ethical considerations in the physical therapy arena into practice efficiently and consistently
• You should have developed an interest in constantly bettering your knowledge in the field through the acceptance and adherence to life-long learning standards for the industry
• You should be able to implement treatments plans and adapt them according to patient responses and interactions
• You should be able to take information you learn from literature reviews into practice efficiently and appropriately
• You should be able to report and communicate changes in patient status and patient progress
• You should be able to communicate effectively in terms of documenting information regarding the patent’s care, progress and responses
• You should be able to collect data and then apply that data appropriately to the plan of care formulated for the patient
• You should be able to identify how to interact appropriately with the various people with whom you will come into contact with and provide the appropriate support needed at a variety of levels

To enter a physical therapy assistant degree:

• You will need to have the comprehension skill of an 11th grader
• You will need to be able to function competently and safely if you are taking prescription or over the counter medication
• You will need to be able to communicate and assimilate information in a variety of different formats
• You will need to have personal and grooming standards that are appropriate for the work you will do as a physical therapists assistant, namely close contact with clients
• You will need to have the skills necessary to analyse and draw conclusions from data
• You will need to have the social skills necessary for this type of work
• You will need to have the physical ability to stand for a minimum of 2 hours
• You will need to have the emotional stability to keep your head under emergency circumstances
• You will need to have the physical ability to walk for a minimum of six hours
• You will need to have the natural ability to identify a potentially dangerous situation and intervene before the situation becomes severe and serious
• You will need to be physically able to stoop and bend for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time and to repeat this activity at uncertain intervals
• You will need to be able to respond well and appropriately to various skills and signals given by patients
• You will need to be physically able to lift a person weighing 40 pounds on your own, and you will need to be physically capable of assisting in moving a much heavier patient
• You will need to have the fine motor coordination necessary to do tasks such as assisting with dressing
• You will need to be able to determine what is going on with a patient by touch

Nature Of Work

You should note that there are differences between physical therapy assistants and physical therapy aides, but a physical therapy assistant degree should qualify you for both.

As a Physical Therapy Assistant you will assist the physical therapist in:

• Providing care to the patient
• Providing exercise instruction to the patient (under supervision)
• Providing therapeutic methods to the patient (under supervision)
• Recording responses to and outcome of the various treatments that the patient is made to undergo

As a physical therapy aide you will:

• Assist in making the therapy session productive (under supervision)
• Keep the treatment area clean
• Keep the treatment area organised
• Prepare the treatment area for each therapy session
• Assist patients in moving from treatment area to another
• Deal with various clerical and administrative tasks (depends on the institute you are working for)
• Physical therapy assistant aides are not licensed to perform clinical duties

In general the work you will do with a PTA degree is:

• Assisting in improving patient mobility
• Assisting in preventing or lessening any disabilities a patient may have
• Assisting patients with exercising
• Assisting patients in learning to use aids, such as crutches
• Gathering and preparing therapy equipment

Environment and Hours

• Strength is required to a certain degree , something you need to keep in mind when applying for a physical therapy assistant degree
• Hours will vary depending on your place of work
• Part time and weekend hours are a possibility in this line of work

Future Prospects And Salary

You’ll be very happy to hear that jobs in the physical therapy assistant field are projected to grow faster than average in the future, making it a safe and secure bet for someone looking for a stable career. This is in fact true of many jobs in the health care industry, the fastest growing job industry at present. New technological advances create new jobs, and higher prevalence of certain conditions cause health care workers to be highly in demand.

It is important to remember, however, that you may face quite stiff competition when applying for a PTA job as more and more people are becoming qualified to work in this area.

There are several future plans you may be able to make once you have a PTA degree:

• You could enter an accredited physical therapy assistant school that will allow you to convert your PTA degree to a Physical Therapist Degree, opening up your career options even further.

The physical therapy assistant salary you can expect varies slightly, generally falling somewhere between $33,840 and $49,010.

In general it is easy to see that if you want to get your foot in the door of the health care industry without the years of study involved in becoming, for example, a doctor, then a physical therapy assistant degree is the perfect avenue for you to pursue. As far as employment goes, you should be able to find a job if you have the appropriate certification, and once you have entered the job market in this way you should never have any trouble staying employed.

The post Obtaining Your Physical Therapy Assistant Degree appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

PTAs perform a variety of tasks, some of which are administrative and others which are clinical. They work under the direct supervision of a qualified physical therapist. Very often the PTA and the PT will work together on one patient as certain treatments require more than one individual to perform. All of the treatments and various tasks that are performed by a physical therapy assistant have one aim behind them, and that is to ensure the rehabilitation and comfort of a patient.

Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description

Physical Therapy Assistants, together with Physical Therapists, provide essential services to those who are injured, those who are suffering from a medical condition or have suffered some sort of trauma. The goal of physical therapy is the improvement of the patient’s flexibility, fitness and strength; to relieve them of pain and to improve their quality of life.

The duties of a Physical Therapy Assistant include:

• The preparation of physical therapy equipment.
• The observation of patients during treatment.
• Assisting patients with their exercises.
• Coordinating patient treatment in conjunction with physical therapy staff.
• Administering ultrasound, electrical stimulation and massages.
• Measuring a patient’s progress during the weeks or months of physical therapy.
• Reporting the outcome of treatment to the physical therapist.
• Recording a patient’s response to the treatment they are receiving.
• Assisting patients to move to or from a treatment area if necessary.
• Keeping the treatment area and the equipment clean and organised.
• Administrative duties like scheduling appointments, manning the telephone, ordering supplies, etcetera.
• Fitting patients with support devices such as walkers, crutches etc and instructing the patient on how to use them.

Physical Therapy Assistant Requirements

The one important fact about physical therapy which escapes most people is that it is not just about helping a patient to get back to complete health, it is also about knowing how to get through to people who are difficult cases in such a way that they respond positively to you, and to motivate them to want to do the exercises in order to help themselves. This means that you need to be able to strike up a rapport with patients and get them to trust you.

Before you can become a Physical Therapy Assistant there are certain requirements with which you need to comply, both personality-wise and academically:

Academic Requirements

• An Associate of Science (A.S.) in Physical Therapist Assistant is a 2-year associate degree.
• This physical therapy assistant degree can be obtained via attending a PTA Program at a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredited institution.
• PTA Programs are offered by colleges, community colleges and universities.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• Licensure in the state in which you wish to practise, via taking the National Physical Therapy Examination which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
• Certain states also require you to write a state exam.

Skills And Abilities

• Physical strength is important as the job includes a lot of heavy lifting and moving of patients and equipment.
• Physical flexibility is important as you will need to do a lot of kneeling and bending.
• A compassionate nature and the ability to assist people without allowing their circumstances to affect you emotionally.
• Organisation and detail is very important in this type of job.
• The ability to take instruction from one or more physical therapists and being a team-player is of the essence.
• Strong communication skills are important as you will be dealing with patients and other professionals.
• Patience is a personality trait which is very important as you will often be dealing with patients who have suffered brain trauma and do not always respond well.
• Logical thinking and the ability to come up with innovative solutions to problems is a blessing in the physical therapy assistant career.

Physical Therapy Assistant Work Environment

A Physical Therapy Assistant provides services to people of all ages in various types of facilities. Most Physical Therapy Assistants are employed in home situations, where they are privately employed in order to assist the patient to get back to their previous health condition or as close to it as possible. There are also many other types of workplaces where PTAs are employed.

Some of the workplaces where a Physical Therapy Assistant is employed:

• Home Settings – Apart from actual domestic homes, a Physical Therapy Assistant also often works in a home-setting where the patient resides, such as a community hospital, home for the elderly, a nursing home, or some other type of communal-living scenario.
• Hospice – A hospice is essentially a place where one goes to die, but that does not mean that one is just left without nay type of treatment. A PTA can be of great assistance to those in hospices as they can help to make them comfortable and to breathe and also to boost muscle-mass so that the patient is at least comfortable in the last days.
• Hospitals – Anyone who has ever had major surgery or has been involved in a car accident or bad workplace accident which has resulted in head, back, neck or other injury knows that the physical therapy they received was a major part of their rehabilitation.
• Inpatient rehabilitation facilities – These are facilities where patients get treated for acute or sub-acute problems which normally call for extended therapy.
• Schools and Sports Centers – Sports injuries occur quite often and may require a PTA to assist in the alleviation of pain, exercise the person to help them to regain mobility, and fit them with and instruct them in the use of canes, prosthetics and the like.
• Developmental – Children that exhibit developmental problems, have mobility problems and toddlers who were born with birth defects all prosper under the hands of a good Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Education and Research Centers – Many PTAs with some experience will work in research centers where they come up with new and improved therapies or swap the clinic for a teaching position at a college or other PTA program.

Physical Therapy Assistant Work Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has stated that the outlook for Physical Therapy Assistants is very rosy at a predicted 35% growth-rate in the 2008-2018 decade. These predictions are based on the fact that the changes to restrictions on reimbursement have increased patient access to PTA services, people are living longer due to medical and technological advances, but this means that there are more elderly who require care for longer.

The fact that the baby-boomer generation has now reached the prime of life, which is just the time that heart-attacks, stroke and various other health problems are a big risk. This means that the need for the services of Physical Therapy Assistants to provide cardiac and physical rehabilitation is growing.

