Physical Therapist Assistant - Research Paper Example

 Abstract This paper enumerates the major career aspects of a physical therapist assistant such as the academic and professional qualifications for employment, the employment potential, career prospects, the duties and responsibilities and the income levels. The employment opportunities for a physical therapist assistant have been found to be very good. Career transition from physical therapist assistant to physiotherapist is not easy. A physical therapist assistant gets job satisfaction and a sense of self fulfillment out of concern for patients and health care provided to the patients for their well being. . PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT Introduction Modern methods for treatment of illness involve team work of medical practitioners and health care professionals in rendering effective treatment. World Health Organization (1948) has defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” (Preamble). Physical therapy constitutes an important part and means of effective health care. The arena of physical therapy has three categories of employment – physical therapist, physical therapist assistant and physical therapy aide. This paper brings out the relevant career aspects of physical therapist assistant (PTA). The study has been based on library and internet sources. Discussion Job description of physical therapist assistants (PTAs) has been given by Swanson (2005) as - “Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are educated health-care providers who, functioning under the direct supervision of licensed physical therapists, assist the patients` treatment programs.” (p. 264). PTAs function under the guidance and super intendance of a physiotherapist in providing care and service to the patients. PTAs have important and active role in all divisions of physiotherapy - cardiopulmonary physical therapy, orthopedics, geriatrics, neurology, clinical electrophysiology, pediatrics, sports physical therapy etc. The care and service are rendered to patients receiving treatment for diseases such as arthritis, fractures, low back aches, or sports person for maintenance or of efficiency of some physical function. Thus PTAs may be required to help the physical therapist in the treatment to improve mobility or relieve pain. They may be needed to help the patient in exercising, moving about or in daily care such as dressing or undressing. The PTA can also be called upon to prepare the patient and equipment for tests or assist in conducting tests and to evaluate and report progress and results of physical health therapy. According to Swanson (2005), “The scope of a PTA`s responsibilities is defined by state law, rules and regulations as well by the policies of the practice setting in which he or she works.” (p. 264). According to McKay, “on a typical day a PTA will perform components of treatment procedures including exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, tractions and ultra sound.(about.com). Thus, PTAs provide care and service of highly skilled and specialized nature and are required to possess requisite professional knowledge, skills and experience. In most of the states, the procedure of licensure, registration and certification is stipulated for practicing as a PTA. PTAs should pass accredited associate’s degree program and also the National Physical Therapy examination to obtain license to practice. In 2009, there were 223 accredited programs in the country. The duration of the program is for 2 years and covers four semesters. The program includes academic subjects such as biology, physiology, psychology, chemistry and hands on experience. Clinical experience includes certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other first aid, in addition to field experience in treatment centers. The program is available in most of the community colleges and the cost of tuition and fee for a two year associate program at a community college is likely to be $7,000 – 10,000. In addition, a physical therapist assistant has to possess interpersonal skills, good comprehension, listening skills, empathy and muscular strength for pulling, pushing, lifting etc. for efficient performance of his or her duties. According to the Labor Bureau Statistics, physical therapist assistants held about 63,800 jobs and about 72 percent of jobs were in offices of other health practitioners and in hospitals. Others worked primarily in nursing care facilities, home healthcare services, and outpatient care centers. The places of work for a PTA include almost every institution of health care – physical health offices, hospitals, clinics,, nursing homes, sport teams and organizations, community healthcare centers, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, colleges, industrial or corporate health centers, research institutions, and pediatric centers. Employment potential and opportunities for PTAs have been rated as very good , with anticipated requirement being 85,000 for the period 2008-1018. Hospitals which handle old age health problems such as acute hospitals, skilled nursing institutions and orthopedic units will have ample opportunities for employment of PTAs. Rural areas, where services of physiotherapists are not easily available, hold good employment potential for PTAs. Employment of PTAs is projected to grow faster than the average. Employment opportunities are expected to grow due to factors like new developments in physiotherapy and more American reaching retirement age. The earnings of a PTA depend on the number of yeas of experience and the area of employment. Median annual wages of physical therapist assistants were $46,140 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,170 and $54,900. The lowest ten percent earned less than $28,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,830. (Labor Bureau Statistics) The Department of Employment and Training US has furnished exhaustive details of tasks, tools, technology, knowledge, skills, abilities, work activities, work context and wages as summary details for 31.2021.00-Physical Therapist Assistant. Highest concentration of the jobs is in Massachusetts and highest salaries are in cities of Texas and California.. Career transition from physical therapy assistant to physiotherapist is not easy. The courses for physical therapist are complex, extend to six years and cost much more than the degree programs for PTAs. It is essential for a person to assess and understand career goals before embarking upon the study for PTA The professional activities for a PTA include membership in the physical therapists` association, interaction with interest groups, case studies etc. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a national professional organization for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The Association represents more than 74,000 members. Its goal is to “foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education”( Web :American Physical Therapy Association).The Association is organized into 52 chapters and 18 sections. The chapters are organized on geographical basis, e.g.: Alabama Chapter, California Chapter, Texas chapter etc. Many of the chapters support districts and allow more regional involvement. In addition, APTA had 18 special interest sections, which help the members to stay current in the chosen area of expertise and other area sharing specific interests. American Physical Therapist Association publishes the professional journal; “Physical Therapy” The journal is available online. The address for the journal is American Physical Therapist Association, 1111, North Fairfax Street, Alexandria. Continuing education is essential for a physical therapist assistant to keep well versed with the latest rends in the profession. Some of the states require continuing education for maintaining the licensure for the PTAs. Most of the states require continuing education for license renewal. The American Physical Therapy Association offers approved distance-learning continuing education courses. Conclusion . Physical therapist assistant offers good employment avenue. Number of applicants falling much short of the number of required vacancies is likely scenario in the near future. Career transition from PTA to physical health therapist is not normal. . Ample chances exist for enhancement of professional knowledge and expertise by accredited continuing education courses. The profession needs empathy and understanding apart from professional skills and knowledge. The profession gives immense job satisfaction as the patients benefit from physiotherapy and is suitable for those who can work in work context factors such as close proximity and contact with others and cherish work value of relationships. References APT American Physical Therapist Association, on the Internet at http://www.apta.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home (visited June 10, 2010 ) Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco (visited June 10, 2010) Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Physical Therapist Assistants, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/31-2021.00 (visited June 10. 2010). McKay Dawn Rosenberg. Physical Therapist Assistant and Physical Therapist Aide: Career Information. About.com-career planning on the Internet on http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/pt_asst.htm (visited June 10, 2010 ) Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July, 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948, on the internet at http://www.who.in...on/en/print.html (visited June 10, 2010) Swanson M. Barbara. (2005). Careers in HEALTH CARE. (5th ed.) New York NY: Mc Graw Hill Read More