Chesapeake Area Consortim for Higher Education
Physical Therapy Assistant

What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Physical therapist assistants rank second among the fastest growing occupations associated with health services through 2006, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The physical therapist assistant, defined by the American Physical Therapy Association, is an educated health care provider who assists the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy.  The goals of physical therapy include rehabilitating patients to as much physical independence as possible after injury or illness.  Fields of interest include neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports injuries, geriatrics and acute care.  The physical therapist assistant program prepares students for entry-level employment in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes.

Career Information for Physical Therapist Assistant Majors

American Physical Therapy Association

U.S. Department of Labor

The Princeton Review

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