How Do You Like Being a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical therapists examine and prescribe plans of care to patients. However, the physical therapist assistant carries out the plan. Their job involves moving the patient’s body for stretches or massages that have been prescribed to relieve pain or damages caused by injuries or disease. Sometimes personal therapist assistants use different machines to help with therapy.
Just like any other field, the role of a physical therapist assistant has its pros and cons.
Benefits to Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant
Proficiency in a variety of techniques: By becoming a physical therapist, you acquire skills in different procedures including electrotherapy, massage, ultrasound, and the use of hot packs.
Job satisfaction: Many PTAs enjoy working with patients and helping them to recover from illness or injury. For them, it’s rewarding to see their patients progress back to their regular activities. It requires patience, but working with someone one-on-one can be very emotionally rewarding.
What Most PTAs Like about Their Work
The opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives: Helping patients regain their mobility and independence can provide an incredible amount of satisfaction. Whether it’s recovering from a stroke or a car accident, PTAs have the chance to help improve patients’ mobility, prevent disability, and reduce pain.
Become a respected professional: Physical therapist assistants are highly educated and skilled professionals, knowledgeable in how the human body functions. Physical therapists are an important part of the healthcare team that helps in caring for patients, and are well respected by their peers in the medical world.
They become movement experts: Physical therapist assistants undergo intensive education in kinesiology, the study of human movement. This is important in promoting the patient’s ability to reduce pain, prevent disability, move, and restore functionality. Depending on the needs of a patient, the physical therapist can choose a PTA to provide soft tissue massage, therapeutic exercise, or functional training.
Why is Formal Education Important to join this Field?
A typical physical therapy assistant training program is divided into coursework and clinical experience. Coursework is on the educational side, and it equips you with the knowledge you need to move forward. Clinical experience is hands-on training with other physical therapist assistants, preparing you to work on your own in the future.
The academic PTA coursework mostly includes the following classes:
- Physiology
- Neurological disorders
- Anatomy
- Pathology
- Orthopedics
- Psychology
- Therapeutic exercise
- Advanced physical therapy procedures
Clinical work varies depending on the setting you’re in. You might be required to earn certifications to go with your course work. Expect to become proficient in the following areas:
- First aid
- Massage
- CPR
It is a requirement by all states except Hawaii that you be licensed. For you to get licensed in this field, you should complete an accredited physical therapist assistant program and also pass the certifying body exam.
Do you have the Qualities of a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Are you excited about a future in physical therapy? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assisting, consider ECPI University for the education you’ll need to make a difference. For more information, connect with one of our helpful admissions counselors.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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