Medical and technological advances also mean that more trauma victims and newborns with birth defects are surviving and in need of physical therapy in order to ensure that they live full lives.

Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

One of the requirements to be able to practise as a physical therapy assistant is that you are licensed in the state in which you wish to work. This licensure is obtained by sitting for the National Physical Therapy Examination. This examination is specifically for Physical Therapy Assistants, and is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

How To Evaluate Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

Before making a decision as to which Physical Therapy Assistant Program to access for your studies, there are some important facts to consider:

• Accreditation – In order to be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination to get licensure you need to have studied at an accredited institution. Accreditation is conferred by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Program quality – Check that the program contains sufficient clinical training and that the culmination results in at least an associate’s degree.
• Success of graduates – Check with the program how many graduates the program has produced and how many of them have gone on to obtain licensure and gainful employment.
• Financial assistance – Find out if there are any scholarship or financial aid opportunities and whether the program facilitates access to them for students.

Physical Therapy Assistant Programs – Prerequisites

To be eligible for admission to a PTA Program, you need to have successfully completed certain prerequisites. Acceptance into a PTA Program is hotly contested as there are normally more applicants than there are spaces on the course.

Academic Prerequisites:

• You need to have a high school diploma or your GED.
• You should have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in both science and non-science classes.
• Two years of high school-level Mathematics; Algebra and Geometry.
• Social sciences such as General Psychology, Growth and Development and Abnormal Psychology.
• English, Communication and Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication.
• Physical Education or Health Education.
• Biology 160 or 241 is also very important.
• Doing volunteer work in a Physical Therapy work environment helps a lot towards your acceptance.

Other Prerequisites:

• Students will spend time at clinical sites and need to have reliable transport for this reason, especially when they will be required to spend some time at in the field and on campus on the same day.
• Students need to have health insurance cover during the periods that they are doing fieldwork in clinics. Some colleges provide access to this for students.
• Students must have malpractice/liability insurance – this can also usually be accessed through the college.
• Students must pass a mandatory drug test which they must pay for themselves.
• All healthcare workers must have current immunizations, TB tests and CPR training and students need to have these prior to entering a PTA Program.
• A Physical Therapy Assistant Program complies with the “Child/Adult Abuse Information Act,” RCW 43.43.830 through 43.43.840. and each student is thus required to take part in an investigation for criminal history information before entry into a PTA Program.
• Students are required to dress appropriately for professional settings.

The prerequisites for various PTA programs may differ somewhat, but the above is a good guideline. It is recommended that you contact various physical therapy assistant schools to find out what their prerequisites are.

Physical Therapy Assistant Programs – Course Content

A Physical Therapy Assistant Program takes 2 years, is a combination of academic work and hands-on clinical experienced and culminates in an associate degree. Whether you study online via computer-based assignments and video lectures, and have virtual classroom discussions or study on campus, the curriculum is basically the same.

The basic curriculum consists of:

• Patient Handling Techniques
• Physical Therapy Intervention Techniques I, II & III
• Gross Anatomy and Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System
• Orientation to Physical Therapy/Role of the Physical Therapist Assistant
• Kinesiology Integration
• Clinical Experience I, II & III
• Healthcare Delivery System
• Introductory Concepts in Paediatric Physical Therapy
• Advanced Geriatric Physical Therapy for the PTA
• Learning and Service through Immersion
• Specialized Clinical Experience

The modules will cover:

• Intro to Physical Therapy
• Algebra
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Therapeutic Exercise

Apart from the academic side of the studies you will also do some laboratory work and, as you can see, a lot of clinical work too (approximately 18 – 24 weeks), during which time you will get the chance to experience real-life situations in a clinical setting. The specialized clinical experience is not offered by all PTA Programs, but is a section which gives you a chance to expand your knowledge base and utilize your newly learned skills in a specialist field.

PTA Programs – Licensure

Once you have completed your degree you can immediately apply to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination in order to get licensure, without which you will not be able to work in most states. Some states may also require you to take a state exam in order to work in that state. Make sure that you check with your state as to whether they require you to take a state exam on top of the National exam in order to be licensed to work there.

PTA Reflections Program

The PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. It was started in 1969 by National PTA board member Mary Lou Anderson, who describes it as “almost too simple.” The program has encouraged millions of American students to explore their artistic side. Students from preschool through grade 12 get the opportunity to create works of art for recognition and for fun. They are encouraged to submit works in six areas of the arts:

• Dance choreography
• Film production
• Literature
• Musical composition
• Photography
• Visual arts

Each year a different theme is chosen from suggestions made by the previous year’s students and they have has some wonderful themes over the years, such as “If I Could Give the World a Gift…,” “Exploring New Beginnings,” “Wow!” “I Can Make a Difference by…”, and many more. The 2011-2012 theme was “Diversity Means…”

Hundreds of thousands of students take part in the PTA Reflections Program annually, through their local PTAs. The program is structured in order for PTAs to recognize students at local, council, district, state and national levels.

The local winners move on to the district/regional and state levels, with the best of them going to National PTA to be considered for a National Reflections award.

The following awards are awarded by the PTA each year at national level:

• Awards of Excellence
• Awards of Merit
• Outstanding Interpretation Awards
• Honourable Mention

Any PTA/PTSA who is in good standing is eligible to sponsor a Reflections Program. The rules and deadlines differ from state to state, and you should contact your state PTA for further information.

The Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant Program

The National PTA Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant Program was created to complement PTA’s enduring commitment to quality arts education. The grant provides funding to local PTAs to institute or improve arts programs in one or more arts areas: photography, music (including dance), visual arts, and literature (including theatre).

A limited number of Local PTAs are awarded matching grants of up to $1,000 every year for student-centered programs which focus on arts education. National PTA anticipates funding 3 grants of up to $1,000 each.

National PTA places a priority on funding projects representing research-based best practices in arts education, specifically programs which are of a sustained nature and reach multitudes of at-risk students.

According to research, students get the most benefit from programs which include sustained involvement in the arts, which is why National PTA funds proposals for sustained programs which culminate in an arts fair, a performance, field trip, or an assembly.

The post Physical Therapy Assistant Programs Available appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

More people are living longer due to technological advances in the medical field and because more trauma victims and newborns with disabilities are surviving. This therefore means that more people require medical attention for longer, which means that the job prospects for physical therapy assistants are excellent. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, PTA jobs are projected to grow by 35% in the 2008-2018 time-span.

Requirements For Physical Therapy Assistants

Although most states have their own rules and requirements for Physical Therapy Assistants, most of them are basically the same nationally:

Education:

• In order to become a licensed PTA, you will need to obtain an associate degree at an accredited physical therapy assistant school.
• The program is approximately 2 years long.
• Classes consist of both academic classroom work at the PTA school and hands-on clinical experience, which most of the schools for physical therapy assistant courses organise for their students.
• Subjects include pathology, human anatomy, and physiology amongst others.
• Some states require additional training such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, first aid, and blood-borne pathogens training.

Clinical Experience:

• Most physical therapy assistant schools and physical therapy assistant colleges require that students participate in clinical rotations.
• These hand-on clinical stints allow the student to practise what they learn in class in a real-life situation.
• Various tasks such as documenting care, administering treatments, and educating patients will be undertaken during these periods of clinical work.
• Students are also exposed to various modalities such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and geriatrics, which can assist them to decide whether they want to specialise or not.

National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam and Licensure:

• All graduates of PTA schools have to undertake the NPTAE before they can practise as physical therapy assistants.
• This is a core requirement in order to get licensure.
• The exam is four-and-a-half hours long and consists of 200 questions.
• Only subjects which have been covered in the physical therapy assistant training will be covered in the exam, and generally include pathology, physiology, documentation, professional skills and anatomy.

Continuing Education Requirements:

• One of the requirements for license renewal, which needs to be done every 3-5 years, depending on the state, is continuing education.
• The exact kind and amount of educational practises which are required vary from state to state.
• You can either contact your State Physical Therapy Association to find out what their requirements are or the PTA school at which you study should also be able to provide you with the relevant information.

The Physical Therapy Assistant Job

A Physical Therapy Assistant works primarily with those who have suffered trauma or have a medical condition. Physical therapy improves a patient’s fitness, flexibility, strength and mobility, in order to help them to be pain-free and live a fully functioning life.

