Physical therapy assistants treat patients who have an injury or illness that has decreased their mobility and carry out treatment plans set out by physical therapists to help reduce pain and increase mobility. All physical therapy assistants are required to work under the supervision of physical therapists.
College Physical Therapist Assistant Qualifications
Physical therapist assistant qualifications are gained through a degree course at university or college. Courses range from two to four years long depending on the country, state and qualification being studied.
Physical therapist assistant qualifications don’t stop there. In some states there is a requirement to obtain a license through sitting a state set exam. If a state demands a license then a therapist needs to take the National Physical Therapy Exam given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Entry Physical Therapy Assistant Qualifications
To get on a course the minimum requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent with good grades in the sciences and math. There are a huge variety of courses to choose from so it’s important to research properly so that you choose the right one.
Course subjects will include kinesiology, neurology, microanatomy as well as using devices such as canes, wheelchairs and prostheses. There will also be subjects in the practicalities of physical therapy and issues in health care as well as legal issues in the field.
Practical Focus of Physical Therapist Assistant Qualifications
A huge aspect of physical therapy assistant qualifications is the clinical internships which will see students in placements in the workplace so they are getting hands on experience.
Personal Traits
As well as physical assistant therapist qualifications, therapists must have a compassionate outlook, patience, attention to detail, good organizational skills and excellent communication skills. Another important aspect is that physical therapist assistants must be physically fit so they can help patients efficiently.
Advancement for Physical Therapist Assistants
Once qualified as a physical therapist assistant there are further opportunities to specialize in specific fields of physical therapy. The American Physical Therapy Association designates eight different specialties that a therapist can focus on if they are interested in a particular field.
These are:
· Cardiopulmonary Therapy: this deals with patients who have had lung or heart operations
· Clinical Electrophysiology: this is where electrodes are used on the body of people who have suffered trauma such as being in a car accident or war veterans.
· Geriatrics: this deals with helping elderly patients who are suffering with osteoporosis, arthritis or cancer to maintain or improve on their mobility
· Neurology: this deals with helping patients who have paralysis or balance problems and for them to be able to live independently
· Orthopedics: this deals with helping patients with diseases or injuries of the musculoskeletal system
· Pediatrics: this deals with young patients who have problems such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy
· Sports physical therapy: this deals with helping athletes in achieving optimum performance and preventing injury as well as managing sports injuries
· Women’s Health: this deals with prenatal and postpartum depression in a woman as well as osteoarthritis and urinary incontinence.
Educational Opportunities
Some physical therapist assistants diversify and choose to go into teaching in colleges or demonstrating the advantages of the career in schools.