Want a job you can feel good about?

Many people choose the career of physical therapy assistant because they have such direct access to patients. Working under the direction of a physical therapist, PTAs will see patients for about an hour at a time, often several days a week for a six-week or two-month period, sometimes longer. They really get to know their patients and share in their progress.

"Many people get into the field because they have a personal connection. Either they received physical therapy themselves or they had a sister or brother or mom or dad or grandma that did … and it touched them in some way,” says program director, Mike Spitz.

About the Program

Physical therapy assistants provide treatments that improve patient mobility, relieve pain and prevent or lessen physical disabilities, such as exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction and ultrasound. They work under the direction of a physical therapist. They record the patient’s response to treatment and report it to the physical therapist. They also may be responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and organized and preparing for a patient’s therapy.

PTAs can work with lots of different types of patients – from pediatrics to geriatrics – and in lots of areas. They can do home visits, work in hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools and colleges, or in the field of sports medicine.

The physical therapist assistant discipline offers courses for an Associate in Applied Science Degree for Physical Therapist Assistant. If you are planning to become a physical therapist, you should follow the pre-physical therapy program guide sheet available in Delta's Counseling Center. Though many of Delta’s programs will transfer to four-year colleges, many, including the PTA, respiratory care and surgical tech programs, are designed for immediate employment.

See more information about the physical therapist assistant program (course catalog).

Job Outlook

Employment opportunities are available in a variety of settings including outpatient physical therapy offices and clinics, hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.

About 20,000 new positions are expected to be created across the country between 2006 and 2016 – a 32 percent increase, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hourly pay is $16.44, based on averages of entry-level pay obtained from area hospitals. Starting pay may be higher based on experience.

Students Say

Karin Vesely, of Bay City, said she’s confident she’ll find a physical therapy assistant job when she graduates. “I’m excited about my opportunities. Every time I talk to somebody who is in the health care field they say, ‘That’s a great field to get into. They’re always needed.’”

Interested?

For more information on health programs, contact Dave Peruski, Chair of the Health and Wellness Division, at 989-686-9018 or davidperuski@delta.edu.