Physical Therapy Assistant duties:

• They assist patients with rehabilitative exercise routines to lessen the effects of a physical disability or chronic illness.
• These exercises are done to improve mobility, flexibility and strength, as well as to improve their balance and stabilize their walking.
• They monitor a Patient’s response and progress in report their observations to the Physical Therapist.
• The PT and PTA will review the treatments after each session and the PT will determine whether they are giving the patient the correct type of treatment or whether they need to change or adjust it.
• PTAs also monitor and record a patient’s continuing physical challenges and mental and emotional outlook.
• The PTA will help patients to adjust to their circumstances and teach them a new way of performing routine tasks so that they do not re-injure or strain themselves, and improve their healing time.
• The exercises they teach and help their patients with can also rebuild muscle strength or help to restore their full range of movement.
• They coordinate treatments with the Physical Therapist and administer massages, electrical stimulation and ultrasound.
• The equipment used by PTAs use can include elastic bands, balance balls, and other simple equipment which the patient can easily use at home to augment the exercise sessions they do with the PTA.
• They fit patients with support devices like crutches, prosthetics, walking frames etcetera and train the patient how to use them.
• They assist patients to move to and from the treatment areas and also to dress and undress if necessary.
• Physical therapy assistants also perform administrative duties such as telephone duties, manning the reception area, ordering supplies, and scheduling appointments for patients.
• They complete insurance claim documentation for patients and record patient information in databases.
• They also keep the treatment area and the equipment clean, tidy and organised.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools

With the demand for physical therapy assistants increasing, there are in excess of 260 recognized physical therapy assistant programs and more than 1 000 schools for PTA training throughout the US. There are various physical therapy assistant degrees and certifications offered by PTA schools:

Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting:

• An Associate of Science program, which is offered by most physical therapy assistant schools, offers a well-rounded introductory education in the fundamentals and general academics of physical therapy.
• The program lasts about 2 years and teaches working with patients who suffer from diseases or who are recovering from accidents, mobility, pain management, and working with physical therapy equipment amongst other subjects.

Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health:

• An allied health degree from one of the Physical Therapy Assistant colleges is beneficial for building a solid foundation in general health care systems and practices.
• The programs are between 1 and 2 years long and prepare students for entry-level work in a medical facility.
• They also provide grounding for more focused study for Physical Therapy Assistants.

Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Health:

• Once you have qualified as a physical therapy assistant and have practised as one for a few years you may wish to specialize.
• To get a graduate certificate you will have to go back to a Physical Therapy Assistant school to study further.
• Specializing in something like geriatrics or paediatrics can open many doors.

Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant:

• Occupational therapy is the strain of therapy which deals with patients who have physical and cognitive impairments.
• This course will give you a broader perspective and wider range of skills than a normal physical therapy assistant course and will qualify you to do entry-level Occupational Therapy work.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools – Courses

Courses in most of the physical therapy assistant schools will include the following subjects:

• Clinical Training
• Geriatrics
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Introduction to Physical Therapist Assisting
• Kinesiology
• Laboratory Practice
• Medical Terminology
• Medical Ethics
• Neurological Disorders
• Orthopaedics
• Pathology
• Pathophysiology
• Patient Communication
• Paediatric Physical Therapy
• Pharmacology
• Physical Therapy Fundamentals
• Rehabilitation
• Sports Injuries
• Therapeutic Exercises

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools – Curriculum

Although some of the schools for Physical Therapy Assistant training in various states may have a slightly different curriculum, the core subjects remain basically the same no matter which Physical Therapy Assistant school you attend.

Below is the general curriculum that is followed by many of the physical therapy assistant schools for the associate degree in Physical Therapy Assistance:

MODULE CONTENT:

PTA 101 Introduction to Physical Therapy

• Introduction to physical therapy.
• The role of the PTA in the healthcare team.
• The law as it pertains to Physical Therapy and ethical conduct.
• Patient motivation, interpersonal communication skills, and teamwork.

PTA 102 Physical Therapy Terminology

• Abbreviations & terminology used in PT to describe pathology of the body systems, physiology and anatomy.
• Terminology for patient care, laboratory tests, diagnostics, pharmacology, and surgery.

PTA 103 Applied Anatomy

• Human anatomy; external palpation, identification of structures and relationship to function and the musculoskeletal system.
• Kinesiology, motion, joint range of motion and manual muscle testing.
• The neuromuscular process; respiration.

PTA 104 Survey of Pathophysiology

• Overview of disease process, the physiology of healing and repair and general pathological responses.
• Systemic origins of musculoskeletal pain.
• Specific diseases and conditions and rehabilitation treatment.

PTA 105 Introduction to Neuroscience

• Introduction to basic functions and structure of the nervous system and their relationship to PT treatment of neurological diseases.

PTA 106 Regional Anatomy

• Function and structure of the human body; nervous, endocrine, and respiratory systems.
• Muscles, respiratory and circulatory systems.

PTA 110 PTA Procedures I (Basic PT Procedures)

• Basic care skills – vital signs, wound care, taping, aseptic techniques, and bandaging.
• Preparation of treatment environment and patient.
• Theory and application of cold, superficial heat, and hydrotherapy.

PTA 111 PTA Procedures II (PT Modalities)

• Theory and application of deep-heat modalities.
• Principles and application of basic massage techniques.
• Introduction to fundamentals of electrotherapy and traction.

PTA 112 PTA Procedures III (Functional Restoration)

• Principles of normal and abnormal movement.
• Functional restoration techniques.
• Ambulation, patient transfers, postural analysis, and bed mobility.
• Use of selected functional rehabilitation activities and assistive devices.

PTA 151 Clinical Experience 1

• Supervised clinical observation.
• Interpersonal communication and patient interaction.
• Written and oral patient progress reporting.
• Effective problem-solving skills.

PTA 201 Issues in Physical Therapy and Health Care

• Survey: psychological, medical and legal issues and the delivery of healthcare by a PTA.
• The achievement of goals of physical therapy and the physical therapy assistant’s influence.

PTA 202 Introduction to Orthopaedics

• Introduction to mechanics and biomechanics of orthopaedic injuries and diseases.
• Fundamentals of orthopaedic terminology.
• Survey: surgical repair; rehabilitation.

PTA 210 PTA Procedures IV (Therapeutic Exercise)

• Introduction to kinesiological principles related to exercise.
• Instruction in therapeutic exercises.
• Specific exercise protocols and their application.
• Selected physical therapy testing procedures.
• Working as a member of a healthcare team.
• Patient motivation.

PTA 211 PTA Procedures V (Rehab Applications)

• Neurologic disabilities: stroke, head injuries, MS, spinal cord injuries, and other neurologic diseases.
• Development of treatment programs for orthopaedic patients; upper and lower extremity dysfunctions, lower extremity amputations and injuries to the spine.
• Developing of specific home programs, and instruction in family training.
• Selection of appropriate selective devices and equipment for geriatric, orthopaedic and neurologic patients.

PTA 212 PTA Procedures VI (Pediatric Rehab)

• Laboratory sessions – facilitation of developmental sequence.
• Human development, pediatric assessment tools, pediatric treatment philosophies

PTA 251 Clinical Experience 2

• Supervised clinical experience in various PT sites.
• Hands-on development of previously learned skills.
• Functional activities, documentation, etcetera previously evaluated in a lab.

PTA 252 Clinical Experience 3

• Supervised rotation in a clinic.
• Skills development in functional activities, patient care and documentation.
• Practical experience of coursework previously covered.

PTA 253 Clinical Affiliation (12 credits)

• Full-time Internship – appropriate application of PT techniques and procedures.
• Hands-on; understanding of clinical responsibilities and supervisory relationships and the application of PT procedures.

PTA 254 Clinical Seminar 2

• Discussion seminar and clinical lecture – cultural competence.
• Verbal and written communication.

PTA 255 Clinical Seminar 3

• Survey: Issues regarding teamwork and patient care.
• Adjustment to disability and grief, patient interaction, and ethics.
• Role and responsibilities of the PT and the PTA.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools – List

Some of the best physical therapy assistant schools which offer Associate Degrees are:

• Brown Mackie College – Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina
• Carrington College – Arizona, New Mexico
• Florida Career College – Florida
• Hesser College – New Hampshire
• Herzing University – Florida
• Kaplan Career Institute – Pennsylvania
• Keiser University – Florida
• Medical Careers Institute – Virginia
• MedTech College – Indiana
• New England Institute of Technology – Rhode Island
• Pima Medical Institute – Arizona, Colorado, Washington
• Remington College – Ohio
• Sanford Brown College – Missouri, Virginia
• South College – Tennessee
• South University Campus – Alabama, Georgia, Florida

Online Physical Therapy Assistant colleges

• Bryan College
• Dawn Career Institute
• Fortis College
• Globe University
• Keller Graduate School of Management
• Liberty University
• Ottawa University
• University of Phoenix
• Virginia College

Whichever physical therapy assistant school you choose to attend, make sure that the program is accredited. Not all Physical Therapy Assistant schools are accredited, and if they are not you are wasting your time because you will not be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination, in which case you will not be allowed to practise legally.

