What is a physical therapist assistant?
The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a technically educated health provider who assists the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy and may perform physical therapy interventions selected by the supervising physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant works under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist, helping manage conditions such as back and neck injuries, sprains/strains, fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, injuries related to work and sports, and others.
Physical therapist assistants, or PTAs, are skilled health care providers who work under the supervision of physical therapists. Duties of the PTA include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments, and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient’s responses. In addition to direct patient care, the physical therapist assistant may also perform such functions as patient transport, and clinic or equipment preparation and maintenance.
Physical Therapist Assistants work under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in the delivery of care. In conjunction with the Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapist Assistant provides treatment programs which may include: hot or cold packs, electrical modalities, hydrotherapy, pain modalities, ambulation training, exercises to strengthen or retrain weak muscles, coordination exercises, activities of daily living and other activities to help people with disabilities regain their function and independence. The Physical Therapist Assistant is an integral part of the health care team, which serves to restore function and diminish disability in individuals of all ages. Physical Therapist Assistants are in high demand with an excellent job growth rate projected into the next century. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Touro College is a two-year course of study leading to an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences (AAS) as a Physical Therapist Assistant. The curriculum
Related Questions
- Can the periodic reevaluation requirement be satisfied by the physical therapist assistant having a conference or discussion with the physical therapist about the patients condition?
- Are the individuals providing physical therapy care required to identify themselves as a physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, and/or physical therapy aide?
- Who is ultimately responsible for my care, the physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, or physical therapist aide?
