Become a Physiotherapist Assistant in Less than 9-Months.
Physiotherapist Assistants (PTA’s) in Canada work under the direction of a licensed physiotherapist in the provision of physiotherapy services. The average starting salary of a PTA is $31,755 (Canadian) annually. In some cases, the starting salary has been reported at around $40,000 annually.1
Occupational therapy aides or assistants are being hired in record numbers in an effort to reduce the workload of occupational therapists. In this role, you can help people with mental, physical, and developmental disabilities with the goal of improving their quality of life.2
PTA’s find employment in many environments ranging from:
- Private Medical Clinics
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation Centres
- Retirement & Nursing Homes
- Long Term Care Facilities
- Sports and Fitness Centres
- Recreation Centres.
A quick search on any job site and you’ll see the abundance of jobs available to individuals who have obtained their Physiotherapy Assistant Diploma.
Job Opportunities in Health Care Expand as our Population Ages
Over the course of the next 25 years, one in every four Canadians will be 65 years of age or older. Canada’s older population will face health challenges as the natural course of aging takes its toll on the musculoskeletal system, and as rates of diseases associated with the aging increase. This aging demographic is placing extra demands on the health care system and increasing the need for services for those living with chronic, expensive-to-treat diseases and disabilities. Demands for services related to the care of the aging population will increase and will continue to be an area of significant growth.”3
A Need for Skilled PTAs
In light of the aging population, the projected increase in government spending on health and increased public awareness of health care, the number of physiotherapists should continue to increase sharply over the next few years.4
The outlook for employment in the field of physiotherapy is above-average.5. Moreover, you can be career-ready with your Physiotherapy Assistant’s Diploma in less than 9-months.
The daily responsibilities as a PTA can be quite varied. You could help patients work through activities and exercises, or prepare equipment and materials that the occupational therapist requires to administer treatments. You may also need to take care of the front office. This can include filing insurance papers and scheduling appointments.2
Are you interested in obtaining your Physiotherapy Assistant Diploma? Visit Anderson College for more information or to speak with an advisor.
Sources:
1http://www.onip.ca/physiotherapist-assistant/#s6
2http://www.trade-schools.ca/programs/physiotherapist-assistant.asp
3http://www.collegept.org/Assets/Website/Resources%20%20Other/Trends_in_Physiotherapy_Ontario_2014.pdf
4http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/3142.shtml
5https://www.studentscholarships.org/careers_salary/234/outlook/physiotherapists.php
