Physical therapy assistants help physical therapists treat patients with injuries or physical disabilities. They provide treatments such as heat or ice therapy, massages, and exercises to improve mobility and alleviate pain. To become a physical therapy assistant, one must complete an accredited program and pass a licensing exam. They must also possess patience, kindness, and a desire to help others. Physical therapy assistants work in various healthcare settings and may need to work after hours.
A physical therapy assistant assists the physical therapist in the aim of treating patients who are suffering from injury or physical disability. The treatment is designed to improve patients’ mobility or alleviate pain. These assistants can give patients heat or ice therapy, teach them how to use crutches, or show them how to perform exercises and stretches that will improve range of motion and flexibility.
They may even perform massages, employ electrical stimulation, or perform ultrasounds on patients. Working as a physical therapy assistant can also involve answering phones, ordering supplies, and filling out insurance paperwork. All work performed by the assistant is supervised by a licensed physical therapist.
If a person wishes to become a physical therapy assistant, he or she must possess a high school diploma. After earning a high school diploma, most states require physical therapist assistants to complete an accredited physical therapy program. Most programs last around two years and graduates earn an associate degree upon completion of their studies.
Students enrolled in a physical therapy assistant program study a variety of courses, including psychology, algebra, anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry. They must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. In addition to these requirements, they must acquire hands-on experience in the field. Upon completion of the program, most states require future physical therapy assistants to pass an exam to become licensed in that particular healthcare career.
A physical therapist assistant works with people of all ages. Stroke victims, injured athletes, children with cerebral palsy and patients who have recently undergone surgery are just a small sample of people in need of physiotherapy services. Those who choose to become physical therapist assistants will need to work well with the public, showing patience and kindness.
A physical therapist assistant must demonstrate a sincere desire to help others and have the ability to put patients at ease. Because most patients come to a physiotherapist after suffering an injury or surgery, they may be experiencing a lot of pain and emotional distress. The assistant must also be prepared to work with a licensed physical therapist and other health care workers as part of a team.
Nursing homes, home health care agencies, skilled nursing facilities and physical therapy offices require the special skills of a physical therapist assistant. Assistants can also work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and school districts. Anyone who chooses to work in this field should be prepared to work after hours, as many medical facilities are open in the evenings and weekends.
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