CPSI ChartLink
E-Learning
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Careers in Healthcare |
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Physical Therapy |
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Physical Therapy
& Therapy Assistant
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Physical Therapy treatment must be provided
by either a physical therapist or a physical therapy assistant. Physical Therapists
are medical professionals who are trained to examine, evaluate and treat a vast
array of problems in people of all ages. They provide services that help restore
function, improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical
disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain,
and promote overall fitness and health. Physical Therapists practice in a wide variety
of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, homes, schools,
and on the job. The minimum educational requirement is a post-baccalaureate degree
from an accredited education program. While many programs offer a master’s degree,
a growing majority of programs offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
All physical therapists also are required to take a national examination and be
licensed by the state in which they practice. In order to maintain their license,
a physical therapist must complete continuing education courses.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a healthcare professional
who assists the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy and may
perform physical therapy interventions selected by the supervising physical therapist.
The physical therapy assistant works under the direction and supervision of the
physical therapist. Physical therapy assistants must complete a two-year educational
program to earn an associates degree. In the state of Illinois, physical therapy
assistants must take an examination to become licensed to practice, and they must
complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure.
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