There are physical therapy jobs available for someone with an associate's degree.
Many physical therapists for hospitals, clinics and private practices have a bachelor's or even an advanced degree in physical therapy. However, there are jobs available for those job candidates interested in physical therapy who only have an associate's degree. As long as you have an A.A. degree and are licensed (or eligible to be licensed) to practice physical therapy in the state you're applying to, you're ready to apply your skills in the job market.
Physical Therapy Assistant
A physical therapy assistant is essential in helping a physical therapist perform her duties quickly and efficiently, especially in a high-volume market. The physical therapy assistant helps the physical therapist in administering care programs. The assistant can perform reassessments on patients and adjust treatment plans accordingly. A physical therapy assistant requires an additional certification process that physical therapy technicians and aids usually do not. Those applying for a physical therapy assistant job should be licensed, registered or certified as a physical therapy assistant in the state in which they're planning to practice before applying for a job. The average salary, according to Indeed.com, is $89,000 a year, as of May 2010.
Physical Therapy Technician
A physical therapy technician performs a variety of duties within the clinical environment, including maintaining overall cleanliness of the premises and patient areas as well as ensuring the working order of all equipment. The physical therapy technician may also be responsible for clinical tasks as well as monitoring patient progress and maintaining reports. Physical therapy technicians usually are not involved in hands-on therapy care with patients but provide the support necessary to the rest of the staff to keep the clinic or hospital department running smoothly. The average annual salary for the position is $49,000, according to Indeed.com, as of May 2010.
Physical Therapy Aid
A physical therapy aid is often the point of contact between the physical therapist and other medical staff, as well as the patient, family members and other outside personnel. A physical therapy aid typically performs many of the administrative responsibilities necessary to keep a physical therapy office efficient. These duties include maintaining medical records for each patient and tracking the implementation and documentation of patient treatment plans and status. Some physical therapy aids will also assist the physical therapist in the day-to-day therapeutic treatment and intervention with patients. A physical therapy aid earns an average salary of $32,000 a year, according to Indeed.com, as of May 2010.
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