What is the difference between a physical therapist assistant and an occupational therapist assistant?

Answer 1

Some people will use these term interchangeably but they are not the same. A physical therapy aide is an unskilled staff member of the clinic or hospital. They may be a high school student who one day would like to become a PT or PTA. In other words, only a high school diploma is required. Their responsibilities include setting up treatments (like hot packs, getting things ready for exercises), assisting with lifting or two-person transfers, and assisting with other things under a physical therapist's (PT) or, in some states a PTAs supervision. A well-trained aide may also transport patients or lead group exercises after being deemed competent to do so.

A physical therapist assistant (PTA) has completed an intensive 2 year degree with both academic and hands on clinical experiences and has successfully passed the national licensing exam. The curriculum is not as extensive as that for a physical therapist (2 years vs. 6) and therefore a PTAs job description is not as extensive in scope. A PTA, working within the Plan of Care, can develop and implement therapeutic intervention including data collection (manual muscle testing and ROM testing), sensory testing, exercise (strengthening, increasing ROM, gait training, etc.) modalities (US adn estim, for example) and patient education. PTAs do not evaluate patients or create or change a plan of care developed by the PT. Depending on the jurisdiction, a PTA may be required to be in the direct line of sight of a PT, be in the same building or just be able to reach them by phone.

Answer 2

a physical therapist specializes in exercises and treatments to repair the body the occupationaly therapist helps a person with a handicap live their lives normally by use of assistive devices and splinting

Answer 3

The difference between a PTA and a rehab aid:

Schooling

Degree

Knowledge

License vs. CNA cert etc

For more info:

www.home-health-care-physical-therapy.com/physical-therapy-requirements.html

Marcia Oliver MSPT, CPT

Answer 4

Hello,

The pay difference between a PTA a rehab aid varies by state. I can tell you that a PTA will make quite a bit more than a rehab aid due to the schooling involved and the degree they hold. Anyone can call themselves a rehab aid, but only those holding a PTA degree can call themselves and therefore market themselves as a PTA.

For more info:

www.home-health-care-physical-therapy.com/physical-therapy-requirements.html

Marcia Oliver MSPT, CPT

Answer 5

As a therapist I have never heard of a physical therapy technician.... This is a new one on me. Go to this link to first determine the difference between a physical therapy assistant and a physical therapy aide.

http:/wiki.answers.com/Q/Difference_between_physical_therapy_assistant_vs_physical_therapy_technician

After searching a bit it seems that the programs offered for PT technicians sound very similar to those for physical therapy assistants, however when I searched the American Physical Therapy Association's website for "Physical Therapy Technician, nothing came up...

From FAQ's on the website of The American Physical Therapy Association (http:/www.apta.org)

I heard about online PT Aide programs; are these accredited? No. CAPTE accredits only physical therapist and physical therapist assistant programs. What is CAPTE? (Also from the APTA website)

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is an accrediting agency that is nationally recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CAPTE grants specialized accreditation status to qualified entry-level education programs for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The literature is very clear on the legal difference between PT, PTA's and PT aides. I would start there and research the PT Technician title/degree more in depth. Best regards, professionaltherapies.com

Answer 6

After doing some quick research it seems to come down to this:

Occupational Therapist Assistant helps to improve DAILY life activities, where can learn to help themselves with basic activities able bodied people take for granted, like grooming, using the restroom, putting on clothes and also assisting in some exercise to help stay mobile and focus on the upper body.

Physical Therapists Assistant focus on the whole body and help to maintain and develop flexibility, ROM, exercises etc... by following a Physical Therapist's treatment plan that may include stretching, massage, etc...

Answer 7

Hi, I'm only guessing but i think physical therapist assiatant is the person who assists and physical therapist is the study or subject... soo i guess they're diiferent. I hope I helped

Answer 8

A difference can be seen between two things. Not between one thing.