Question

I need help with this review, please.

Write the article summary and your personal response

Physical Therapy Assisting

Definition

Physical therapy assistants are skilled healthcare providers who work under the direction or supervision of one or more physical therapists. Their role is to facilitate care and treatment of patients with injuries, diseases, or disabilities that involve mobility or other basic physical functioning. Duties include patient instruction and monitoring, reporting progress and problems to the therapist, and providing or assisting in various forms of treatment.

Description

Physical therapy assisting is an adjunct to the profession of physical therapy and comprises workers with at least a two-year education and clinical experience. Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are in the role of supporting the physical therapist by providing different types of patient treatment and education, and tracking patient progress. Some kinds of treatment PTAs can provide or assist with include massage, heat and cold therapy, traction, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and helping patients learn and perform various therapeutic exercises. PTAs may also work with patients who need to learn to use corrective equipment, such as braces or prostheses, wheelchairs or crutches, or other supportive devices. Other PTA responsibilities include organization and maintenance of treatment areas and equipment, and occasional performance of clerical tasks.

Patients with whom PTAs work may include children, the elderly, athletes, accident victims, and those with diseases like low back pain, arthritis, cerebral palsy, as well as people who have sustained fractures and head injuries. PTAs also assist people who need help managing pain and restoring, acquiring, or maintaining mobility and other functions. Coworkers may include physical therapists, other healthcare and rehabilitation professionals. Physical therapy aides also work with PTAs; aides perform a more limited range of functions, albeit similar, along with clerical, maintenance, and other supportive duties. Aides usually receive their training on the job.

Work settings

Physical therapy assistants may work in hospitals, private physical therapy offices, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, sports facilities, schools, and other institutions. Some degree of bodily strength and endurance is necessary because of the physical handling of patients with limited mobility.

Education and training

A two-year associate's degree, usually from a community or junior college, is generally required. More than half of the states in the United States require licensure, registration, or an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) certification. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid certification, as well as clinical experience hours are also required, although the amount of hours varies by state.

Advanced education and training

Some PTAs may choose to complement their education by obtaining a baccalaureate degree in a related health field (APTA). The PTA curriculum does not meet the prerequisites for a physical therapy degree. PTAs, therefore, cannot directly advance to the status of physical therapist through supplementary education. There are programs, however, that help PTAs earn a master's degree in physical therapy while remaining employed as PTAs. PTAs who would like to participate in the clinical education of PTA students can also earn a Clinical Instructor Credentialing Certificate from the APTA.

Future outlook

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), employment opportunities for PTAs (and physical therapy aides) are expected to grow much faster than average between 2014 and 2024. Some of the reasons for expected growth are an increasing elderly population, the aging of the baby boom generation, and increased survival potential of trauma victims. In California, for example, physical therapy assistants and aides are in the Top Fifty Fastest Growth Occupations, as noted by California's Employment Development Department.

Answer 1

A physical Therapy Assistant from a technically educated health care provider who assists the PT in the provision of physical therapy.The PTA is a graduate of a PTA Associate degree program accredited by the commision on Accreditation of Physical therapy Education.PTA is regulated by APTA,Federal laws,State/Territory law,Insurance companies,Employment laws,Physical therapist .The voice of PTA s within the APTA is PTA Caucus.The roleof the PTA is to provide physical therapy services under the supervision of the PT,assist with data collection,implement delegated patient interventions,participate in discharge planning and follow-up care and demonstrate an understanding of the significance and impact of cultural and individual differences.PTA is responsible for interpretation of referrals,initial examinations,evaluations,problem identification,diagnosis and prognosis,direction and supervision,review,reexamination,revision of plan and establishment of discharge plan.In my personal opinion a PTA requires continious availability of direct communication between PTA and PT as well a a predetermined plan for emergency situations,including designation of an alternate licensed PT in the absence of the regular PT.In the future PTA need recognition by Advanced Proficiency pathways in relation to acute care,cardiopulmonary,geriatric,Oncology,Orthopaedics,Paediatric and Wound Management.