Physical Therapist Assistant - Essay Example

Physical therapist assistant Physical therapist assistant Accidents become rampant as days goes by drivers are careless on the roads or only at times; the accidents are a coincidence. Some are so fatal that the victims suffer paralysis and, therefore, changing their lives. Others go through surgeries tat leave require physical therapy for them to regain mobility and manage their pain. Thanks to the services of a physical therapist assistant. Care/ service provided by Physical therapist assistant A physician who provides health services like therapeutic care to patients who have injuries or are regaining mobility or undergoing pain is called a physical therapist assistant. He also instructs and supervises physical assistant therapists (“Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides," 2012). Limits of the authority and responsibility legislated "scope of work" for physical therapists The efficiency of the healthcare system as well as physical therapy is guarded by lack of ability to make full and suitable use of its professional workforce. Simulated scope of practice limits prevent healthcare professionals from performing the full scope of skills for which they are well qualified for, this also limit patients’ right to use to care. In USA, for instance, there are a number of have limitations by the government and different health care boards who have legislated scope of practice for health career that are not accommodative to the health providers. These scopes of practices have led to numerous fights between the authorities and the health care providers (LeBuhn et al., 2010). For example, the scope that needs physical therapy assistant not to attend to a patient, not unless in the presence of a physical therapist and he or she should take orders from him or her only. Except from two states in America, the rest requires on to have a license in order to work as a physical therapist assistant (LeBuhn et al., 2010). Physical Therapist Assistant Code of Ethics Code of ethics means the accepted ways in which professionals are required to carry themselves while they are administering healthcare services. Their main purpose is to bind medical practitioners to a responsible job or rather a profession (“Board of Physical Therapy," 2014). Respect to the rights of all individuals no matter their color, race, gender or social status is mandatory to any licensed physical therapist assistant in the United States of America. When making decisions are pertaining the patient, while, in sound mind, they are accountable for their actions. Because they are learned professionals, physical therapist assistants are expected to show the same in research and their practice as they attend to the patients. Charging exorbitant, and unfair charges from their patients are against the code of ethics for physical therapist assistants. They should only charge fair prices and not accept less either. Accuracy in dispensing information to their clients should be their priority. A physical assistant therapist should not at one time be involved in illegal practice or incompetence practices while at work. They also participate in activities that address the public health. (“Board of Physical Therapy”, 2014). Requirements for the profession/occupation One must have a diploma or pass in general education development. Ones should also have interest and ability in science based subjects such as anatomy, biology and physics. Apply for school and program that has an approved physical therapist assistant degree. On top of that, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) should recognize it. After a period of two years of the program, this has units on kinesiology, pathology, medical terminology, assistance techniques, anatomy, and therapy exercises. Then one is also required to undergo sixteen weeks of clinical practicum program. The training is done under the tutelage of a licensed physical therapist (“Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides," 2012). On completion of the training, one acquires a license in any state they wish. The only exemption in the United States is Hawaii and Colorado, which do not require licenses. In addition, one may take a test in either National Physical Therapy exam or a state chosen exam. In addition, certification from American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is also possible because it is important when one wants to build their resume, during the job application. One advantage that the career has is that one can work online. This occupation is growing amongst the increasing elderly population (“physical Therapist Assistants and Aides," 2012). A person has to have a kind heart because many of the patients are struggling and undergoing much pain. Therefore, they are counting on the PTA to get them through their pains. For healing to thrive, health care providers must keep precise records and follow instructions to the letter. Therefore, concentration to detail is critical ( “Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides," 2012). Educational institutions / schools offering the health care / service program There are only three universities offering the physical therapy programme in Miami. However am only going to look at two of them. Miami Dade College offers physical therapy programme known as associate in science physical therapy assistant. The registration of students for this course is 62,736 per academic year. The other university is the University of Miami. The physical therapy programme offered in this institution is doctor of physical therapy, Ph.D. Duration for completing the course. It takes four years to complete full coverage of the program (“Physical Therapy Colleges in Miami," 2014). Approximate tuition fee for the program In 2011- 2012 the training fee for the program was $39,654 in Miami university. While it costs $3164 and $11, 309 for state and out of state students respectively (“Physical Therapy Colleges in