Pta Assistant

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 two year associate or arts of applied sciences at community college program or technical institute. To gain some experience before you start the program, volunteer with a physical therapist or at a local nursing home. It will help you to have a strong background in biology, chemistry, physics, health, art, and social sciences.

Physical therapist assistants and aides perform components of physical therapy procedures and related tasks selected by a supervising physical therapist, the nature of the work. David Hayes (1998) reports these workers assist physical therapists in providing services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. According to Physical Therapist and aides (2006),"Patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy." Physical therapist assistants perform a variety of tasks. Physical Therapist and aides (2006) reports components of treatment procedures are performed by these workers, under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, it involves exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction, and ultrasound. Physical therapist assistants record the patient's responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist. "Duties of aides may include some clerical tasks, such as ordering depleted supplies, answering the phone, and filling out insurance forms and other paperwork. The extent to which an aide or an assistant performs clerical tasks depends on the size and location of the facility." Physical Therapist and aides (2006).

Next I will cover the working conditions a physical therapist may encounter. The hours and days that physical therapist assistants and aides work vary with the facility and with whether they are full- or part-time employees. Many outpatient physical therapy offices and clinics have evening and weekend hours, to help accompany with patients personal schedules. According to Shelly Field (1997), "About 30 percent of all physical therapist assistants and aides work part time." "Physical therapist assistants and aides need a moderate degree of strength because of the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment." (Physical Therapist Assistants ,2007). In some cases, assistants and aides need to lift patients. Constant kneeling and standing for long periods of time are also part of the job.

Now I will cover training, other qualifications, and advancement in physical therapy. "Physical therapist aides are trained on the job, but physical therapist assistants typically earn an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. Not all states require licensure or registration in order for the physical therapist assistant to practice. The States that require licensure stipulate express educational and examination criteria. Complete information on practice acts and regulations can be obtained from the State licensing boards." (Physical Therapy Assistant PTA ,2007). Additional requirements may include certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid and a minimum number of hours of clinical experience. (David Hayes ,1998). According to the Physical Therapist Assistants (2007), "There were, 238 accredited physical therapist assistant programs in the United States as of 2004. Accredited physical therapist assistant programs are designed to last 2 years, or 4 semesters, and culminate in an associate degree." Programs are divided into academic study and hands-on clinical experience. Academic course work includes algebra, anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and psychology. Many programs require that students complete a semester of anatomy and physiology and have certifications in CPR and other first aid even before they begin their clinical field experience. (Physical Therapist Assistants ,2007) Both