Without even listening too closely, Physiotherapy Assistants (PTAs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) should be able to hear opportunity knocking.

With more patients experiencing the benefits of physical therapy, including quicker recovery after joint replacements, PTAs are in great demand for the future and growing aging population.

For OTAs and PTAs willing to work with older patients, choices abound. First, a growing number of positions are available in traditional employment settings — skilled nursing facilities, acute hospitals, acute and sub acute rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, home healthcare, retirement communities and contract therapy providers.

For PTAs, the good news is that demand for their services exceeds supply. As more patients experience physical therapy and enjoy its benefits — like quicker recovery after a joint replacement — they’re more likely to seek these services again. The PTAs are in great demand for the future and growing aging population.

When treating geriatric patients, Physiotherapy Assistants help functional problems such as pain, balance issues, poor endurance, trouble walking and poor muscle strength. They also provide patients with therapeutic exercise programs to retain strength.

OTAs can work in educational programs that teach community members how to manage and prevent strokes and diabetes, avoid falls and cope with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or low-back pain.

For both OTAs and PTAs, combining transferable skills from a previous career with therapy expertise can open other doors. Using administrative skills to manage a wellness program or leveraging construction skills in a modifications consulting venture are two such examples.  triOS College OTA and PTA programs prepare graduates with all the necessary skills that will make the invaluable in the working world.

Click to learn about our Occupational Therapy Assistant or Physiotherapy Assistant programs at triOS. Visit our Physiotherapy Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant program page to discover more.