ROLES OF PHARMACY TECHNICIANS
Pharmacy technology is an ideal career option for those who are personable, detail oriented, organized as well as interested in serving other people. With minimal requirements and strong job outlook, this career is perfect for entry level workers and people who are seeking a career change.

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Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists by giving prescribed medication to patients. They’re often responsible for general administrative tasks and basic pharmaceutical duties. A pharmacy technician test is first then the technician will usually work in hospital and retail pharmacies and their tasks might depend on their work environment.

Typically, a pharmacy technician receives prescription request from the patient and verify if the information is complete and accurate. Additional Pharmacy Technician Jobs include inputting billing information, filling insurance claims, handling money, taking stock inventory, and filling and creating patients history reports.

Extensive organization and mathematical skills are very important for pharmacy technicians. Since they are usually responsible for customer service, a personable demeanor and patience are also essential. Knowledge of medical terminology and insurance procedures is helpful too.

Most employers prefer employing Pharmacy Technicians with relevant training and experience. Most colleges offer associate degree and certificate programs that can help in preparing students with in depth knowledge of pharmacy terminology, laws, ethics and techniques.

ROLES OF PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS
The primary task of Physical Therapy Assistants is to help patients lessen or get rid of pains and increase mobility due to any kind of disorder or injury. All tasks needed for this purpose are performed under supervision of physical therapists. The most commonly used treatment procedures consist of physical exercises, massage therapies and application of light, water, cold and heat.

If Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs include working with physically challenged patients with difficulty to walk, then he/ she has to help them in walking using crutches, artificial limbs, wheelchairs and other related supportive equipment. They also prepare equipment and patients for diagnosis and treatment by the physical therapists. They have to ensure that all the equipment to be used are up and running and treatment areas are satisfactorily hygienic.

PTA Career Advice

A Physical Therapy Assistant can even communicate with patients and physical therapists about treatment requirements and schedules. They may have to discuss with therapists regarding any recommendation for modifying treatment exercises and plans.

He/ she has to keep records of the patient’s condition before any treatment, note down progress as well as inform the therapist about the same.

Apart from all these clinical tasks, the Physical Therapy Assistants also perform administrative tasks of the facility.

These include recording patient’s details, ordering new equipment, keeping track of the supplies and inventory, acting as receptionists and doing all treatment paperwork.

If you are interested in a Physical Therapy Assistant Career, then you have to hold at least a high school diploma, which is the minimum requirement by most employers. Some employers offer on-the-job training for them. The next step involves completing an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program of 2 years period, after which you would be awarded the associate degree in the same. But remember that the Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs may vary depending on the employment facility such as a small clinic, nursing home or big hospital, but you can expect a fantastic Physical therapy assistant salary if you can push yourself in the demanding early study that is required

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A physical therapy assistant is one who works under the direct guidance of a physical therapist to help patients regain movement and reduce pain caused due to an injury or surgery.

The salary of a physical therapy assistant depends on a number of factors like how qualified he is, how much work experience he has and which state he lives in, among others. A detailed knowledge of various facts related to physical therapy assistant salary will help us make better career decisions in this field.

PTA Starting Salary Up To Pre Experience

According to the US Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a physical therapy assistant is $51,110 a year or $24.57 an hour, as of May 2011, and there is going to be a 46 per cent rise in employment till 2020. A person without any prior work experience can get $31,000 to $40,000 per year, and in terms of hourly pay, one can expect $15.40 to $19.87 as a starting salary.

The mid-level annual salary in the US ranges from $39,000 to $52,000, with an hourly rate of around $22. Those with over 10-15 years experience can get anywhere from $60,000 to $71,000 per year and receive hourly wages from $28.96 to $34.23 per hour.

The minimum qualification required for this job in most states is an associate’s degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, and preferably a license from the state board.

Salary For a Certified Physical Therapy Assistant

Those with a license can get $49,000 a year and a certified physical therapy assistant can expect an annual salary of $51,000. This is a booming field and besides a positive job outlook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics also mentions that 114,400 jobs were added at this position in the US in 2010.

The salary is also dependent on the kind of facility where the candidate has been hired, as there are certain areas where he can expect to get higher wages. With the growing healthcare needs of the elderly, there is an increasing demand for physical therapy assistants in the home health care sector, with an average salary of around $60,000 a year.

Other high-paying opportunities are available in nursing or extended care facilities where one can get at least $50,000 per year, psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals that pay $58,000 per year, and management, scientific and technical consulting services that pay an average annual salary of $75,000.

Best Job Opportunities For PTAs

According to the Occupational Employment and Wages 2011, the states which offer the maximum number of job opportunities to physical therapy assistants are Texas, Ohio, California, Florida and Pennsylvania, and the state paying the highest salaries is Texas.

The average annual salary in cities of Texas like San Antonio, McAllen, Longview, Victoria and Sherman ranges from $73,000 to $81,000, which is up to $22,000 more than the average wages in this field. Other high-paying states are New Jersey, California, Connecticut and Florida.

You can increase your chances of getting a higher physical therapy assistant salary by improving your qualifications and specializing in areas like geriatric and pediatric care, musculoskeletal therapy and by becoming a certified occupational therapy assistant.

Some states also require the physical therapy assistants to pursue continuing education courses to keep themselves updated on the latest developments in this field and also to improve the prospect of better wages.

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