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How To Become A Physical Therapist In Oklahoma

In order to become a physical therapist in Oklahoma you need to first earn an undergraduate degree. This is a basic requirement for entry into a postgraduate degree program that will allow you to practice as a physical therapist. Topics that you should cover in this undergraduate degree program to be fully prepared include:

• Anatomy courses
• Physiology courses
• Biology courses
• Mathematics courses
• Physics courses
• Chemistry courses
• Social science courses

You will then need to enter a doctor of physical therapy program. This is one of the minimum requirements involved in preparing for licensure in the state of Oklahoma. If we look at the qualification offered by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center we can see that there are a number of prerequisite courses you will have to complete before you can enter this degree program:

• Statistics
• Anatomy
• Physics
• Physiology
• Developmental psychology
• Chemistry

Students in the advanced program at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center study:

• Exercise science
• Orthopedic management
• Human movement

Oklahoma requires physical therapists pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to qualify for a license to practice in the state. This exam includes sections on:

• The musculoskeletal system
• The cardiac and pulmonary system
• The nervous and neuromuscular system
• The metabolic and endocrine system
• The gastrointestinal system
• Physical therapy devices and equipment
• Physical therapy techniques

In total you will need to answer 250 questions on the test. Once you have passed the test and become licensed you will need to renew your license once every two years in order to continue working as a physical therapist in Oklahoma. This involves 40 contact hours of continuing education.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In Oklahoma

There are only two schools offering physical therapy programs in Oklahoma:

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.ah.ouhsc.edu/rehab/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 1200 North Stonewall Avenue, Room 3092, Oklahoma City, OK 73126
Phone: 405-271-2131
Fax: 405-271-2432
Email: alliedhealth-info@ouhsc.edu

Langston University
Location: Langston, OK
Qualifications: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Transition DPT
Website: http://www.langston.edu/academics/physical_therapy.aspx
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: PO Box 1500, Langston, OK 73050
Phone: 405-466-3697
Fax: N/A
Email: LUpt@langston.edu

Although there are only two physical therapy programs in Oklahoma to choose from, you can be certain that these programs are of a high quality. Both are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. When looking for a physical therapy program it is essential to ensure that it is properly accredited. If it is not accredited your qualification will not be much use to you and you will struggle to find employment. It is recommended that you apply to both of these programs when you begin your education as this will save you time in the long run. If both programs accept you, you will then need to analyze the tuition offered and decide which program is better. This could depend on which school is closer to you. It could also depend on what each school charges for tuition. If possible you should base your decision on which school you think is best equipped to prepare you for a career as a physical therapist rather than on which school is more convenient to get to or cheaper.

Salary

According to www.physicaltherapycareer.net there are 1820 physical therapists employed in Oklahoma who earn an average of $33.48 an hour and $69,630 a year. According to the following salaries can be earned in each of Oklahoma’s cities:

• In Enid you can expect to earn about $70, 026 a year as a physical therapist
• In Norman you can expect to earn about $65, 922 a year as a physical therapist
• In Lawton you can expect to earn about $88, 034 a year as a physical therapist
• In Oklahoma City you can expect to earn about $65, 922 a year as a physical therapist
• In Muskogee you can expect to earn about $77, 620 a year as a physical therapist
• In Tulsa you can expect to earn about $59, 351 a year as a physical therapist

According to www.alliedhealthworld.com the following salaries can be expected in the different parts of Oklahoma:

• In Oklahoma City you can expect to earn about $73,000 a year
• In Tulsa you can expect to earn about $65,000 a year
• In Norman you can expect to earn about $73,000 a year
• In Lawton you can expect to earn about $70,000 a year
• In Broken Arrow you can expect to earn about $66,000 a year
• In Edmond you can expect to earn about $74,000 a year
• In Midwest City you can expect to earn about $73,000 a year

Different sources give different estimates about how much physical therapists, who have completed physical therapy programs in Oklahoma, can expect to earn. This is because there are a number of important factors to take into account that play a big part in terms of your salary. As you can see from the numbers above, several sources agree that you will earn different salaries in different parts of the state, even if they cannot agree on the exact amounts that you will earn. If you choose to work in a city that has fewer physical therapists than most other cities, your skills will be in high demand and you will probably be able to ask for a higher salary. On the other hand if you work in a city where there are too many physical therapists you will earn less because the demand is lower. The actual employer that you work for will also play a role in how much you earn. For example there are a number of different industries you could work in as a physical therapist. Across the entire country the following salary averages have been observed in different industries:

• In Physical Therapy you can expect to earn $49,633 – $80,700 a year
• In Healthcare you can expect to earn $50,464 – $83,586 a year
• In Rehabilitation you can expect to earn $50,746 – $82,432 a year
• In Hospital you can expect to earn $51,937 – $85,976 a year
• In Home Health Care you can expect to earn $48,750 – $84,799 a year

Specific companies also pay different rates:

• At Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine you can expect to earn $40,268 – $79,463 a year
• At Gentiva Health Services, Inc. you can expect to earn $56,270 – $80,854 a year
• At Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital you can expect to earn $57,891 – $66,955 a year
• At Select Physical Therapy you can expect to earn $58,600 – $82,850 a year
• At Novacare Rehabilitation you can expect to earn $55,955 – $70,318 a year

Your gender may affect your salary. As a woman you can earn $57,701 – $71,562 as a physical therapist, and as a man you can earn $58,981 – $73,019 – these numbers are averages for the whole country. Your level of education is also crucial. With a Doctorate (PhD) you can earn $50,804 – $76,477 a year, with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) you can earn $51,327 – $76,787 a year, with a Bachelor’s Degree you can earn $49,566 – $91,077 a year, with a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) you can earn $58,373 – $88,282, and with a Bachelor of Science (BS / BSc), Physical Therapy you can earn $55,685 – $98,006 a year.

Career Outlook

It is interesting to note that, overall, the field of physical therapy in the United States is growing stronger. The unemployment rate is currently at 0.2%, which is lower than once was. It is also important to note that this unemployment rate is an expected to drop even lower during the next six years. In 2006, 172,900 physical therapists were employed in varying industries and that number is expected to increase by 27% by 2016, bringing the number of therapists in the field to just fewer than 220,000. This means that now is a good time to enter the field of physical therapy because the projected future for the profession looks extremely promising. According to www.alliedhealthworld.com, “Oklahoma had 2,160 physical therapists in 2006 and that number is estimated to rise by 17% to 2,530 during the same ten-year time-frame  Moreover, since September 2009, Oklahoma’s unemployment rate was less than half of the national average, with only nine states having a lower rate”.

Although there are limited opportunities in terms of education for prospective physical therapists in Oklahoma, it is still an excellent state to be a physical therapist in due to the fantastic career outlook and impressive salaries available.

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Physical Therapy – A Field Of Increasing Demand

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the job outlook for physical therapists is good, with growth expected to be much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. This means that your career prospects as a physical therapist are limitless as opportunities abound, especially with the baby boomer generation getting older and requiring more healthcare all round, including physical therapy.
Physical therapists:

• Develop a unique treatment program for each individual that includes patient participation, education, and instruction

• Evaluate an individual’s ability to function

• Enjoy a choice of work environments— Physical Therapists work in various settings, which include private physicians ‘offices, clinics, schools, sports centers, rehabilitation centers, acute-care hospitals, and private homes

• Enjoy great flexibility in their career

• Motivate individuals to reach optimal functional status in their homes, at work, and in recreational activities

• Work with individuals to prevent loss of mobility before it occurs by developing wellness and fitness programs that will ensure their patients/clients healthier and more active lifestyles

Physical Therapy Programs In Pennsylvania

The following is an alphabetical list of physical therapy programs in Pennsylvania with designation, type of program offered, accreditation status, contact details and other information. It is strongly suggested that you choose two or three schools that interest you from the list and visit the relevant websites for more information.

Arcadia University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 110
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, minimum total GRE combined score on verbal and quantitative portions of 1050 with no less than 450 in each section, minimum 4 on GRE analytical writing section, More than one PT observation experience
Address: 450 South Easton Road Glenside, PA 19038-3215
Phone: 215-572-2950
Email: admiss@arcadia.edu
Website: http://www.arcadia.edu/academic/default.aspx?id=1007

Chatham University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 105
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 30
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 100 hours of PT observation
Program Contact: Becky Hohman
Address: 114 Dilworth Hall, Woodland Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15232-2826
Phone: 412-365-1409
Fax: 412-365-1213
Email: hohman@chatham.edu
Website: http://www.chatham.edu/academics/programs/graduate/pt/index.cfm

Drexel University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT, Doctors of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences
Credits: 128 quarter hours
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Allison Schukar
Address: Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mail Stop 502
245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102-2119
Phone: 215-762-8852
Email: ptadmissions@drexel.edu
Website: http://www.drexel.edu/cnhp/rehab_sciences/

Duquesne University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 119
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 36
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 2.75, minimum GRE combined score on verbal & quantitative sections 1100, 100 hours of PT observation evenly divided between two different areas of physical therapy practice
Address: John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences, Room 113 Health Sciences Building,
Pittsburgh, PA 15282-0001,
Phone: 412-396-5541
Email: ptdept@duq.edu
Website: http://www.duq.edu/physical-therapy/

Gannon University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 106
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 42
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Kristine S Legters, PT, DSc, NCS, Chair, DPT Program
Address: Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences, AJ Palumbo Academic Center,
109 University Square, Erie, PA 16501-9987
Phone: 814-871-5548
Fax: 814-871-5662
Email: legters001@gannon.edu
Website: http://www.gannon.edu/departmental/pt/

Lebanon Valley College Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 118
PTCAS: No

Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum science GPA 2.5, 30 hours of PT observation in two different settings
Program Contact: Stan M Dacko, PT, PhD, Chair and Associate Professor
Address: 101 N College Avenue, Annville, PA 17003-1404
Phone: 717-867-6843
Email: dacko@lvc.edu
Website: http://www.lvc.edu/physical-therapy/index.aspx

