| What does a PTA do? Here's a physical therapist | | | | On a typical day a physical therapist assistant will |
| assistant job description. | | | | perform components of treatment procedures |
| A physical therapy assistant works under the | | | | including: ultrasound, traction, hot and cold packs, |
| supervision of a physical therapist. A PTA will use | | | | paraffin baths, electrical stimulation, massages, |
| treatments to help improve the mobility and reduce the | | | | exercises |
| pain in a patient. He or she even helps to relieve the | | | | Education and Training Requirements |
| disability that is caused by the illness or injury. | | | | To become a physical therapist assistant, an individual |
| Physical therapists and their assistants usually work in | | | | must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. |
| hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. They are part of a | | | | Candidates should take courses in mathematics and |
| health care team that includes doctors, occupational | | | | science in high school. Prospective physical therapy |
| therapists, and social workers. | | | | assistants can also get experience by volunteering |
| PTAs work with people of all ages. Some work with | | | | part time in a hospital or clinic or working with |
| elderly patients who have trouble moving about. Some | | | | handicapped children in summer camps. |
| work with handicapped children, and others work with | | | | Most PTAs have an associate degree from an |
| patients who have lost an arm or a leg, have arthritis | | | | accredited physical therapist assistant program. Some |
| problems, or are paralyzed. They use many different | | | | states require licensure or registration for the physical |
| types of equipment and procedures. They treat | | | | therapist assistant to practice. Most employers provide |
| patients by using massage, exercise, heat, cold, and | | | | clinical on-the-job training. |
| light. Assistants teach patients how to use and care | | | | Working Conditions |
| for wheelchairs, braces, and artificial limbs. | | | | Physical therapy assistants usually work in clean, |
| Assistants have other duties that give physical | | | | pleasant places. Their patients may sometimes be |
| therapists more time to put their special training to use. | | | | depressed by their disabilities. Assistants can help them |
| Assistants may do some office work, for example, or | | | | by being cheerful and encouraging. Physical therapist |
| they may get equipment ready for the therapist. They | | | | assistants should also be healthy and able to work well |
| may also prepare a patient for a therapy session. | | | | with their hands. Most physical therapist assistants |
| A Day in a Physical Therapist Assistant's Life | | | | work forty hours per week, but some work part time. |