What is a Physical Therapy Technician?

A physical therapy technician, also known as a physical therapy aide or assistant, is a healthcare professional who supports physical therapists in providing care to patients. They assist with various tasks, such as setting up equipment, performing basic exercises, and helping patients with mobility and daily living activities. Physical therapy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, and their duties may vary depending on the specific healthcare setting.

Training Requirements

To become a physical therapy technician in Scranton, you typically need to complete a postsecondary education program, such as a certificate or diploma program. These programs usually take between 6 months to 1 year to complete and cover topics like anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and physical therapy techniques.

What's the Fastest Someone Can Become a Physical Therapy Technician in Scranton?

The fastest way to become a physical therapy technician in Scranton is to enroll in a certificate or diploma program at a local technical or vocational school. These programs are designed to provide the necessary training and skills in a relatively short timeframe, often taking less than a year to complete.

Physical Therapy Technician Classes in Scranton

Here are some examples of physical therapy technician classes available in Scranton:

Lackawanna College

• Program: Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree
• Length: 2 years
• Price: Approximately $17,500 per year (tuition and fees)
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses, and admissions test
• Overview: Lackawanna College's Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree program prepares students to work as physical therapy technicians. The curriculum covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, therapeutic exercises, and patient care.

Penn Foster College

• Program: Physical Therapy Technician Diploma
• Length: Approximately 6 months
• Price: $799 (total program cost)
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED
• Overview: Penn Foster College's online Physical Therapy Technician Diploma program allows students to study at their own pace and gain the skills needed to assist physical therapists in various healthcare settings.

Johnson College

• Program: Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree
• Length: 2 years
• Price: Approximately $16,000 per year (tuition and fees)
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses, and admissions test
• Overview: Johnson College's Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree program provides students with the knowledge and hands-on training to become physical therapy technicians. The curriculum includes coursework in anatomy, kinesiology, and therapeutic interventions.

Exploring a Career in Physical Therapy Technician Outside Scranton

If you're dreaming of being a Physical Therapy Technician but find yourself in a different state, fear not --- your dreams are still achievable. You might find your path to becoming a Physical Therapy Technician in locations such as Atlanta, Hartford, Little Rock, Oxnard, or Winston. And if these don't match your current location, Dreambound simplifies the journey by helping you easily search and compare Physical Therapy Technician classes using just your zip code. With commitment and the right resources like Dreambound, entering health is possible from anywhere.

Online and Free Options in Scranton

In addition to the in-person programs, there are also online options for physical therapy technician classes in the Scranton area. Penn Foster College, mentioned earlier, offers a fully online Physical Therapy Technician Diploma program that allows students to study at their own pace.

As for free options, there are no known free physical therapy technician programs in Scranton. However, some community colleges or workforce development centers may offer affordable or subsidized training programs that can help offset the cost of becoming a physical therapy technician.

Certification Process

In Pennsylvania, physical therapy technicians are not required to be certified or licensed. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have obtained voluntary certifications, such as the Physical Therapist Assistant Certification (PTAC) or the Certified Rehabilitation Technician (CRT) credential. These certifications demonstrate a candidate's knowledge and skills in the field of physical therapy.

Job Environment in Scranton

Scranton's job market for physical therapy technicians is quite promising. The city's healthcare industry, which includes several major hospitals and rehabilitation centers, is a significant employer of physical therapy technicians. Some of the potential employers for physical therapy technicians in Scranton include:

• Geisinger Community Medical Center
• Moses Taylor Hospital
• Allied Services Integrated Health System
• Allied Services Rehab Hospital
• Scranton Primary Health Care Center

As the population in Scranton continues to age, the demand for physical therapy services is expected to grow, creating more job opportunities for skilled physical therapy technicians.

Final Thoughts

Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of options for individuals interested in becoming physical therapy technicians. Whether you choose to enroll in an in-person program at a local college or pursue an online learning opportunity, you can take the first step towards a rewarding career in the healthcare field. With the right training and certification, you can land a good physical therapy technician job in Scranton and earn a competitive salary.

If this article doesn't match what you're looking for, you can check out these other articles:

• Psychiatric Technician Training in Scranton
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• Radiology Technician Training in Scranton