Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Physical Therapy Assistant
Job description
A physical therapist assistant (PTA) works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to assist with a patient's treatment program.
Activities may include
●
guide and assist individuals in therapy programs
●
observe and report progress and patient reaction
●
prepare materials needed for therapy activities
●
make minor repairs to therapeutic equipment
●
instruct self-care
●
teach exercises to patients and their families
●
prepare work area and equipment for patient activities
●
teach patients how to use and care for orthotic, prosthetic devices, and other assistive apparatus
Salaries and benefits*
According to the 1997 Washington Occupational Information System (WOIS), a Physical Therapist Assistant I in the Northwest earns between $2,320 to $2,550 per month.
Physical therapist assistants working for a hospital or medical facility receive a full benefit package.
Training and requirements
In Washington State a two year physical therapist assistant course is available at Green River Community College, Spokane Falls Community College and Whatcom Community College.
Necessary skills
●
ability to motivate patients
●
above average oral and written communication skills
●
ability to learn new techniques and use new equipment
●
ability to work with a variety of people
●
ability to take instruction
●
knowledge of personal development and change due to disability or illness
●
above average ability to work with hands
●
excellent eye/hand coordination
●
ability to use numbers
●
ability to see details and observe how 3-dimensional objects fit together
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ability to stand and move about over an extended period of time
●
ability to move and handle heavy equipment, and lift heavy objects
Licensure/Certification
Licensing is not necessary in Washington State. Physical therapist assistants must complete a two-year course before becoming eligible to be certified.
Helpful high school courses
Include science and general math, English, speech, health, physical education, basic computer course work, art and shop classes.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Green River Community College
12401 SE 320th St.
Auburn, WA 98092-3699
(253) 833-9111
●
Spokane Falls Community College
3410 W. Ft. George Wright Dr.
Spokane, WA 99224-5288
(509) 533-3500
●
Whatcom Community College
237 W. Kellogg Rd.
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 676-2170
Outlook*
The job outlook for physical therapist assistants is excellent! There is a projected increase of 20% by the year 2000.
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04