I. Introduction
If you’re interested in healthcare and helping others, becoming a physical therapist assistant might be the perfect career choice for you. Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work closely with physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and improve their overall physical wellbeing. In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to become a PTA and offer valuable insights about the profession.
II. Step-by-Step Guide
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to become a physical therapist assistant:
Educational Requirements
To become a physical therapist assistant, you’ll need to have at least an associate’s degree from a licensed program which can take around two years to complete. These programs typically include both classroom and clinical components that cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and patient care.
Certification Process
After completing an accredited program, you’ll need to take the National Physical Therapy Exam and obtain a passing score. This is necessary to obtain licensure in most states. Some states may also require that you pass a state-specific exam.
Practical Experience Requirements
In addition to educational and certification requirements, you’ll also need to complete clinical training in a healthcare setting to gain real-life experience. This experience is typically obtained through internships or supervised clinical rotations. Clinical experiences are an essential aspect of the PTA training program, and they should be taken seriously because these resources are rare, expenses, and may be a determining factor during the hiring process.
Tips for Getting Hired
Once you have completed your education, certification requirements, and clinical requirements, you will need to look for a job, which can sometimes be a difficult process. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Network: Reach out to physical therapy clinics and hospitals for job leads and referrals. You can also take initiative to find contact information of PTA directors and offer to job shadow one of their current successful PTAs.
- Create a Resume: Ensure your resume stands out with verbiage detailing your experience in physical therapy settings.
- Stay Current: Familiarize yourself with the latest developments in physical therapy by reading up on recent research and techniques used to help patients reach their health goals.
- Express Passion: During the job interview, explain why you’re passionate about physical therapy and how you can help patients achieve their health and wellness goals.
III. Q&A with a Physical Therapist Assistant
In this section of our article, we will speak with a physical therapist assistant and ask them questions about their experience. Let’s dive in!
What does a Physical Therapist Assistant do daily?
“A PTA works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, conducting therapy plans that have been developed to address a particular patient’s needs. This includes assisting the patient with mobility, daily exercise, and other tasks to reach their therapeutic goals.”
What are the most important skills needed to become a PTA?
“PTAs have to have excellent communication skills and be great at listening to and empathizing with patients. You will be working directly with people who are undergoing physical therapy because they need help, and often times this can be frustrating for them. Also, physical therapy is highly personalized and no two patient’s plans will look the same. PTAs will need strong critical thinking and patience. Lastly, being physically fit and stable is important to show patients proper positioning during exercises.
What is it like to work as a PTA?
“Working as a PTA is incredibly rewarding, as throughout the day, you will see patients recover from pain and achieve physical milestones that they may previously have deemed impossible. It’s a career that enables you to make a direct, tangible difference in people’s lives.”
IV. Benefits of Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant
In addition to having a fulfilling and challenging career, there are many financial and personal benefits of becoming a physical therapist assistant.
Salary and Advancement Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physical therapist assistants was $48,990 in May 2020. In most states, the demand for PTAs is higher than average and growing, which provides promising employment and career advancement opportunities for those looking for professional growth.
Job Stability
Physical therapy is a healthcare field and is resistant to economic downturns, as people will always need medical attention. Additionally, working in this field allows personal impact, as you will be contributing to helping a person recover.
V. Personal Anecdotes
Here are a couple of personal anecdotes from PTAs who have shared their stories on social media and online forums about how they came to pursue their careers in physical therapy.
Story 1
“I was a high school athlete and suffered from several sports injuries. Proper physical therapy played a critical role in my recovery. I was amazed how it helped me recover so quickly and became inspired to help others in the same way. I am now a PTA and love what I do.”
Story 2
“After struggling with a health issue myself, I had encountered many PTAs who helped me recover from my issues. Through these interactions, I developed a deep appreciation for their profession. I decided to pursue this as my career and am proud to currently be a licensed PTA.”
VI. Role of Physical Therapist Assistants in Healthcare
Physical therapist assistants play a vital role in healthcare, helping patients with a wide variety of physical issues to improve their overall health and wellness. Here are some examples of what a typical day might look like for a PTA:
- Assisting patients with mobility exercises
- Instructing and explaining exercises to patients during their sessions.
- Assisting with patient modalities, such as heat, cold, and electrical stimulation therapies.
- Managing the medical record and documentation of progress.
- Communicating directly with physical therapists to make informed decisions regarding patient care
VII. Conclusion
If you are passionate about helping others reach their physical therapy goals, becoming a physical therapist assistant is a great option. With favorable salary prospects, vast career development options, and personal fulfilment, it is an excellent career choice for those inclined towards healthcare. With the embodiment of the required educational, certification, and practical requirements as well as networking and intentional job search, you could have a successful and fulfilling career as a PTA.
“Working as a PTA enables you to make a direct, tangible difference in people’s lives, and the difference one makes is unquantifiable.
