What is it like to work as a Physical Therapy Assistant?

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!