Do you have a kind heart and a desire to help those in pain or recovering from an injury? Maybe you have always wanted to work in the medical field but do not have the time or the money to become a doctor. If you want to start an interesting and helpful career in the medical field, you may want to consider an Associate's Degree in Physical Therapy.
Associate's Degree in Physical Therapy
An Associate's Degree in Physical Therapy generally takes about 2 years to complete and can be obtained from many on campus vocational schools, community colleges, or as an online associate's degree program. While there are many programs offered you will want to make sure that the college you attend offers an accredited physical therapy associate's degree as it will help you become licensed in your career, which is required by many states.
When you pursue an Associate's Degree in Physical Therapy you will not actually be trained to be a Physical Therapist, but will be able to be a Physical Therapy Assistant or Aide. A Physical Therapy Assistant supports the work of a physical therapist by helping with a patient's care and following patient treatment plans. As you work towards your physical therapy associate's degree you will gain skills and knowledge in reading and following patient records, understanding injuries and rehabilitation techniques, and helping patients exercise.
Coursework
There are two basic parts to an Associate's Degree in Physical Therapy program. You will first be required to take academic classes that will prepare you to assist a physical therapist such as anatomy, psychology, physiology, and some math or English courses. After completing the coursework you will gain hands-on experience within a hospital or clinic setting actually practicing skills by working alongside a trained physical therapist. Typical coursework could include:
- Kinesiology
- Introduction to Physical Therapy
- Pathology
- CPR
- Emergency Care
- First Aid
Finding a Career
Most people who graduate with an Associate's Degree in Physical Therapy will go on to be a Physical Therapy Assistant or a Physical Therapist Aide. As a physical therapy assistant you will have the opportunity to work in many settings including nursing homes, hospitals, private clinics, or home healthcare facilities.
Some will also advance their career by continuing their education and pursuing a:
- Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy
- Online Master's Degree in Physical Therapy
- Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy Online
When you begin your career as a Physical Therapy Assistant you will need to know if the state you are working in requires licensing. Most state will require you to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam and may also require that you continue to take courses to keep your qualifications current.
