Physical therapy is now a
niche specialization in healthcare. Aspiring candidates can pursue promising
careers in physical therapy as physical therapist assistants (PTAs) with
knowledge about what the job entails!
Physical therapist assistants or PTAs, otherwise
known as physical therapist aides, help patients recovering from injuries and illnesses. The major work of PTAs is to help patients
regain mobility alongside managing the pain. Therefore, you can find promising
career opportunities with a PTA staffing company in New York or
any other location.
However, it is essential for an individual to
understand the profession of a physical therapist assistant carefully. A clear
evaluation of the work environment and professional responsibilities for PTAs
can help you find whether the job is suitable for you or not! Let us find out
more about what you can expect in a career as a physical therapist assistant in
the following discussion.
Scope for Employment of Physical Therapist
Assistants
Physical therapist aides and physical therapist
assistants find employment in offices of physical, occupational and speech
therapists, and audiologists.
Therefore, PTAs are more likely to find employment
in recovery and rehabilitation facilities.
In addition, PTAs can also find employment in
hospitals, physician offices, nursing care facilities, government agencies, and
home healthcare facilities.
PTAs have to work full time with chances of working
on weekend and night shifts in certain cases for accommodating patient’s
schedules.
Work Environment of Physical Therapist
Assistants
- Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) have to work closely alongside a team of physical therapists and other PTAs.
- The work of PTAs involves rehabilitation of patients and helping them gain their full range of motion.
- In addition, PTAs also help patients strengthen the injured muscle groups.
- Furthermore, PTAs also spend a considerable amount of time working individually with patients and monitoring their progress.
- PTAs also have to show new exercises and
stretches to the patients to help them recover quickly and effectively.
The work of physical therapist assistants requires
them to be on their feet constantly and move frequently. PTAs also have to lift
and move the patients alongside setting up equipment and treating
patients.
Crucial Duties of Physical Therapist Assistants
Now, let us take a look at the important
responsibilities of PTAs that are mandatory requirements for physical therapist assistant staffing in New York.
Observation and Collaboration
PTAs have to observe their patients carefully and
note every detail regarding the patient’s progress. The notes regarding a
patient’s progress can help PTAs work in collaboration with a physical
therapist for charting out the course of a patient’s recovery.
Educating the Patient and Family Members
The duties of PTAs don’t end with the patient
leaving a medical facility. PTAs should educate the patients and their family
members about the exercises and stretches they should practice constantly for
recovery.
Expertise in Therapeutic Techniques
PTAs also implement many techniques such as
therapeutic massage or ultrasound therapy for helping patients recover their
general range of motion. The therapeutic massage is essential for relieving
pain, increasing blood flow, and reducing muscle tension for faster recovery.
Training Patients in the Use of Prosthetics
Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) also have to
work for the rehabilitation of amputees and train them for the best use of
prosthetics.
Communicating with Others
PTAs have to spend a major portion of their day
communicating with others. PTAs may have to explain a treatment plan to a
patient and report the daily observations to physical therapists. Therefore,
PTAs have to be active listeners and should have considerable fluency in
complex medical terminology.
Make Your Pick
If you are ready to take on these responsibilities,
then you can pursue the career of a physical therapist assistant (PTA). You can
click here to know more about additional career opportunities, such as speech-language pathologist staffing in New York. Explore new avenues for a promising
career as therapy assistants and avail the best guidance right here!