Physical Therapy Assistants

Employment prospects are very good for physical therapy assistants. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment will grow much faster than the average for all careers through 2028. Many new positions for physical therapy assistants are expected to open up as hospital programs that aid the disabled expand and as long-term facilities seek to offer residents more adequate services. Physical therapists can assign many parts of treatment to physical therapy assistants and aides, and thus reduce costs of physical therapy services.

A major contributing factor is the increasing number of Americans aged 65 and over. This group tends to suffer a disproportionate amount of the accidents and chronic illnesses that necessitate physical therapy services. Many from the baby boom generation are reaching the age common for heart attacks, mobility-related injuries, and strokes, thus creating a need for more cardiac and physical rehabilitation. Legislation that requires appropriate public education for all disabled children also may increase the demand for physical therapy services. As more adults engage in strenuous physical exercise, more musculoskeletal injuries will result, thus increasing demand for physical therapy services. In addition, medical and technological developments should permit a growing number of trauma victims and newborns with birth defects to survive, creating more employment opportunities for therapy and rehabilitative services.

Job opportunities will be especially strong in acute hospital, outpatient orthopedic settings, and skilled nursing (where the elderly are most often treated). Those holding an associate’s or bachelor’s degree will have the best prospects.