Physical Therapist Assistant

Answer 1

A physical therapist assistant, also known as a PTA, provide various services to patients during rehabilitation. They function under the close supervision of a physical therapist.

The physical therapist assistant will assist and instruct patients during physical rehabilitative or therapeutic exercises, monitor and assess a patient’s recuperative progress, perform therapeutic massage and even fit or modify specifications on crutches or leg braces. Some physical therapist assistants are also responsible for various clerical duties related to their rehabilitation center’s office.

Physical Therapist Assistant Education

To provide services as a physical therapist assistant, one must obtain an associate’s degree in physical therapist assisting. In the U.S, over 250 schools offer accredited programs in physical therapy assisting.

Curriculum will vary depending upon which school one chooses, but certain aspects must be taught in every physical therapy assisting degree program. Students will primarily learn procedures and theories related to physical therapy. They will also complete coursework in medical sciences and general education studies. During their final semester, students will get hands-on training within an internship.

An associate’s degree may not be all one needs in order to practice physical therapy assisting in a professional capacity. Many states require physical therapist licensing, such as successful passing of a state-specific physical therapy assistant exam, certification in First Aid or CPR and a minimum number of hours attending on-the-job training.

Physical Therapist Assistant Career Advancement

Once a healthcare professional achieves education, licensing and work experience as a physical therapist assistant, career advancement within their chosen field is quite attainable.

An obvious way to advance one’s physical therapy career is to become a qualified physical therapist. This will, of course, require further education in the form of a either master’s degree or doctorate. The licensure requirements for a physical therapist are also quite a bit more rigorous.

Another avenue for physical therapist assistant career advancement is for the professional to become trained in a certain specialty in addition to their physical therapy assistant training. Specialties can include therapy related to pediatrics, sports, the elderly and many others.

If one is considering a career in the health field, physical therapy assisting is a solid and viable choice, as the need for physical therapy assistants will always exist.