This document will provide information about the profession of a physical therapist assistant. In addition to that it will assist in learning multiple things about a career in physical therapy. Which include the different careers that may surround the PTA profession? The salary ranges. And other geographical locations best suited for this career choice, in addition to that also the growth pat-tern and education needed for this PTA profession. Lastly the type of experience one should gain by building a career in physical therapy.
According to (Introduction to Physical therapy practice for physical therapist assistants) written by (Barret M. Christina); Physical therapy is a continuing health care practice. This is
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Lastly there is an outpatient setting; where practice is provided by a primary care physician that focuses on first level care. Outpatient care is very fast pace where patients are scheduled to come in and leave all in the same day. Physical therapy assistants are responsible for assisting the physical therapist in an interven-tion/treatment on patients of all ages. The treatments are only assessed to those who face the ina-bility to function in everyday living activities. This ranges from infants; pediatrics which is chil-dren and geriatrics which is elderly people (Mikulik, Tammy PT, DPT).
According to (Konvicka, Eric, PT), there is a host of qualities needed for this career choice such as active listening one must be able to listen to a patient 's interest about their treatment. PTA does also need to use Verbal communication to comprehend instructions for patient progression and PTA 's clinical success. In addition to that they need Interpersonal skills which are important when it comes to interacting with patients and colleagues. To be successful in any healthcare ca-reer, there is a need for a strong desire to help people. Reading comprehension PTA 's must be able to understand written instructions from there direct supervisory whether it 's a PT or Physi-cian. In addition to that, there is also critical thinking and decision making important when de-ciding the potential outcomes of possible solutions before choosing. Organization skills
Physical therapists also can consult and practice with other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists to help them with their treatment to a patient. Conducting research or teaching is another job option for physical therapists.
Physical Therapy Assistants work under the direction of a Physical Therapist. The assistants use physical treatment to help in the improvement of a person’s mobility and alleviate pain and disability caused by injury or sickness. Physical Therapy
Life can change in a split second when an unanticipated injury or disease hinders someone’s normal daily life. Modern medicine, physicians and families can only do so much but physical therapy can help recoup the life many of us take for granted. It often isn’t until we lose something that we as humans realize what we had such as the value of our body’s ability to take us through each day. A physical therapist is the person who stays with a patient for the duration of the rehabilitation process. A physical therapist leads the patient through the process of regaining physical strength and helps the patient regain control of their future. Much like many careers that involve interaction with individuals, physical therapy reaches beyond
The physical therapy profession is concerned with treating individuals of all ages. In the future, I plan on being able to comfort individuals undergoing physical therapy by being able to use my compassionate nature, caring, understanding, and the expertise that I will gain, while serving as their physical therapist. In doing the previously mentioned things, I hope to be considered as an important asset to society. I believe that people will be able to increase their viability by seeking my assistance.
Physical therapist assistants spend so much time getting to know their patients. Most of the time, patients will need therapy 3 times a week for at least 4 weeks. Seeing patients that often really lets you get to know someone. I love communicating with people and seeing them improve. I work at a physical therapy clinic and see the connection between the therapist and patient. The patient’s want to be there. They like knowing they can get answers from the therapist providing treatment if they need to ask a question
“Advancement prospects are excellent for Physical Therapy Assistants. Individuals can advance their career by becoming full-fledged physical therapists” (“Physical Therapy Assistant”) so it’s simple as that the advancement is just becoming a physical therapist. A physical therapist is pretty much the highest level in that specific area in the medical field they do everything for patients and the assistants just reinforce what their orders are. There are some extra things necessary to become a physical therapist though “in order to climb the career ladder, however, the Physical Therapy Assistant must take additional training. This usually includes at least another two years of schooling in an institution that has an accredited program in physical therapy” (“Physical Therapy
Physical therapy assistant is a health care professional who provides physical therapy services based on the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapy assistant. This professional helps individuals of all ages who have medical issues and health-related conditions that restrict their ability to move and carry out functional activities in daily life. A physical therapy assistant can work in various settings such as private practices, hospitals, home health, sport facilities, schools, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. The physical therapy assistant is also responsible for evaluating the changes in a patient's performance based on the physical therapy provided. The kind of care provided by a physical therapy assistant may incorporate teaching the patient to exercise mobility, the use of physical agents, strength and coordination, electrotherapy, and training for various activities like walkers and crutches ("Who Are Physical Therapist Assistants?" 2012). For an individual to become a physical therapy assistant, he/she is required to be licensed, certified, or registered by the state. In this case, the educational requirements and examination criteria are usually stipulated based on the particular state requiring licensure.