Misericordia University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 120
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 50 hours PT observation in at least two different facilities
Program Contact: Joan Foster, Assistant Director of Admissions/Transfers
Address: 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612-1008
Phone: 570-674-6255
Email: jfoster@misericordia.edu
Website: http://www.misericordia.edu/pt

Neumann University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 26

Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 2.5, 200 hours of PT experience
Program Contact: Robert E Post, PT, PhD, Director
Address: Division of Nursing and Health Sciences, One Neumann Drive, Room 232
Aston, PA 19014-1277
Phone: 610-558-5534
Email: postr@neumann.edu
Website: http://www.neumann.edu/academics/grad/therapy/index.asp

Saint Francis University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 115
PTCAS: No
Requirements: 3+3 freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 80 hours of volunteer or paid experience in physical therapy in two different settings
Program Contact: Lisa A. Buck, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions
Address: School of Health Sciences, 117 Evergreen Drive, P.O. Box 600, Loretto, PA 15940
Phone: 814-472-3123
Fax: 814-472-3140
Email: lbuck@francis.edu
Website: http://www.francis.edu/PThome.htm

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Public
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 116
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 2.75, 100 hours of direct physical therapy experience with a licensed physical therapist in two or more clinical settings
Program Contact: Carol L Martin-Elkins, PT, PhD, Chairperson
Address: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, PT Building, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
Phone: 724-738-2080
Fax: 724-738-2113
Email: carol.martin-elkins@sru.edu
Website: http://academics.sru.edu/pt/index.htm

Temple University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Public
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 130
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 50
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, PT observation hours
Program Contact: Stephen Carp PT, PhD, GCS
Address: 3307 North Broad Street, Jones Hall – 6th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: 215-707-8913
Fax: 215-707-7500
Email: stephen.carp@temple.edu
Website: http://www.temple.edu/chpsw/departments/pt/

Thomas Jefferson University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 111
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 43
Requirements: 3+3 freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in two physical therapy settings
Program Contact: Paul D Howard, PT, PhD, OCS, Cert MDT, COMT, Interim Chairperson
Address: Jefferson College of Health Professions, 130 South Ninth Street, Suite 830,
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5233
Phone: 215-503-8025
Email: Paul.Howard@jefferson.edu
Website: http://www.jefferson.edu/jchp/pt/

University of Pittsburgh Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Public
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Credits: 107
PTCAS: Yes
Class Size: 60
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, minimum GRE score of 1000 is required (Verbal and Quantitative) and a minimum score of 3.5 (Analytical), 100 PT observations hours
Address: 6035 Forbes Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412-383-6630
Fax: 412-383-6535
Email: PTinfo@shrs.pitt.edu
Website: http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/dpt/

University Of Scranton Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 116.5
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 45
Requirements: Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Peter Leininger, PT, PhD, OCS, Assistant Professor, DPT Program Director
Address: Department of Physical Therapy, 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510-2429
Phone: 570-941-6662
Fax: 570-941-7940
Email: entry-level.DPT@scranton.edu
Website: http://matrix.scranton.edu/academics/pcps/physicaltherapy/

University Of The Sciences In Philadelphia Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 40
Requirements: three+three freshmen entry or Baccalaureate degree, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0
Program Contact: Marc Campolo, PT, PhD, SCS, ATC, CSCS, Chair
Address: 600 South 43rd Street, Box 39, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-596-8849
Email: m.campol@usip.edu
Website: http://www.usp.edu/academics/collegesdepts/pt

Widener University Physical Therapy Program

CAPTE: Accredited
Designation: Private
Completion: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, t-DPT
Credits: 120
PTCAS: No
Class Size: 40
Requirements: 120 credits of approved graduate course work, minimum overall Undergraduate cumulative GPA 3.0, minimum prerequisite GPA 3.0, 40 hours PT observation in two different settings
Program Contact: Jeanne Nolan, Program Secretary
Address: Institute for Physical Therapy Education, School of Human Service Professions, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013
Phone: 610-499-1277
Fax: 610-499-1231
Email: physicaltherapy@widener.edu
Website: http://www.widener.edu/academics/collegesandschools/humanserviceprofessions/physicaltherapy

Other schools that offer physical therapy programs in Pennsylvania are Keystone College and Lincoln University of Pennsylvania.

The post Where Can I Find Physical Therapy Programs In Pennsylvania? appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

The University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque

The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque is one of the two institutions that offer physical therapy programs in New Mexico. Their program provides graduates with the knowledge required in order to take up a position as entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants.

The physical therapy programs in New Mexico include subjects such as kinesiology, anatomy and physiology, and patient communication. Students are taught to communicate confidently and professionally, critical thinking and information management skills, and to perform a range of physical therapy services.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) associate degree offered culminates in an Associate of Science degree and can be completed in approximately two years. The program includes a mixture of classroom and lab practice as well as practical clinical experience via an externship.

Upon successful completion of this program, successful graduates will be eligible to sit for the PTA licensure exam, the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

For further information on physical therapy programs in New Mexico, contact a Carrington College Enrolment Services Representative.

San Juan College

The San Juan College is another of the institutions that offers physical therapy programs in New Mexico. It offers two Physical Therapy Assistant programs, one on-campus and one online. The college has a very modern PTA lab, which is equipped with traction tables, massage tables, electric high-low tables, plinths, and mat tables. The college also offers state-of-the-art equipment, including paraffin bath, Hoyer lift, ultrasound, hot pack, cold pack; tilt table, and electrotherapy machines.

The PTA program features some unique features, including us of the new state-of-the-art library, 100% access to computerized databases throughout the campus, and the integration of multi-media technology. One feature that is absolutely unique to San Juan is the inclusion of a concentrated, extensive neuro-developmental study and exposure to the Native American culture.

Admission

These physical therapy programs in New Mexico give preference to New Mexico residents who have the right qualifications, and applicants are required to complete certain prerequisite courses with a minimum of a 2.75 GPA or above. A higher GPA is preferable, due to the number of applicants that apply every year and the fact that only 20 students are admitted per year to each of the programs, making a total of 80 students in the first and second year for both programs.

Applicants for both programs must meet the same requirements for admission. Applicants are evaluated on a variety of criteria, including:

• A minimum college GPA of 2.75
• Completion of the Accuplacer (ACC)
• Completion of required courses as per the SJC policy
• San Juan College application
• Registration as an SJC student
• PTA Program application
• A minimum of 5 Clinical Observation hours that are not site specific
• Completion of the Admissions Exam
• 3 Professional letters of recommendation
• Copies of college transcripts

Prerequisite Courses

Prospective students of physical therapy programs in New Mexico are required to complete certain prerequisite courses before they are granted admittance to either of the PTA programs:

• ENGL 111 Freshman Composition 3
• MATH 114 Mathematics for Health Careers 3
• BIOL 112 Human Body Structure and Function 4
• HITP 110 Medical Terminology 3
• COMM 111 Interpersonal Communication 3
• ENGL 218 Advanced Technical Composition** 3
• PSYC 120 Introduction to Psychology 3
• PTAP 116 Musculoskeletal Focus *** 3
• Total Prerequisite Credits 25

Students must also ensure that evidence of a higher-level math class, freshman composition and other general education hours (total 25 credits) are on record at the end of the fall semester for which they have applied. This requirement is the same for either program.

On-Campus Program

The PTA program at San Juan is 80 weeks long, and the curriculum for the on-campus program is split up over 5 semesters. The curriculum is formatted in a way that allows a high school graduate to begin studying immediately after graduation. The sessions are designed in such a way that they allow for maximum flexibility for summer students.

Curriculum

The program consists of the following courses, for a total of 49 credits.

• PTAP 110 Introduction to PTA 3
• PTAP 125 Clinical Kinesiology 4
• PTAP 130 Pathophysiology 3
• PTAP 150 Procedures I 4
• PTAP 140 Therapeutic Exercise 3
• PTAP 160 Procedures II 3
• PTAP 210 Principles of Rehabilitation 5
• PTAP 230 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Acute/Inpatient) 4
• PTAP 250 Procedures III 4
• PTAP 260 Seminar 2
• PTAP 270 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Outpatient) 7
• PTAP 290 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Rehabilitation) 7
• Total PTA Program Credits 49

Students doing the on-campus program will complete their first full-time (40 hours per week) of four weeks in an acute setting, before the end of the third semester. They will also complete a further 2 full-time externships of seven weeks each in a rehabilitation and outpatient setting during the fourth semester. San Juan College has approximately 125 clinical sites, with current contracts, across the United States.

Online Program

Students that apply to the online/expansion program will receive all of the lecture material in an online format. Lab reviews and examinations are held on-campus, for approximately one to two weeks per lab class.

Students in the distance education program need access to the internet, preferably DSL; otherwise the requirements for entry into this program are the same as those for the on-campus program. The only difference is that students in the online program have two years in which to complete the technical program.

The online program requires that students are at the college one week per PTA lab course (denoted with an L), which will be towards the end of each semester.

