The SLCC Physical Therapist Assistant Program - Essay Example

The impacts could be negative, particularly if insurance companies focus on the increasing use of physical therapy costs without looking at the larger cost savings physical therapy interventions offer, avoiding possible surgeries or worsening chronic impairments. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) estimates over time that the new provisions in healthcare will be positive for consumers and the profession of physical therapy. The Baby Boomer generation will significantly add to the increase in physical therapy visits due to the natural aging process and more longevity.

This large generation which is nearing retirement age will have healthcare coverage, often with the option of Medicare and supplemental insurances, and the new healthcare laws will be an incentive for this generation to improve or maintain their standard of living. I believe the profession of physical therapy will thrive after the majority of Americans take advantage of the new healthcare laws making it more widely available due to insurance coverage. I believe it is plausible to think that with an increase of individuals with health insurance that health services such as physical therapy will be more sought in higher demand, requiring more trained and educated physical therapy assistants to meet the increasing population of patients.

The APTA may find it necessary to increase the educational requirements of the PTA to a bachelor’s degree and possibly increase the role and responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant to encompass a larger scale of knowledge. I do believe that my direction and purpose is to help others. The SLCC Physical Therapist Assistant program offers me the opportunity to fulfill my higher calling. The field of physical therapy has long interested me because I find myself compassionate about providing care to those with mobility challenges.

I was in a car accident and required physical therapy treatment for my back, I was able to return to full mobility because the physical therapy staff was very compassionate and caring. I found a deep appreciation for the processes involved in physical therapy and look forward to sharing the same positive qualities with future patients. Having had injuries in the past, I see that it takes empathy and compassion for patients. When in the situation of being injured, a person begins to value everyone’s compassion and kindness that helped to make life a little easier.

Knowing this, I understand the challenges patients face. For this reason, I am focusing my academics on the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Salt Lake Community College. I firmly believe that choosing the right profession, is essential to my personal happiness, and well-being. The occupation of a physical Therapist Assistant has many attractive qualities aside from the rewards of knowing that I have helped someone. These include the social dynamics, being an integral part of a health team, becoming a patient/profession advocate, and working in a motivated and necessary field fascinates me.

The SLCC PTA Program will prepare me for a career where the potential is endless in the field including specialty areas from pediatrics to geriatrics and serving in positions where learning never ceases and helping others is rewarding.