This takes more time and effort from both the patient and the physical therapist assistant. There are patients who will need to adapt to having an artificial limb or being permanently confined to a wheelchair. Patients with these kinds of impairments will be stressed emotionally with the limitations they have with their body; a physical therapist assistant must also help that patient to improve their state of mind. Overall, it’s about helping a patient regain independence as much as possible. Along with the team, a physical therapist assistant will also help with the evaluation of a patient’s condition, “An evaluation can include measuring the patient's strength, range of motion, and functional ability; that is, how well the patient performs certain physical tasks” (Mayo Clinic). Once the evaluation is done, the physical therapist will develop a treatment plan for the patient that the physical therapist assistant has to carry out (Mayo Clinic). When carrying out this treatment plan, the physical therapist assistant must “observe [the patient] before and during therapy, [take note of] their status and [report] to a physical therapist (Bureau of Labor Statistics). If a procedure it a little more complicated both the physical therapist and the assistant will work alongside each other to get the job done. However, most routine visits will be done by the physical therapist assistant alone. They also help patients by teaching them how to use things like canes, braces, walkers,
A physical therapy assistant work in clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, schools, corporate or industrial health centers, private physical therapy offices, community health centers, sports facilities, research institutions, nursing homes, home health agencies, pediatric centers, colleges, and universities. The conditions of such vary by whether they are full-time or part-time. Some clinics, hospitals, etc. have evening and weekend hours. It could get stressful, but have patience. Listen to the patient and take it step by step. Also, knowing what your supervising physical therapist expects out of you may help with the stress. The physical therapy assistant working conditions involve frequent kneeling, stooping and standing for long periods of time. Being physical fit is a major advantage in this field.
A Physical Therapist Assistant is a job occupation that involves assisting a Physical Therapist who helps with the rehabilitation of individuals who have past injuries or are working towards strengthening what they are weak with. They help people get back to their normal self and ready to operate in society normally. The Physical Therapist Assistant mostly helps with the workouts and stretches that patients have to do. They help with impairments, disabilities, and their mobility(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). A Physical Therapist Assistant can work in hospitals, schools, and any average therapy location. There is a lot of information about being a Physical Therapist Assistant including their day to day routine,salary, schooling, and
The day I attended physical therapy for a broken arm was the day I wanted to get into physical therapy. It taught me techniques to help me regain control of something that I have lost temporary of like an arm or leg. That day when I attended physical therapy was the day my life changed and only for the better, I hope. This is a career which I want to pursue and become part of. To start my career I would like to become a physical therapist assistant to learn the fundamentals and then later, move to become a physical therapist, and maybe have someone assist me. But to become a physical therapist assistant or PTA one must complete a program and have excellent grades to achieve this goal. The physical therapy assistant is a graduate of a
When considering the physical therapy career field, I concluded that my interests and skills are compatible with the career requirements in this field. My sisters friend whom I chose to interview for this paper, contributed to my interest in physical therapy. By doing this research I would like to learn the average pay for a physical therapist. Also, what are suggested classes for a physical therapist while in college? This research will help me better understand what a physical therapist does and will either help me lean towards or away from a career in this field.
To become a physical therapist assistant you need to earn an associate’s degree and graduate from a program that is accredited by CAPTE. Being a Physical therapy assistant takes a lot of hard work and dedication just like any other job. Patients are treated in many different locations from hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics and at the patient’s own home. While treating patients you need to smile, be kind, patient, and understanding. The patient wants to feel like you care and want to see them get better. In order to do that you must do whatever you can to fulfill their needs and listen to their thoughts and concerns. Patients come from many different backgrounds, whether they are from another country, don’t speak English, young, or old, so you have to learn how to accommodate to each individual and treat them with respect. While treating the patients you have to remember to follow all standards given to you, to ensure you aren’t breaking any rules or laws that can affect you and your place of business. As a PTA you are expected to know how to treat a patient, work in a team, document patients, and properly communicate with others. Additional elements that you need to know is how to perform a skin assessment, take a patient’s blood pressure, and perform balance tests. There are many responsibilities when working in this field, but in the end it is all worth
Physical Therapist is citing from website; www.apta.org/aboutpts " physical therapist are highly-educated licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility.
Physical therapists are members of a health care team, specially trained to improve movement and flinction, relieve pain, and expand movement potential. Through evaluation and individualized treatment programs, physical therapists can both treat existing problems and provide preventive health care for people with a variety of needs (Physical Therapy-Improving 1). Physical therapists are very knowledgeable and skillful concerning the human body. Physical therapy is a complex, but rewarding field to pursue as a career. Specialization, working conditions, job outlook, salaries, and education requirements need to be taken into consideration when contemplating a career as a physical therapist.