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The hours and days that physical therapist
assistants and aides work vary with the facility and
with whether they are full- or part-time employees.
Many outpatient physical therapy offices and clinics
have evening and weekend hours, to help coincide
with patients’ personal schedules. About 30 percent
of all physical therapist assistants and aides work
part time.
Physical therapist assistants and aides need a
moderate degree of strength because of the physical
exertion required in assisting patients with their
treatment. In some cases, assistants and aides need
to lift patients. Constant kneeling, stooping, and
standing for long periods also are part of the job.
Physical therapist assistants and aides work
under the supervision of physical therapists. Other
workers in the health care field who work under
similar supervision include dental assistants,
medical assistants, occupational therapist
assistants and aides, pharmacy aides, pharmacy
technicians, and social and human service
assistants. Employment is projected to increase
much faster than average; physical therapist aides
may face keen competition from the large pool of
qualified applicants. Physical therapist
assistants generally have an associate degree, but
physical therapist aides usually learn skills on the
job. About 60 percent of jobs are in hospitals or
offices of physical therapists. |
