Are you interested in becoming a physical therapist assistant (PTA)? There is a lot of education required to become a physical therapist assistant. Let’s take a look at what you need to do to get your education.
Learn what physical therapist assistants do
Physical therapist assistants play an essential role in working with patients, assisting the physical therapist in their treatment and care. The physical therapist assistant is responsible for educating patients about the exercises they will perform at home, working with patients during therapy to ensure proper techniques are used, and documenting patient progress.
Two of the more common questions revolve around the perception of physical therapist assistants:
- Is it a desk job?
- Are they just there to do the paperwork?
While these questions and concerns are somewhat valid, they do paint an incomplete picture. The reality is that physical therapist assistants play a vital role in helping patients recover from pain caused by conditions ranging from back and neck problems to arthritis or soft tissue conditions.
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is the person who works under the guidance of Physical Therapist and assists in the work. Physical therapists help in proper body movements, posture and also proper balance recovery as well as monitor the overall health of patients. Assistants are responsible for promoting and implementing the physical therapist’s advice. They conduct exercises for patient-involved therapy and teach them about proper exercise habits.
Find out where physical therapist assistants work
Physical therapist assistants, also known as PTA’s, have a range of job opportunities. They can work in private practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics and other healthcare facilities.
Some PTAs work with patients who are recovering from surgery or who have experienced an injury. Others work with people who suffer from chronic illnesses such as arthritis or diabetes. Some PTAs help patients who need rehabilitation following spinal cord injuries or strokes.
PTAs usually work under the supervision of a physical therapist. They may also assist other medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and therapists.
PTAs generally need at least an associate degree to obtain this type of job. Most states require licensure by passing written exams and clinical tests before they can practice in the state where they live.
Desired personality traits of a physical therapist assistant
If you are considering becoming a physical therapist assistant, then it is important to know what traits you may want to have to be successful in this profession. Below are five characteristics of a physical therapist assistant.
- Patient
- Responsive
- Caring
- Energetic
- Learner
If you are an individual who wants to work with people and help them overcome physical challenges, the requirements for working as a physical therapist assistant may be for you. It is always a good idea to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses in situations.
Please keep in mind that the above traits are merely suggestions and are intended as a guideline of sorts—not a set of rules. Most importantly, remember that there is no single type of “best candidate.” The best candidate for an assistant position is one who is good at assisting. You can do that by developing the traits listed above and many others not discussed here.
Complete a postsecondary educational program
If you want to pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant, there are several factors to consider before deciding on the best program for you.
First, understand the role of a physical therapist assistant. They help physical therapists diagnose and treat patients by performing tasks that require knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. They also perform administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments and billing insurance companies.
Next, determine where you want to live after graduation. Do you want to remain in your hometown? Or would you prefer to move somewhere else? If so, what kind of weather do you prefer? Will it be easier for your family members if they can visit regularly? How far away from them do you want to be?
It’s important to think about these questions before choosing a program. Because some schools offer online courses while others require students to attend classes on-campus every day for several years at a time. Neither option is necessarily better than the other but each has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on what type of lifestyle works best for each individual student.
Apply for licensure and take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)
In order to become a physical therapist assistant, you’ll need to complete a two-year program at a community college or technical school. This program will teach you everything you need to know about being a physical therapist assistant, including how to perform medical tests and procedures, how to assist your patients during their treatment sessions, and how to function as an integral part of the patient’s care team.
Becoming a physical therapist assistant is all about applying for licensure and taking the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). If you want to be a physical therapist assistant, you’ll need to apply for licensure and take the NPTE.
The NPTE is a national standard test that all physical therapist assistants must pass in order to become licensed. Passing this exam will allow you to work as a physical therapist assistant in any state in the United States.
The first step is to pass an NPTE. This test is required by all states in order for you to become licensed as a physical therapist assistant. Once you’ve passed this exam, then you can begin working as a physical therapist assistant!
If you love working with people and enjoy helping them, becoming a physical therapist assistant could be the career path for you. PTA’s can play a critical role in different aspects of patient care, and they frequently assist licensed physical therapists as well as other types of medical professionals in their efforts to help patients recover from certain injuries or illnesses. If you find this career intriguing and would like more information about how to become a physical therapist assistant, contact SABER College and we will be happy to help you on your journey!
