How to become A Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapy hurts before it makes the individual feel better. Physical Therapist Assistants encourage and inspire their clients to take a challenging journey, making it possible to achieve what felt impossible.

• Certified Physical Therapist Assistant
• Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Physiotherapy Assistant

What do Physical Therapist Assistants do?

A Physical Therapist Assistant would typically need to:

• Assist the physical therapist in guiding patients through exercises and relaxation techniques to manage chronic pain, improve mobility, prevent or limit permanent physical disability, recover from a range of illnesses & conditions and promote overall fitness & well-being
• Instruct, motivate, safeguard and assist patients as they practise exercises or functional activities
• Observe patients before, during and after therapy; note the patient’s status and report it to a physical therapist in person or through progress notes
• Teach patients proper body mechanics and ways to improve functional mobility; secure them into or onto therapy equipment
• Help patients do specific active or passive manual therapeutic exercises as part of the treatment plan
• Treat patients using a variety of techniques, such as therapeutic massage, stretching, aquatic physical therapy or heat, light, sound and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound
• Fit patients for and train them in the use of devices and equipment such as orthopaedic braces, prostheses and supportive devices; specify the fittings they may need to get around safely at home
• Run injection clinics for pain relief; administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment
• Monitor operation of therapeutic equipment; record use of the equipment and administration of treatment
• Discuss and evaluate patient status with physical therapy staff or other professionals to plan, modify or coordinate treatment(::)
• Communicate with and educate patients, family members and caregivers on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans
• Clean treatment areas and set up therapy equipment; check and store equipment after treatment; wash linens, if necessary; prepare treatment areas and equipment for use by physiotherapists
• Help patients move to or from a therapy area; lift and transfer them according to positioning requirements
• Help patients to dress, undress or put on and remove supportive devices such as braces, splints or slings
• Measure patients’ range-of-joint motion, body parts or vital signs to determine effects of treatment or for patient evaluations
• Perform administrative tasks such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering phones, scheduling patients, taking messages or filling out forms

Physical Therapist Assistants work in various settings ranging across healthcare, rehabilitation, academic and fitness sectors under the guidance and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

PTAs are on their feet and moving for most of the day as they set up equipment and help treat patients.

Most Physical Therapy Assistants work full-time, although part-time work is a viable option. Some work nights and weekends to accommodate patients who patronise physical therapy offices and clinics with extended hours.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Physical Therapy Assistants can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

PTAs may opt to be employed by healthcare facilities or work with them on an independent contractor basis. They may also choose temporary locum tenens positions offered by practices, hospitals, or healthcare organisations with an unfilled clinical need.

Physical Therapy Assistants are generally employed by:

• Hospitals
• Industrial and Occupational Settings
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Outpatient Clinics
• Physical Therapy Offices
• Skilled Nursing/Assisted Care Facilities
• Educational Institutions
• Sports & Fitness Facilities
• Home Health Agencies

Healthcare associations such as The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists Incorporated provide unparalleled networking and educational opportunities. They offer all the certification courses members will need throughout their professional careers.

Affiliated Physical Therapy Assistants may attend conventions, seminars, and dinners frequented by peers, mentors, and other industry leaders. The events help them learn about the newest breakthroughs and latest developments, including plum jobs.

• A physically demanding profession which needs one to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift and stand for extended periods
• High probability of back injuries because of the need to move heavy equipment and lift patients
• Tact and patience are essential in frequent interactions with patients, their families and other healthcare practitioners
• Empathy and compassion are needed to overcome the challenges of working with patients who are in pain
• Continuous quality care requires careful attention to detail

Employers often expect that applicants to the post of Physical Therapist Assistant have relevant work experience in health or social care through either paid or voluntary work.

Apprenticeships in health care, inclusive of supervised clinical work, can also help you gain the experience that appeals to potential employers. 

Volunteering at a healthcare facility will add to your skillset and enhance your resume and help you determine if this role is a possible career fit.

Some teaching hospitals also offer work experience in their anatomy and physiology departments, specifically to secondary school students interested in a career as a PTA. It can be another way to gain insight into the profession.

Read about the profession and interview/shadow experts working in physical therapy to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Many Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) have a two-year accredited certificate or associate degree in physical therapy, physical therapy assisting, physical therapy education and exercise physiology. 

All academic programs include classroom, laboratory and clinical coursework in anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, psychology, medical terminology, pathology, therapy exercises, patient assistant techniques, kinesiology and English.

Many others have a diploma in health and social care skills or sport and exercise science from a vocational school. Some opt for a certificate in work preparation for health and social care.

Focus on advanced classes in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, algebra and computer applications while in high school.

Physical Therapist Assistants must be certified in basic life support (BLS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first-aid skills.

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

PTAs need licensure to practice. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program and relevant experience. Some employers may also need a criminal background check.

High-performance levels, experience, and the acquisition of additional professional qualifications drive the career progression of Physical Therapy Assistants.

You can move into other hands-on medical care professions and become a Physical Therapist, an Exercise Physiologist, a Chiropractor or an Acupuncturist. 

Candidates with an associate degree in physical therapy education, certified first aid skills, and relevant work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential in the healthcare sector for public wellbeing and career progression. It embraces new learning objectives, methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT.

CPD is also necessary to maintain membership of professional organisations and regular renewal of certifications and licenses. 

Physical Therapy Assistants can increase their knowledge and skills through voluntary programs run by clinical experts in acute care, cardiovascular/pulmonary issues, geriatrics, oncology, orthopaedics, paediatrics and wound management.

PTAs who wish to become physical therapists must acquire a Doctor of Physical degree (DPT) in addition to significant work experience. A bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology or kinesiology and accredited certification should set you on the path to becoming a successful exercise physiologist.

On the other hand, PTAs who strive to become Chiropractors must study for the Doctor of Chiropractic or D.C. degree and obtain licensure; obtaining a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and licensure is the way to become an Acupuncturist.

Reflective learning, interaction with peer groups, comprehensive inclusion, workshops, and professional publications serve to educate, influence, support, and foster lifelong enlightenment in all career-grade Physical Therapy Assistants.

Physical Therapist Assistants assist the physical therapist in treating individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. 

Although most of their patients have injuries, disabilities or other health conditions that need treatment, PTAs also care for people who simply want to become healthier and prevent future problems.

In a Nutshell

For the most part, PTAs are active and hands-on in the discharge of their duties. 

An ageing Baby Boomer population increases the demand for PTAs who help reduce the cost of physical therapy services while expanding the number of patients who need physical therapy after surgery or other treatments.

PTAs who work in nursing care facilities and home healthcare services earn the highest salaries.

Physical therapy can be provided in settings as diverse as a hospital, a warm water pool or the patient’s home.

Physical Therapist Assistants are amongst those blessed souls who need never question whether their lives were meaningful. A front-row seat to the frequent challenges their patients experience and the critical milestones they reach gives PTAs all the reasons to feel all their hard work is worth the profoundly positive effect they have on people’s lives.

Stay committed to your goals while remaining flexible in the way you accomplish them.