Curriculum

• PTAP 110 Introduction to PTA 3
• PTAP 125 Clinical Kinesiology (L) 4
• PTAP 130 Pathophysiology 3
• PTAP 150 Procedures I (L) 4
• PTAP 140 Therapeutic Exercise (L) 3
• PTAP 160 Procedures II (L) 3
• PTAP 210 Principles of Rehabilitation (L) 5
• PTAP 260 Seminar 2
• PTAP 230 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Acute/Inpatient) 4
• PTAP 250 Procedures III (L) 4
• PTAP 270 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Outpatient) 7
• PTAP 290 Full-Time (minimum 40 hours/week) Clinical Externship (Rehabilitation) 7
• Total PTA Program Credits 49

Students in the online program will complete the first 4-week full-time externship in the fifth semester and a further two 7-week fulltime externships in the sixth semester.

All externships may be completed near the student’s place of residence as long as a clinical contract can be established between the physical therapy facility that is used and the San Juan College.

Clinical externships may not be done at a facility at which students either are or have been previously employed.

Tuition, Fees and Books

Tuition for either of the PTA programs for an in-state student is $47 per credit hour; this includes a $6 per credit hour student general education fee
Tuition for either of the PTA programs for an out-of-state student is $115 per credit hour; this includes a $10 per credit hour student general education fee
Textbooks for either program cost approximately$1,045
The cost of the entire program, which includes all books, tuition, and program and student fees for an on-campus in-state student, is $5,123; and out-of-state on-campus student will pay $10,155 for the same
All on-campus students are required to pay $600 for program fees, which can be paid over four semesters
The in-state distance education students will pay $6,023 for the entire program, including all books, tuition, and program and student fees, and an out-of-state distance education student will pay $11,055
All distance education students are required to pay $1,500 for program fees, which can be paid over six semesters

Financial Aid

Although the physical therapy programs in New Mexico that are offered by the San Juan College are affordable for most, the college offers access to financial aid on a per-need and merit basis. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 505/566-3323 for further information.

Each fall semester, one student is granted a $500 endowment scholarship, which is specific to the PTA program.

Licensure

Upon successfully graduating from either program, students are qualified to sit for the national computerized licensing exam.

Outcomes

Based on a three-year average, the outcomes are excellent, with 81% of students admitted to both programs completing and graduating from the program, and 90% of the graduates pass the national licensing exam. 100% of those that sought employment were employed.

Job Outlook

New Mexico currently has approximately 330 working physical therapy assistants, and this figure is projected to climb to approximately 420 by the year 2018.

Accreditation

Both the on-campus Physical Therapist Assistant program and the online Physical Therapist Assistant program are fully accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

More information regarding either of these physical therapy programs in New Mexico can be accessed on the website or you can contact the interim Program Director, Dr. Therese Millis, DPT, via e-mail or you can contact her by phone on (505) 566-3013.

The post Are There Physical Therapy Programs In New Mexico? appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

How To Become A Physical Therapist In Washington

In order to be a physical therapist in this state you must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Health Board of Physical Therapy. Before you can be licensed you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have either a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, or
• A bachelor’s degree in any field followed by a graduate degree in physical therapy

However it is interesting to note that in reality you will need to get a master’s or doctorate degree as bachelor’s degree programs for physical therapist in Washington are no longer accredited by CAPTE, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, and it is necessary to complete a program accredited by this body before you can become a registered and licensed physical therapist in this state. Consequently the educational requirements to be a physical therapist in Washington are currently fairly stringent.

To apply for licensure as a physical therapist in Washington you must:

• Complete and submit an application form (forms can be downloaded at http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/Physical_Therapy).

• Along with your application form you will need to pay an application fee to the board of $100. This is non-refundable.

• In addition to the application fee you will need to submit a passport sized photograph of yourself to the Board.

• Prior to submitting the application, applicants must take and pass with a score of 100% the Washington State jurisprudence exam for physical therapy. This is a requirement as it proves that you are fully aware of the legal aspects involved in being a physical therapist in Washington and therefore proves that you are able to adequately perform your role.

• You need to have completed a required seven-hour training course in AIDS prevention, transmission, and treatment.

• Applicants in Washington also need to provide proof of their education in the form of an official transcript with the date of their graduation included.

• After submitting all of this information you must apply to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This will cost you $350.

Continuing education is also required as proof of your continuing competency as a physical therapist in the state of Washington. These requirements will differ from state to state. Consequently you need to have a full understanding of the requirements in your state well ahead of time.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In Washington

In order to become a physical therapist in Washington you have to either complete a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or complete a bachelor’s degree in another major, followed by a specialization in physical therapy. However the educational requirements for this line of work have become more stringent over the years and it is now necessary to hold a master’s degree in physical therapy or a doctorate in physical therapy in the state of Washington in order to be allowed to become registered as a professional physical therapist in this state. Consequently most physical therapy programs in Washington offer one of the latter degree options rather than a bachelor’s degree program for potential physical therapy students.

There are three main physical therapy programs in Washington that you will be able to enroll in as a student with an interest in pursuing this career:

Eastern Washington University
Location: Spokane, WA
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.ewu.edu/cshe/programs/physical-therapy.xml
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 310 North Riverpoint Blvd., Box T, Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: 509-828-1354
Fax: 509-828-1389
Email: ddickerson@ewu.edu

University of Puget Sound
Location: Tacoma, WA
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/departments-and-programs/graduate/school-of-physical-therapy/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 1500 N. Warner St., CMB 1070, Tacoma, WA 98416
Phone: 253-879-3281
Fax: 253-879-2933
Email: pt@pugetsound.edu

University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://rehab.washington.edu/education/degree/pt/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 1959 NE Pacific Street, Suite BB-928, Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: 206-598-5333
Fax: 206-685-3244
Email: gleep@uw.edu

Although the options may not seem many or diverse, they are fairly good quality and most students who enroll in these programs feel fully equipped to begin a career as a physical therapist once they have graduated.

Because becoming a physical therapist is an advanced qualification you need to be prepared to devote many years of your life to achieving this educational end. In addition hard work and dedication will be required and the cost of many physical therapy programs in Washington can be quite expensive for the average student. In the long run, however, you will be preparing for a solid and rewarding career within the ever expanding health care profession where you will always be guaranteed of being able to find employment.

Salary

According to physicaltherapycareer.net there are 3840 physical therapists currently employed in Washington and they are being paid around $35.43an hour and $73,690 a year. However the actual salary that you may end up earning will depend on a variety of factors. One of these factors is the specific city within Washington where you choose to work. According to cbsalary.com these are the salary amounts that you can expect in the various cities within the state of Washington:

• In Bellevue you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Redmond you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Bellingham you can expect to earn about $70, 400 a year
• In Therapist Richland you can expect to earn about $62, 465 a year
• In Therapist Bremerton you can expect to earn about $69, 327 a year
• In Therapist Seattle you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Everett you can expect to earn about $71, 564 a year
• In Therapist Spokane you can expect to earn about $66, 137 a year
• In Therapist Kennewick you can expect to earn about $62, 465 a year
• In Therapist Tacoma you can expect to earn about $67, 982 a year
• In Therapist Olympia you can expect to earn about $63, 990 a year
• In Therapist Yakima you can expect to earn about $75, 144 a year
• In Therapist Pasco you can expect to earn about $62, 465 a year

There are a number of other factors that may too play a part in the salary that you earn, including the industry that you work in and the employer that you work for as a physical therapist in Washington.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for physical therapist in Washington is extremely good. This is because, in this state, the incidence of heart disease as well as strokes has increased significantly over the last short period of time. Individuals recovering from such medical incidents often require the assistance of a physical therapist. This means that there is a marked increase in the demand for physical therapists within this state, making it an excellent career to pursue in this particular part of the country. In addition physical therapy forms part of the health care industry, and industry that is always stable, even in the face of economic difficulties. In addition this is the industry that is consistently expected to grow at a faster rate than any other industry at the moment. What this essentially means for physical therapists is job security. Physical therapists in Washington also have the option of entering private practice. This can be an extremely lucrative endeavor if you are able to establish yourself quickly and easily in this regard. physical therapy is a career that comes with a great degree of professional respect. In general, as more and more people begin to accept the benefits of physical therapy, the industry is growing in its own right.

Although there are only 3 physical therapy programs in Washington to choose from, they are all of good quality, and there are a number of employment opportunities for individuals with this qualification within the state of Washington. In addition physical therapists in this state are eligible for a fairly good remuneration package. Before embarking on this career path due consideration must be given to your ability to complete the training requirements adequately as well as whether or not you meet the personality requirements for the job. In order to make a success of a career you need to have the right attitude and approach to the topics involved.

The post Looking At Physical Therapy Programs In Washington appeared first on Healthcare Careers Guide.

How To Become A Physical Therapist In North Carolina

This is quite an intensive qualification as you are expected to hold multiple degrees in order to work as a physical therapist. Specifically you need to hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in physical therapy in order to be employed as such. There is also an examination that you will need to take, and the license that you receive as a result of passing that examination will most likely need to be renewed on a regular basis. There are a few specific criteria that must be met in the state of North Carolina specifically so ensure that you are aware of the prerequisites. As with any career there are a number of training and other steps that you will have to go through in order to become a physical therapist in North Carolina:

• The first step is to complete an undergraduate degree in a science based curriculum (although the specific major you take may not be important).

• You the need to complete a master’s degree from an approved and accredited program in North Carolina.

