Physical therapists work to help patients suffering from illness or injury regain mobility and manage their pain. An online physical therapy certificate will prepare you to enter the workforce as an assistant to these licensed therapists. Courses include classes in medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, and patient relations. Jobs can be found in hospitals, clinics, home health care agencies, rehab facilities, or private practices.
Physical Therapy Assistance Certificate
For those interested in health-related online certificate programs physical therapy is certainly a good option. Courses in clinical practice, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and patient care will prepare students for jobs with health practitioners’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other health care facilities. Graduates of an accredited program should be prepared to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam to obtain licensure.
Most vocational certificates can be completed in less than one year of full-time study. Those earning their physical therapy assistant certificate online have the flexibility to continue working full or part-time if they want to. Most classes run in an asynchronous format, meaning students can log in to the virtual classroom and complete their assignments whenever it is most convenient to them. As an online student, clinical practice components can be arranged in your local area. This is also ideal for busy parents and students with travel limitations.
What’s Next for Physical Therapy Certificate Holders?
In most states, graduates of an online certificate program in physical therapy assistance will typically need to obtain licensure. Though the specifics will vary based on where you live, you will usually need to complete an accredited program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. Students can then pursue employment with hospitals, clinics, rehab facilities, nursing homes, health practitioners’ offices, and other health care facilities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a very strong job outlook for physical therapist assistants, with 40% growth anticipated from 2014 to 2024 ― more than five times the national average for job growth.
In May 2014, the mean annual wage reported for physical therapists assistants was $54,330. The most jobs were found with health practitioners’ offices, followed by general medical and surgical hospitals and nursing care facilities. Actual starting pay and job openings will vary however. Level of experience, location, economic climate, and the individual employer will all influence this.