A physical therapy assistant (PTA) education is normally attained through a two year associate’s course; but, most programs need applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. The PTA is supervised by the physical therapist, who will assign a patient’s “pan of care.” The PTA offers most of the functions and treatments within a Physical Therapist’s program of care. PTAs are qualified to improve specific therapies, but they must remain within the limitations of the plan of care set by the PT to be able to fulfill goals defined by the physical therapist.
Compensation for individuals with a doctorate of physical therapy varies depending on the specialization or job assignment they have. A physical therapist director tops the physical therapist salary chart with a median compensation of $74,066 once a year. On the lower end, a pediatric physical therapist brings in a median salary of $54,405 per year. Other types of jobs held by anyone with a doctorate in physical therapy comprise of clinical director, qualified physical therapist, general physical therapist, staff physical therapist and physical therapy administrator. The average physical therapist salary for these positions range from $58,642 to $72,899.
Income can also come from rewards programs. The regular incentive of a physical therapist tops the incentive list at $5,000 per year. The second topmost median reward is a medical director of physical therapy at $2,948 every year. Licensed physical therapists also called as LPTs come in third having a regular bonus of $2,250. The top median incentive obtained in a state would be from Virgina at $2,435.
In the field of pediatrics, there are also many choices for a physical therapist. Some school systems employ one physical therapist per school district. While the salary of a physical therapist is generally lower than the other areas, this post generally provides health rewards and also the same vacation duration as students. Pediatrics in a medical center is another option. There are even a few hospitals that treat only pediatrics like St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. A job in private practice may also give pediatric physical therapy. A large number of physical therapists find this career satisfying because they can treat the children in their homes. Physical therapy and also similar occupations can anticipate long-term job security and also premium salaries. Work opportunities are expected to increase for physical therapists as the population ages.
In summation, pediatric physical therapy is a fulfilling profession. The benefit of doing physical therapy in a pediatric environment consists of reaching the patient along with his/her loved ones, teachers, and even special education coordinators. The preferences are boundless as to the people that you will influence. Almost all physical therapists that work in the pediatric area would agree that having the ability to help children far outweighs any other benefits.