• You also have the option of going on to complete a doctorate degree which is advisable as it will increase your employment options, although it is far from being compulsory.

• You then need to complete the application process and take the national licensure examination offered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

• Last but not least you must complete the application process for a North Carolina Physical Therapy license; the application, related information and fee schedule are easily found on the website at www.ncptboard.org.

• To do this you must provide proof of passing the national exam, personal information including your name, address, location and dates attended for your institution(s), degree(s) held, license(s) held, and expected place of employment.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In North Carolina

The following is a comprehensive list of schools on offer in North Carolina:

Duke University
Location: Durham, NC
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://dpt.duhs.duke.edu/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 2200 West Main Street, Suite B-230, Durham, NC 27705
Phone: 919-681-4380
Fax: 919-684-1846
Email: mike.landry@duke.edu

East Carolina University
Location: Greenville, NC
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://www.ecu.edu/pt/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: Health Sciences Building, 2410B, Greenville, NC 27834
Phone: 252-744-6239
Email: gillandt@ecu.edu

Elon University
Location: Elon, NC
Degree: Doctorate
Website: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/dpt/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: Gerald L. Francis Center 101B, 2085 Campus Box, Elon, NC 27244
Phone: 336-278-6350
Fax: N/A
Email: rogers@elon.edu

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.med.unc.edu/ahs/physical
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 321 S. Columbia Street, Bondurant Hall, Suite 3000, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Phone: 919-966-4708
Fax: 919-966-3678
Email: eDPTUNCadmit@med.unc.edu

Western Carolina University
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.wcu.edu/5951.asp
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: 310 Moore Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723
Phone: 828-227-7070
Fax: 828-227-7071
Email: donaldson@wcu.edu

Winston-Salem State University
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Degree: Masters
Website: http://www.wssu.edu/school-health-sciences/departments/physical-therapy/
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Contact Information: FL Atkins Bldg., Room 331, 601 Martin L. King Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27110
Phone: 336-750-2190
Fax: 336-750-2192
Email: pattersonly@wssu.edu

As you can see there are quite a large number of schools that offer physical therapy programs in North Carolina to choose from. When selecting a school it is very important that you carefully consider all of the options that are presented to you. The decision you make at this point in your career could have a significant impact on your career moving forward as a physical therapist ion the future. The school that you choose should meet your personal ideals, but there are also a number of practical aspects that you must take into consideration when selecting a school. For example it is extremely important that the school you select is appropriately accredited, or else you may be wasting your time and your money by studying through that institution.

Salary

According to physicaltherpaycareer.net the average salary that you can earn as a physical therapist in North Carolina is about $74,450 a year. However, according to cbsalary.com, there are differences between cities within the same states. The website lists the following salaries for the various regions in North Carolina:

• In Asheville you can expect to earn around $71,535 a year
• In Lenoir you can expect to earn around $74, 853 a year
• In Chapel Hill you can expect to earn around $66,352 a year
• In Mooresville you can expect to earn around $77, 428 a year
• In Charlotte you can expect to earn around $73,810 a year
• In Morganton you can expect to earn around $74, 853 a year
• In Durham you can expect to earn around $66, 352 a year
• In Newton you can expect to earn around $$74, 853 a year
• In Gastonia you can expect to earn around $73, 810 a year
• In Raleigh you can expect to earn around $63, 192 a year
• In Goldsboro you can expect to earn around $67, 600 a year
• In Rock Hill you can expect to earn around $70, 888 a year
• In Greensboro you can expect to earn around $73, 107 a year
• In Rocky Mount you can expect to earn around $80, 264 a year
• In Greenville you can expect to earn around $64, 761 a year
• In Winston Salem you can expect to earn around $73, 453 a year
• In Hickory you can expect to earn around $74, 853 a year
• In Winston-Salem you can expect to earn around $70, 888 a year
• In High Point you can expect to earn around $73, 107 a year

Within North Carolina, then, the salary can differ significantly from city to city. However there are also a number of other influences that may have an effect on the salary that you are eligible to earn as a physical therapist within North Carolina. For example the industry that you work for may play a role as different industries place different price tags on physical therapists. The same goes for different employers. The level of experience and education that you have will also play a role. In some specific cases you may notice gender differences in terms of how much physical therapists are paid.

Career Outlook

Physical therapists are part of the healthcare industry and consequently they benefit from the job security and constant increases in jobs that characterize this industry. The field of physical therapy in the United States has seen steady growth in the last several years and future estimates state that this growth period will continue and by 2016 there will be 27 percent more physical therapists practicing nationwide than there are now. North Carolina currently employs approximately 3,700 physical therapists (2.6% of the healthcare workforce), with an average salary range of $29.99 per hour. These numbers are expected to increase along with the numbers of the entire nation, making North Carolina one of the best regions of the United States in which to complete a physical therapy program and to seek employment as a physical therapist as a result of that program. Physical therapy can also at times be seen as a form of preventative care, something which is also on the increase as there is a growing demand for preventative healthcare measures. Physical therapists have the opportunity to branch out and begin their own practices, something which can be very lucrative and result in even further career outlook options and opportunities.

Becoming a physical therapist in North Carolina seems to be a very wise career move to make. It must be noted, however, that there are states that have better opportunities in terms of the number of schools available. In addition there are states where you may stand the chance of being paid more as a physical therapy assistant than in others. It is important that you consider all of the parameters of the career before enrolling in any physical therapy programs in North Carolina. That being said, it is not a bad state in which to be a physical therapist.

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How To Become A Physical Therapist In Kansas

The steps to becoming a physical therapist in Kansas are quite similar to the steps you would follow in any other state, with a few small differences. Education and training opportunities are limited in this state, but there are still options to choose from.

Education And Training

There are two main educational routes you can take to become a physical therapist n Kansas:

• You can attend a four-year college that offers a PTA program
• You can attend a less expensive—often more flexible program at a community college that is usually finished in about two years

Before you can be admitted to one of the physical therapy programs in Kansas you must have certain educational prerequisites, including:

• Algebra
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Ethics

Some of the topics that you may cover in your actual physical therapy training include:

• Neuromuscular rehabilitation
• Pathophysiology
• Clinical skills

When applying for a program remember that some of the better schools only accept very few students each year, sometimes as little as 20, so apply early and do what you can to make your application stand out. Your training will include a mixture of practical and theoretical training. You will be required to complete written and practical exams, namely the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant. The website (https://pt.fsbpt.net/) provides useful preparation tips for the examination.

Certification

In order to become certified you need to download and complete the certification application form. Websites where this form can be found include http://www.ksbha.org/licensing/09_10_09_pt_pta_app_fillable.pdf) and (http://www.ksbha.org/licensing/09_10_09_pt_pta_app_nonfill.pdf) once you have completed the form you will need to mail it to the Kansas board of physical therapy. In addition to the application form you will also need to send a fee of $80. This can be sent:

• As a check
• As a completed the credit card authorization form

After this, patience is required. The processing of your application can take around 4 to 8 weeks. This is not long to wait, but it may feel like a long time to an impatient applicant. Unless you left something out on your form or filled something in incorrectly, you should be certified as a physical therapist in the state of Kansas following this application.

Finding A Job

There are a number of factors supporting job growth for the physical therapy industry in Kansas:

• The state has many small, rural towns that are growing and that will continue to require healthcare professionals.

• The state has a large percentage of Kansas residents working in agriculture and other physically arduous work, making the chance of incurring injury very high. This increasing the need for exceptional physical therapists and their assistants even more.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In Kansas

There are a number of other states that have more programs on offer for physical therapy students, but the programs offered here are of fairly good quality. Graduating from one of the programs mentioned below will prepare you to complete the certification examination as well as to be a successful pharmacy technician in your career moving forward.

University of Kansas Medical Center
Location: Kansas, Kansas City
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Transition D.P.T., DPT/PhD
Program Homepage: http://www.kumc.edu/SAH/pted/
Founded/Established: 1905
Contact Information:
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City
KS 66160
Phone: 913-588-5000
Type: 4-year, Public
Institutional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Higher Learning Commission

Wichita State University
Location: Kansas, Wichita
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Program Homepage: http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=chp_pt&p=index
Founded/Established: 1895
Contact Information:
1845 Fairmount Street
Wichita
KS 67260
Phone: 316-978-3456
Type: 4-year, Public
Institutional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Higher Learning Commission

University of Saint Mary
Location: Kansas, Leavenworth
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy

As there are only 3 schools to choose form it is suggested that you apply at all three schools. This will allow you to keep your options open and it also may speed up the acceptance process. However, as you are likely to be accepted at all three if you are accepted at one, you need to have a good idea of which program is meets your requirements more fully and effectively. This decision should be based on:

• The reputation of the program
• The pass rate on the certification exam of students who graduate from this program
• The distance of the school form your home
• The cost of tuition through each program
• The size of the classes that you will be required to attend

Pay

In the state of Kansas there are about 1690 physical therapy jobs available each year. The hourly rate for physical therapists in this state is about $34.80 and they can earn around $70,380 a year.

