| In 2005, while I was attending a university, I fell in a bike | | | | may assist patients by following unsteady individuals |
| accident and broke my wrist. I underwent surgery to | | | | with a wheelchair while they walk. A high school |
| correct the break and my wrist was put in a cast. I | | | | diploma or GED is required. Training is done on the job. |
| had to learn how to function without my left hand. | | | | Most jobs are volunteer and unpaid. |
| Even though I was right handed, I had no idea how | | | | Step 3 - Choose a school. The APTA website lists |
| important that other hand was until I couldn't use it | | | | schools by state for both PTs and PTAs. |
| anymore. When the cast came off, I was referred to | | | | Step 4 - Find out what the requirements for the |
| a physical therapist. I feared that I'd never gain function | | | | program are and apply. Most PTA programs require a |
| back in my atrophied wrist. After a few months of | | | | student to visit 1-2 physical therapy sites, usually one |
| therapy, my wrist was back to normal. | | | | inpatient and one outpatient site. The visitations are |
| The only evidence of the accident is a scar from the | | | | discussed during the admissions interview with the |
| surgery and some occasional tightness in the wrist. I | | | | school's PTA program director. |
| was so pleased with the result, and so grateful for | | | | Step 5 - Start taking science classes and other |
| what the physical therapist and his assistant had done | | | | general education credits as soon as possible. Most |
| for me, that I decided to research the profession. I left | | | | PTA programs require 1 or 2 English classes, math, 1 or |
| the university and am now in school to become a | | | | 2 psychology classes, and several science classes. |
| physical therapist assistant. | | | | The better you do in science classes, the more likely |
| Choosing a career as a physical therapist assistant | | | | you will be selected to begin the program. |
| requires a desire to help people, a two year college | | | | Step 6 - Competition for entrance into PTA programs |
| commitment, and a willingness or aptitude to delve into | | | | is generally not fierce, but good grades and an aptitude |
| scientific subject matter. Here are some essential | | | | for science or willingness to learn science are essential. |
| steps to following your desire to become a physical | | | | As the profession grows in popularity, competition |
| therapist assistant. | | | | might grow. Generally, students who do well in science |
| Step 1 - Research the profession. The American | | | | and other general education subjects won't have a |
| Physical Therapy Association website, apta.org, is your | | | | hard time getting admitted. If you don't have strong high |
| first source for information on the profession of | | | | school grades, consider taking necessary science and |
| physical therapy. Use it to choose a school, read about | | | | general education courses during your first year of |
| what physical therapy is, and browse information on | | | | college. Most PTA program directors will accept you if |
| career options. | | | | you prove you have the drive and ability to do well in |
| Step 2 - Know the differences between the physical | | | | school. |
| therapist, physical therapist assistant, and physical | | | | Step 7 - If you can, do more than 2 visitations to PT |
| therapist aid. | | | | clinics. Volunteer as a physical therapist aid. Most |
| The physical therapist evaluates the patient and | | | | hospitals need aids to assist in both inpatient and |
| creates a treatment plan. More complex therapies are | | | | outpatient clinics. You will gain great experience, |
| done by the physical therapist. A masters or doctorate | | | | increase your understanding of the profession, and |
| of physical therapy is required. | | | | make contacts with potential employers. Your |
| The physical therapist assistant carries out the | | | | supervisor can provide you with a glowing |
| treatment plan. A large majority of the therapy is | | | | recommendation in your search for employment after |
| carried out by the assistant, especially routine therapies. | | | | school if you show you are dedicated and have a |
| The assistant is a patient's cheerleader and reports on | | | | talent for working with people and listening to directions. |
| patient progress. An associate degree in an accredited | | | | Step 8 - Commit to finish the degree. You will have |
| program is required. | | | | days where you will want to give up. Physical therapy |
| The physical therapist aid does not participate in most | | | | school is vigorous and requires a large commitment of |
| of the therapy. The aid is responsible for the | | | | time and energy. Remember that the future rewards |
| appearance and organization of the clinic and may | | | | of a satisfying career will be the fruits of your hard |
| handle insurance and clerical responsibilities. The aid | | | | work. |