What are the pros and cons of being a physical therapy assistant?

The pros and cons of being a physical therapy assistant relate to compensation and benefits, job security, and educational requirements. Here are the top pros and cons of being an occupational therapist:

Pros:

• Compensation and benefits

Many physical therapy assistants make good salaries and also receive great employee benefits. The average salary for an occupational therapist in the United States is $74,932 per year. Some can make considerably more than this depending on their location, experience, and employer. Common employee benefits for this role include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

• 401(k) plan

• Paid time off

• Reimbursement for their license

In addition, some physical therapy assistants choose to specialize in a particular area, and this often results in higher salaries and extra employee benefits.

• Job security

Physical therapy assistants are in high demand, and it is likely they will continue to be needed to help people recovering from injuries or people with chronic medical conditions.

The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts a 24% growth rate for this field in the next 10 years, and assistants specifically may experience a 26% increase in job opportunities, which is far higher than the average growth rate.

• Minimal education requirements and short training period

Unlike senior physical therapists, physical therapist assistants do not need to have extensive education and training. The most common requirement in this area is an associate's degree, which takes around two years to earn. After their education, an aspiring physical therapy assistant may only have to go through a few weeks of training before starting their job.

• Physical therapy assistants help people

Many in the field find the work extremely gratifying as they get to help people overcome injuries and improve the physical functionality of their lives. This results in many physical therapy assistants taking pride in their work and feeling fulfilled at the end of each day.

Cons:

• Under almost constant supervision

• Physical therapy can be draining emotionally and physically

Physical therapy assistants have to help all sorts of different patients with varying levels of ambition concerning their own recovery and rehabilitation. They can come into contact with people who don't want their help or won't follow their guidance right away. This can lead some in the field to often feel stressed. This role also requires therapists to be on their feet all day.

• Work schedule

Most physical therapy assistants work 40 hours or more per work week. They often have to put in overtime hours due to their patients' scheduling requirements. Certain specializations in the field can result in more flexible hours. Some regions also have a moderate need for this role, meaning some physical therapy assistants might only be able to find part-time work.