Miami," 2014). Degree or certification that is earned for this health care career High school diploma and degree. Then after five years, one can proceed for masters (“Physical Therapy Colleges in Miami," 2014). Number of job vacancies for this career? In 2010, more than, 67,000 Physical therapist assistants were employed. From this number around half of the number was employed in an outpatient facility and about a quarter More than half were in outpatient facilities and a quarter worked in sanatorium. Some physical therapist assistants are working in nursing as well as home care amenities. Most of the times the PTAs work full time, many others work as part timers. They also work on weekends for patients who have tight schedules during the week; therefore, their offices are always open and staffed (“Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides," 2012). Growth trends in the field. The area has attracted increased attention resulting in growth in the American health sector this has resulted to the creation of many job opportunities than before. The demand for the physical therapy care has resulted to the creation of physical therapist assistants who work under the supervision and instructions of a physical therapist (“Physical Therapist Assistant Guide," 2009-2014). Growth in both national, as well as local organization for the physical therapist professionals, is also another growth trend in this area. The organizations represent the interests of the professionals to make sure that neither the therapist nor the client (patient) is exploiting the other in any way (“Physical Therapist Assistant Guide," 2009-2014). A speciality field is another growth trend in the field of physical therapy. Initially, therapy was only for those individuals involved in accidents, those suffering traumatic injuries or illness. However as we speak, there has been many people who make use of the physical care i.e. the elderly and sportsmen and women (“Physical Therapist Assistant Guide," 2009-2014). Job vacancies advertised locally, in the Sunday Herald or another publication is experience required. Explain. There is high Demand for PTAs, for example in the Sun 2301 jobs for medical practitioners are advertised. In the advertisement, an experience ranging from 6 months to 10 years in different fields is a requirement (Sun herald, 2014). Salaries - Entry level and with experience. A PTA earns an average salary of $ 49,540 per year and median hourly wages of $24.54 in 2011. If someone have experience then, one can earn more. (salary.com) Advancement Opportunities, with or without additional education Physical therapist assistant is a growing occupation. It requires an associate degree or post-secondary training (cost to join as a student). The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) is an excellent example of the organization for clinical laboratory science practitioners. ASCLS provides the essential lf-motivated leadership as well as endorses all features of medical laboratory science practice, learning in addition to running to make sure outstanding, laboratory services are available gainful for the clients of health care.As a student, a membership fee of $ 25 is required. The number of continuing educational units (CEUs) required for the profession Yes, continuing educational units is compulsory for a PTA. The continuing educational units are needed to keep the credentials of a PTA valid; the units are taken every year. As a Physical therapist assistant, one can also attend physical therapy conferences or take local classes. (“Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides”, 2012) Ways that members of a professional organization can obtain continuing education requirements and receive CEUs Members of a professional healthcare organization enhance as one advance with the education and therefore they receive CEUs very quickly. They also improve credentials, therefore, remaining accredited (“Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides," 2012). Reflection of how I can fit the profession, my personal career to enter the field and my goals, objectives, and strategies. After obtaining a high school diploma and having performed well in science based subjects such as biology, anatomy and physics. During the summer, I will take up a physical therapist work. Meanwhile, I will apply for a school that is credited to for a physical therapist program, which takes two years and 16 months practicum. After this, I will be fit to get my own license, search for a job, which I am sure I will get as soon as possible. After I gain experience for five years, I will consider opening my own facility also taking a specialty. Conclusion. As a physical therapist, one works in elderly home or hospitals. The good thing about the profession is not salary, but the joy of seeing someone smile because they have gain mobility back and are able to move again. Reference Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. 2012, 13 Ed, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online. 2012 Physical Therapist Assistants. Retrieved from http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/31- 2021.00 Physical Therapy Colleges in Miami, FL with Degree Program Information. 2014. Comparison of Miami schools. Retrieved from http://education- portal.com/physical_therapy_colleges_in_miami.html Physical Therapist Assistant Guide. 2009-2014 .Top Trends in Physical Therapy. Retrieved from www.ptaguide.org/top-trends- physical-therapy .com Laura. 2012. How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant: 9 Steps. Retrieved from http://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Physical-Therapist-Assistant LeBuhn R. and Swankin, D.A 2010. Reforming scopes of practice. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/ReformingScopesofPractice-WhitePaper.pdf West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy 2014 Code of Ethics. Retrieved from http://www.wvbopt.com/page.cfm?section=4&pageID=20 Read More