Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical therapist assistants assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. They may, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. They generally require formal training.
Physical therapist assistants, also referred to as PTAs, function under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, helping patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain.
Physical therapist assistant jobs enforce components of patient care, accumulate data related to the treatments provided, and combine with the physical therapist to amend care as necessary. They may also care for people who want to become healthier and prevent future problems. Physical therapist assistants work in hospitals, privately-owned physical therapy practices, home health, schools, and rehab units. They are required to take physical therapy assistant programs (PTA programs) from physical therapy assistant schools. PTA programs include anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, clinical pathology, behavioural sciences, communication, and ethics/values.
How long to become a physical therapist assistant? Physical therapy assistant programs are offered at the associate degree level. Assistant jobs require skills like social perceptiveness, communications, critical thinking, problem-solving, judgement and decision making, persuasion and time management. What is the salary of a physical therapist assistant? Well, the compensation depends on the experience and skills of an assistant.
The physical assistant jobs require customer and personal service knowledge, therapy and counselling, psychology, medicine, biology, computers, and electronics. A successful physical therapy assistant strives to help people reach their fitness goals, regain independence, and lead active lives.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- BPT Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Diploma Physiotherapy
Tasks
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
- Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.
- Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
- Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
- Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
Progression Routes
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