A physical therapy assistant (PTA) is a licensed healthcare professional who assists physical therapists in carrying out therapy treatments. A two-year associate degree from an accredited school is required, and PTAs must work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. They must also obtain and maintain a state license and follow continuing education requirements. Effective communication skills are necessary as PTAs are responsible for the care of each patient.
A physical therapy assistant, or PTA, is a licensed health care professional with special training in the field of physical therapy. A two-year associate degree is required to become a physical therapy assistant. Education must be obtained by an accredited school. An accredited school has a program that has undergone extensive review by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, also known as CAPTE accreditation. This accreditation guarantees the quality of educational courses and instructors.
A physical therapy assistant essentially assists the physical therapist in carrying out therapy treatments. The PTA can perform the same functions as a physical therapist, with the exception of initial assessments, reassessments and treatment modifications, and discharge assessments and plans. Some states require direct supervision. In other words, a PT must be in place for a PTA to work. Other states only require that the PT be available through telecommunications.
To become a physical therapy assistant requires extensive knowledge of specialized physical therapy equipment, physical treatment protocols, general mobility skills, activities of daily living, and specialized modalities such as heat/ice applications, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation for pain relief. pain. They can use these skills to provide hands-on treatment to clients. The PTA, however, must work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Currently, there are approximately 230 programs available in the United States to become a physical therapy assistant. To be considered for a physical therapy assistant program, you must have a grade point average (GPA), especially in major sciences such as biology, chemistry, and statistics. Each PTA candidate must also volunteer in the healthcare field, preferably as a physical therapist assistant, and demonstrate community involvement through other volunteer activities. Letters of recommendation from current physical therapists are also a prerequisite for acceptance into an ATP program.
In order to become a physical therapy assistant and work in the field, it is necessary to obtain and maintain a state license. Fees for acquiring and testing state licensing vary from state to state. Once licensed, the PTA must follow the continuing education requirements of the state in which they are employed or risk losing their right to practice physical therapy. Licenses are generally renewed every two years.
The PTA also has the same responsibility to work under the legal and safety requirements of the physical therapy practice and maintain a current license in good standing at all times. It is important to understand that although a PTA can perform most of the functions that a PT can, he is responsible for the care of each patient, so effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.
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