Why I Want to be Physical Therapy Assistant - Essay Example

The PTA also has a role in preventing the onset, symptoms and progression of impairments and disabilities which may have resulted from injuries, diseases and disorders. Additionally, the PTA plays a professional role in restoring, maintaining and promoting the optimal physical functioning of the patient’s body. This goes hand in hand with the promotion of a patient’s optimal wellness and quality of life, in relation to movement as well as health. In the Physical Therapist Assistant career, the practitioners provide physical therapy services under the supervision and direction of Physical Therapists.

PTAs help people who have health-related conditions or problems that may limit their abilities to move, or even to perform their functional abilities (APTA, 2011). They work in diversified environmental settings, including such places as clinics, nursing homes, schools and sports facilities. Physical Therapy Assistants are mostly regulated by some States through licensures (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009). These States require that the PTAs graduate from an accredited education program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for example in North Carolina the licensure is conducted by North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (NCPTA, 2011). . I believe that I am well placed to work with Veterans because I too am a Vet.

I do understand the circumstances and backgrounds of these people and that is why I would really feel fulfilled in serving them. Some of the attributes I will bring to the PTA field, as mentioned above, include my own experiences as a Veteran. Like, I have already stated I do understand what Veterans have undergone and can therefore offer the empathy needed while undertaking the duties of a PTA. Moreover, I have a “one-of-the-guys” character type that is easy to get along with or work with.

My colleagues, superiors and juniors, alike can readily attest to this. In addition to that, I have always admired the medical profession in general. However, after the research I have conducted on the different specialties I am more drawn towards alleviating the pain of the physically disabled and helping them regain in whichever fraction their ability to walk, jump, run or even simple enjoy motion. However, I do admit that my academic skills have not been as great as they should be. To improve and become a competent Physical Therapy Assistant, I know that increased focus on school work would be mandatory and as such I am have mentally prepared myself to do so.

Question Three: There are three major characteristics that I associate with being a professional. First of all, a professional needs to be ethical. This implies that a professional should be able to maintain high standards of ethics and integrity, while upholding the prescribed values and codes of conduct advocated by his or her profession when performing their relevant duties. Secondly, a professional has to