Physical therapy assistants work with patients and help physical therapists by taking care of their administrative duties. They often work as part of a team, which includes other assistants, nurses, and doctors. To enter this profession, there are some qualifications that you’ll need to meet.
Whether you’re looking for a new job or considering your next step after school, this blog post will give you all the information that you need to know about what it takes to become a physical therapist assistant and what they do on the job every day.
What Do You Need To Be A Physical Therapist Assistant: The Skills And Knowledge Required?
Although there are several requirements that you must meet in order to become a physical therapist assistant, some of the most important skills and Knowledge Required are described below.
Education and Training Required for a Physical Therapist Assistant
To become a physical therapist assistant, you will need to complete the requirements for an Associate of Science degree or similar certification. This can be obtained at many physical therapist assistant schools or community colleges and universities across the country.
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Physical therapist assistant programs:
Aspiring PTAs need to focus on becoming well-versed in the human body and how it works. PTAs typically take 20 months, which provides them with foundational knowledge that’ll allow them to pursue entry-level roles. Your coursework includes classes such as kinesiology, patient care, anatomy, etc.
To become a physical therapist assistant (PTA), one needs an associate degree from a program offered by these schools/programs designed to provide students with the skills for pursuing positions within this field of work upon graduation.
The typical length is about 20 months, during which courses are completed including but not limited to biomechanics or study of movement mechanics; orthopedic conditions; and diagnostic imaging procedures related specifically to muscles & joints.
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Pass the Certification Exam:
After you’ve completed your education and training, it’s time to take the certification exam. You must pass this for your skills as a physical therapist assistant to be verified by an organization recognized by the state boards of physical therapy.
For those who are looking into studying physical therapy assistant programs online or offline, there are several courses available that are designed to help you gain the necessary knowledge before sitting for the certification exam.
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Licensure:
Most states also require physical therapist assistants to be licensed. You may have to pass a background check, submit fingerprints, and provide proof of having passed the national exam before you can receive your license from the state where you are employed.
Once you’ve completed your training program, there are state licensing exams that must also be passed to use the title “Physical Therapy Assistant”. These exams are typically offered at least once a year, and there may be multiple locations where you can take the exam. Each of these exams will cost money to register for as well.
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Hands-on Experience:
In addition to completing your education program, it’s also important that you have some hands-on experience working with patients so that you know what kind of work you might expect. It’s also necessary for physical therapist assistant jobs.
2. Skills Required for a Physical Therapist Assistant
In terms of what physical therapists and assistants do every day on the job, this profession requires listening carefully to patients’ concerns and asking them questions about their medical history before they start any treatment procedures.
Physical therapy assistants work closely with the other members of their team when caring for each patient, so being outgoing is essential. Some essential requirements during jobs for physical therapist assistants.
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Compassion:
You’ll need to have a strong desire to help others and be compassionate and empathetic. You must also be able to maintain your composure around patients in pain or with injuries. Physical therapist assistants work closely alongside physical therapists every day, so you should expect frequent contact with people who may not always feel their best.
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Computer skills:
Today, physical therapists increasingly use computers and technology to document treatment plans and patient records. Physical therapy assistants should be familiar with word processing software because they’ll need access to modify their patients’ files online.
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Motivation:
Physical therapy assistants must also be motivated to work in a fast-paced environment. They are often on their feet for long periods, and patient care can be physically demanding.
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Medical terminology:
Physical therapist assistants will need an understanding of medical terminology and anatomy because they will be responsible for documenting their patients’ treatment plans using this information.
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Pharmaceuticals:
Physical therapy assistants need to understand the properties of pharmaceutical medications and how they affect a patient’s treatment plan. This knowledge will help them decide what type of medication is best for each individual they treat.
Physical therapists often rely on their assistants’ expertise when it comes time to prescribe medication, which means that physical therapy assistants must also have a strong background in pharmacology.
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Patient care:
Physical therapists are responsible for patient health and safety, which means that physical therapist assistants need to be familiar with proper procedures when caring for people who may not feel well. Physical therapist assistants should therefore know how to administer medication safely and monitor patients during treatment procedures.
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Patient privacy:
Physical therapy assistants help their therapists treat patients and ensure confidentiality by only sharing information that is necessary with other members of the treatment team. This means that physical therapist assistants must understand patient’s right to privacy and maintain this at all times while working. They can only disclose private information when it pertains directly to a patient’s medical care and diagnosis.
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Patient communication:
Physical therapist assistants communicate closely with their patients to understand what they are feeling about the current state of their health, whether or not there’s pain involved, and how this affects daily activities like brushing teeth, cooking meals or working outside in a garden.
Physical therapist assistants must be able to help their patients feel at ease during sessions to decrease feelings of stress and anxiety. Besides, physical therapy assistants must communicate the diagnosis and treatment plan to their clients. Additionally, they’re often required to explain their patient’s medical needs by communicating effectively with insurance companies.
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Empathy:
Physical therapy assistants must be empathetic individuals who can put themselves in another person’s shoes and understand how they are feeling about their current physical state. Physical therapist assistants work closely with people from all walks of life, so they must be able to empathize, feel compassion for others, and work as a team in order to provide the best care possible.
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Patience:
Physical therapy assistants will need patience when working with patients who may not want to participate in their treatment plan or who do not have much motivation towards achieving better physical health. Physical therapist assistants should remain calm and patient with their patients in order to help them feel at ease.
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Creativity:
Physical therapy assistants should also be creative individuals because they will need to use this trait when working on a treatment plan for each of their patients. This is why physical therapists often rely on the creativity of their assistants who can think outside the box.
What Do Physical Therapist Assistants Do?
- After this initial period is over (this varies depending on each employer) assistants usually work alongside other healthcare professionals within clinics or hospitals like nurses and doctors who also specialize in physical therapy.
- You may be asked to perform administrative tasks, including scheduling patient appointments and billing insurance companies for services rendered, as well as documenting a patient’s progress or lack thereof after each treatment session.
- You will also help patients with their activities of daily living by giving them exercises that they can do on their own at home using manuals and other resources provided by the therapist you work alongside every day.
- Assistants are often expected to prepare these materials so that they are ready when needed during sessions.
- Tasks like this allow assistants to gain experience while working under an experienced therapist who is responsible for overseeing everything done within his/her office setting, which includes hiring new staff members such as assistants he/she feels comfortable having around patients all the time.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Physical Therapist Assistant?
Most programs are between nine and twenty-four months, but the specific length of time that it’ll take you to complete your program depends on what classes you need to take.
You should plan at least two years for school, since many schools do not allow students to work while they are in attendance. This is because physical therapist assistant students are in very hands-on training, and they’ll need to take several science classes that are related to anatomy.
The number of hours you spend on an education program can vary depending on your school; however, in the United States, it’s common for students to spend between 20 and 40 hours each week on schoolwork. Approximately, you need 3 years to become a physical therapist assistant.
Vertex:
You may have a question about what you need to become a physical therapist assistant. Yourself. To become a physical therapist assistant, you have to be prepared for the following. Here’s some up of the article:
- You may be required to complete an undergraduate degree in health administration or healthcare management.
- You need to know how to use computers and other modern technology.
- You should know how to work as part of a team with other assistants to provide quality care for patients.