Should i be a pta or pt

Not everyone has what it takes to succeed in the world of physical therapy. Communication skills go beyond speaking clearly. Solid writing skills also help you create clear reports that explain to your team what happened during a treatment session.

PTAs often need to push patients to their limits so they can gradually overcome pain and improve their range of motion. The best way to inspire someone else is to show complete confidence in their abilities.

Physical therapy patients are often experiencing extreme pain and emotional turmoil. They need someone on their team who not only wants to see them achieve their therapy goals but also understands and cares about them as a person. But your empathetic nature is important too. Listening skills go hand-in-hand with being empathetic.

A successful PTA will be one who can set aside their own ideas and agenda and take the time to hear their patients out. The ability to think on your feet is invaluable in situations like these.

If these characteristics resonate with you, it might be time to consider becoming a physical therapist assistant! Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed February, ] www. Salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

Physical therapist assistants are part of a team that works with patients who have injuries or medical conditions that limit their mobility or make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and activities, according to the American Physical Therapy Association APTA. PTAs typically observe patients before, during and after therapy. They help them perform exercises, treat them through massage and stretching techniques and educate patients and family members about post-treatment care.

Some common activities that PTAs assist patients with include: stretching, ultrasound therapy, therapeutic massage, balance and coordination training, electrical stimulation or heat and ice treatments.

Now that you know a bit more about the job and its benefits, take a look at your step-by-step guide on how to become a physical therapist assistant. Earning a degree may sound daunting, but some PTA training can be completed in as few as 18 months.

Though retakes are available, you may only take the exam three times in one year or six times total. Depending on the state, physical therapist assistants may also need to take continuing education courses to maintain their license. We used real-time job analysis software to examine more than 30, physical therapist jobs posted over the past year.

While a great physical therapy assistant program is designed to equip you with the necessary technical skills, a little extra proficiency in these skill areas will help your resume stand out to employers. You might also consider getting involved in extracurricular activities to polish your skills. Coaching youth sports is an excellent option for anyone looking to develop their training and motivational skills, volunteering at nursing homes would be an excellent way to show your interest in working with aging populations, and organizations like Toastmasters can help refine your ability to speak clearly and confidently.

As you go into your job search, understand what your preferred practice areas are—do you want to work with athletes? The elderly? People with disabilities? While it might not be practical in all locations, narrowing your search and tailoring your resume and interview answers to your preferred physical therapy specialty area can help you prioritize and focus yourself while searching. While a PT will speak with a client near the start of the process and check in at certain key points to monitor progress, patient interaction time is actually far below that of a PTA.

If working with people is what drives you to this industry, then becoming a PTA might be your best choice. You may not be making all of the decisions about therapy, but you will often be the one putting that therapy into practice. PTs, on the other hand, trade a longer time in school, including much heftier student loans, for a higher salary, and getting into that school is tougher. You will be entrusted with making decisions regarding optimal therapy for patients and running a clinic that conforms to modern healthcare best practices.

You act as a manager, with all the attendant benefits that typically confers. Only you know which choice is right for you. We wish you the best of luck determining where your future lies in the world of physical therapy. If you want to explore the exciting, rewarding career in physical therapy, apply today and advance your education and career. Master Occupational Therapy. Doctoral Post Professional Occupational Therapist.

There are usually other ancillary requirements that must also be met. It is possible to obtain certification as a specialist in aquatic, cardiovascular, pediatric or neuromuscular therapies. This has caused an increase in demand at places employing physical therapy assistants and physical therapists. They work at such places as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Employers are looking to hire individuals with degrees in the field of physical therapy to work as Physical Therapists and PT Assistants.

Working as a physical therapy assistant can be a great way for somebody to get started in the medical field. It can be a quicker and lower cost way to enter the field compared to many other medical career paths. Generally speaking, community colleges offer and healthcare or technical schools offer PTA programs.

A person can complete a degree in two years and then enter into the growing field. There are hundreds of programs that are available all over the country.

Individuals getting started in this field will discover that quite competitive salaries are offered. It gives you the ability to closely work with patients who can really use the help. An individual might be going to physical therapy due to the fact that they are having to deal with the after-effects suffered from being in a very traumatic and serious car accident.

The physical therapy assistant can help a person regain motion in a badly broken leg or injured hip. Many individuals leave a physical therapy session knowing they have regained some that are very important to their life. Working as a physical therapy assistant also can be a great way to achieve an ideal work schedule. Flexible hours are offered by many places hiring PTAs.