• In Hutchinson Plus you can expect to earn in the region of $71,913 a year
• In Overland Park you can expect to earn in the region of $68,316 a year
• In Lawrence you can expect to earn in the region of $63,782 a year
• In Shawnee you can expect to earn in the region of $68,316 a year
• In Leavenworth you can expect to earn in the region of $68,316 a year
• In Topeka you can expect to earn in the region of $79,045 a year
• In Lenexa you can expect to earn in the region of $68,316 a year
• In Wichita you can expect to earn in the region of $71,924 a year
• In Olathe you can expect to earn in the region of $68,316 a year

Some of these cities pay significantly more than others, but overall the salary that physical therapists can earn in this state is very good, making it a good career to pursue in this part of the country. It is important to note that your specific employer may have different ideas regarding how much to pay physical therapists and this could also impact the exact salary that you can earn. In addition different industries in which physical therapists can work also tend to pay different salaries, something that you will need to look into carefully when deciding whether or not the salary is worth the effort and time that you have to put in to become a physical therapist in the first place. Generally speaking the higher your level of education and degree, the more your will be able to earn as a physical therapist, so a higher qualification is worth striving towards in this regard. In some cases, but not all, your gender may affect your salary as a physical therapist, although these differences are less noticeable than they once were.

Career Outlook

According to http://careerplanning.about.com: “Physical therapists (PTs) held about 185,500 jobs in the U.S. in 2008. Some physical therapists held two or more jobs, which makes the number of jobs held higher than the actual number of PTs. Most PTs work in hospitals or in offices of other health practitioners”. What this means for you as a physical therapy students is that there are a number of excellent employment opportunities to look forward to in all of the states, including in Kansas. Through 2018 we can expect to see faster growth in this occupation, which makes it likely that the 1690 physical therapy jobs available each year in Kansas, will increase in number, thereby providing more opportunities for physical therapy students. Attending one of the physical therapy programs in Kansas could be an excellent career move, especially when you consider the promise of job stability as well as the many benefits that come with the career. The good annual salaries are just one thing to consider and it must not be forgotten that physical therapists often work for themselves from the comfort of their own home. Pursuing a career such as this one in Kansas will not be a decision that you will regret.

Prospects for physical therapy students as well as for qualified physical therapists look quite good in the state of Kansas. When choosing form between the several physical therapy programs in Kansas you need to consider two aspects:

• Your personal preferences
• The reputation of the school

Both of these factors are equally important if you are to enjoy your program and complete it successfully without giving up. In addition these two factors will affect your readiness to join the job market once your program is complete.

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There are a number of goof physical therapy programs in Georgia that you will be able to take advantage of as a student in this discipline. When choosing from among the options remember to keep your focus on schools that are accredited and that have good reputations. Creating a list of priorities and criteria that you would like your ideal school to meet before you begin your search will also narrow down your options and make your selection easier.

How To Become A Physical Therapist In Georgia

Becoming A Physical Therapist In Georgia

To begin you will need to earn the following two degrees in the order laid out here:

• A bachelor’s degree in a health care field
• A physical therapy degree program, typically two to three years in length

You then need to apply for the National Physical Therapy Examination. This is a standardized exam that is required of all physical therapists in Georgia. It assesses your basic competence in the area of physical therapy. The exam, which is overseen by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, is available at many testing centers across the state, making it fairly easy for a prospective physical therapist to make their way to an exam venue with the intention of writing the exam. There are fees involved in taking this examination:

• You will need to pay a $350 fee to write the exam
• In addition you will need to pay a fee to the testing center
• These fees also apply if the exam is failed and needs to be re-taken

Therefore it is not very financially viable to fail the exam. Each and every time you fail you will need to pay these expensive fees again. Candidates who are not successful on the first attempt may retake the test up to three times in a year. Essentially you can keep trying until you pass, but this can be expensive. Proper preparation for the first exam you write is the best method. Once you have done this you will need to submit the following to the Georgia Board of Physical Therapy:

• Your scores
• An application for licensure
• Personal information including your name, address, phone number and other demographics
• Official transcripts from your universities
• Dates of attendance/completion
• Degrees received

The licensure fee is $75 and this license is valid for a two-year period after which time it must be renewed.

Step By Step: How To Become A Physical Therapist In Georgia

According to http://www.alliedhealthworld.com this is the step-by-step process involved in becoming a physical therapist in Georgia:

• Determine a course of study for a bachelor’s degree (typically in a science field such as chemistry, biomechanics, biology, or kinesiology).

• Determine an appropriate graduate program in physical therapy (master’s degree or a doctorate degree).

• Complete the educational and clinical requirements for the chosen graduate program.

• Obtain and complete the application form and documentation required for the National Physical Therapy Exam.

• Contact the testing agency to schedule your exam appointment.

• Successful completion of the national exam.

• Obtain and complete the application form and documentation required by the Georgia Board of Physical Therapy for a physical therapy license.

• Submit licensure documentation along with the appropriate fees.

• Successful completion of licensure application leads to active licensure status.

• Adhere to Georgia Board of Physical Therapy’s code of ethics, standards of practice, and continuing education requirements in order to maintain licensure in good standing.

List Of Physical Therapy Programs In Georgia

Georgia offers quite a few excellent options for students who want to become physical therapists:

Armstrong Atlantic State University

Location: Savannah, GA

Degree: Masters

Program Homepage: http://www.pt.armstrong.edu/

Founded/Established: 1935

Contact Information:

11935 Abercorn Street

Savannah

GA 31419

Phone: 1-800-633-2349 or 912-344-2576

Type: 4-year, Public

Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Emory University

Location: Atlanta, GA

Degree: Doctorate

Program Homepage: http://rehabmed.emory.edu/pt/

Founded/Established: 1836

Contact Information:

201 Dowman Drive

Atlanta

GA 30322

Phone: 404-727-6123

Type: 4-year, Private not-for-profit

Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Georgia State University

Location: Atlanta, GA

Degree: Doctorate

Program Homepage: http://chhs.gsu.edu/pt/

Founded/Established: 1913

Contact Information:

33 Gilmer Street

Atlanta

GA 30303

Phone: 404-413-2000

Type: 4-year, Public

Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Medical College of Georgia

Location: Augusta, GA

Degree: Doctorate

Program Homepage: http://www.georgiahealth.edu/alliedhealth/pt/

Founded/Established: 1822

Contact Information:

1120 15th Street

Augusta

GA 30912

Phone: 706-721-0211

Type: 4-year, Public

Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

North Georgia College and State University

Location: Dahlonega, GA

Degree: Masters

Program Homepage: http://www.northgeorgia.edu/PT/

Founded/Established: 1873

Contact Information:

82 College Circle

Dahlonega

GA 30597

Phone: 706-864-1400

Type: 4-year, Public

Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

It is extremely important that you only attend schools that are accredited by the appropriate bodies, such as the ones listed here. A school that is not accredited will get you nowhere as your qualification will count for very little. Apart from the practical implications the accreditation of a school also speaks for its reputation. A school that is not accredited is probably one that does not meet the basic requirements for the state of Georgia and should not be considered on that basis.

Pay

In the state of Georgia there are about 3820 physical therapy jobs available each year. The hourly rate for physical therapists in this state is about $36.79 and they can earn around $70,530 a year.

• In Albany you can expect to earn in the region of $64,115 a year
• In Fort Gordon you can expect to earn in the region of $74,684 a year
• In Athens you can expect to earn in the region of $62,928 a year
• In Lawrenceville you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Atlanta you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Macon you can expect to earn in the region of $75,895 a year
• In Augusta you can expect to earn in the region of $72,055 a year
• In Norcross you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Austell you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Savannah you can expect to earn in the region of $71,614 a year
• In Columbus you can expect to earn in the region of $78,130 a year
• In Suwanee you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Conyers you can expect to earn in the region of $69,769 a year
• In Warner Robins you can expect to earn in the region of $46,531 a year

The potential salaries that are available in this state are extremely good, making it one of the better states to become a physical therapist in. knowing where you physical therapy program is taking you can make a big impact on your decision to pursue the career. In addition to the factors mentioned above you will also find that the salary you will be eligible to earn can vary significantly based on a number of other important factors. These factors include the employer you work for, the industry you work in, your level of education and, in some cases, even your gender plays a role.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for a physical therapist in any state is extremely good especially as the profession is expected to increase by 39 percent from 2010 to 2020. What this means is that there will be an increase in the number of jobs available in Georgia. At the moment there are about 3820 physical therapy jobs available each year in this state with more projected to become available in the very near future.

There are a number of similar occupations that you could consider branching out into which have better career and salary prospects:

• Audiologists need a Doctoral or professional degree and earn around $66,660 a year
• Chiropractors  need a Doctoral or professional degree and earn around $67,200 a year
• Occupational therapist need a Master’s degree and earn around $72,320 a year
• Recreational therapists need a Bachelor’s degree and earn around $39,410 a year
• Speech-language pathologists need a Master’s degree and earn around $66,920 a year

These physical therapy programs in Georgia are aimed at preparing you for a career as a physical therapist and most of them have a very good reputation for achieving this goal. Entering the realm of physical therapy can have a significant impact on your life moving forward as more and more people succumb to the physical stress of modern life and require the aid of physical therapists and their assistants. Provided you meet the entry criteria to enroll in a good program, you should have very little trouble becoming a physical therapist, provided you are prepared to work hard.

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