Physical Therapy Assistant

The Physical Therapy Assistant program is new to Hawkeye and is currently under development. The program is not accepting or enrolling new students at this time.

Physical Therapy Assistants provide treatment to improve their patients' mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or lessen physical disabilities. Working at the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy Assistants perform exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction, and ultrasound.

Due to the nature of the work environment and the physical exertion often required to assist patients, you will need to have a moderate degree of strength. For example, you will need to be able to lift patients, kneel, stoop, and stand for long periods of time.

Graduates can expect job prospects to be very good. The field is expected to grow 29% through 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics. The figures are based, in part, due to the increasing elderly population. Also, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics, "the large baby-boomer generation is entering prime age for heart attacks and strokes, further increasing the demand for cardiac and physical rehabilitation."

You'll Learn...

Graduates of this program will have learned how to:

• effectively communicate with patients, their families, and the health care team.
• provide safe, ethical, and legal protocols under the supervision of a physical therapist.
• provide competent physical therapy interventions including competent data collection.
• be able to educate patients, families, and other health care providers exhibiting behaviors and conduct that reflect respect and sensitivity to all.
• maintain a philosophy of being a lifelong learner and keeping current with the best practice according to the physical therapy practice standards.

Award - AAS