First, you can be a Physical therapist and this requires a master or doctorate degree plus a license to do the job. Second, you can choose to be an assistant physical therapist and this requires an associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Third, you can choose to be a physical therapist aide and this require at least a high school diploma or GED plus an on the job training once hired.
Physical therapist jobs include delivering direct patient care by providing services that will restore function, relieve pain, improve mobility, limit or prevent permanent physical disabilities. Generally, physical therapist develop treatment plans for their patients and see to it that plans has been done and help improve patient's condition. In dealing with patients, it is important to show some compassion, patience and strong motivation during the entire treatment. Although this profession is hard especially if you are dealing with irritated patients, the profession pays much better than other professions. Physical therapist usually receives a salary of around $65,000 to $ 76,000 annually.
On the other hand, Assistant Physical Therapist works under the direction of the professional Physical Therapist in delivering treatment to patients. In some states, Assistant Physical Therapist is required to pass license exam before they can do the job. Average salary of an individual performing an assistant physical therapy job is around $39,000 to $48,000 annually. As for Physical Therapist Aides, they usually work under the direction of the Physical Therapist and Assistant Physical Therapist. They help the Physical therapist work more productive by keeping the area clean and organized. They also help the therapist during the session by providing necessary things needed for the treatment. Aside from that they also help the patients getting to and from the treatment area. Average salary for Physical Therapist Aides is around $23,000 to $26,000 annually.
