Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
About the Profession
Physical Therapist Assistants are healthcare professionals that collaborate with physical therapists to help patients improve their mobility. Patients require assistance from these health professionals to increase their strength and performance from an injury or a disease.
What does a physical therapist assistant do?
o Directly care for patients in order to meet patient functional goals.
o Assist patients with exercises.
o Apply knowledge of massage and stretching techniques to treat patients.
o Be able to use equipment available to benefit patients.
o Counsel patients on care plans after rehabilitation sessions.
o Report patient progress before, during, and after treatment.
Education/Training
o 2-year associate degree that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
o Onsite supervised training within these programs known as clinicals.
Where do physical therapist assistants work?
Physical therapist assistants can be found in physical, occupational and speech therapist, and audiologists offices. They are also seen in hospitals, nursing care facilities, home health services, and offices of physicians.
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