Physical Therapist Assistant

Having a fulfilling and successful life has nothing to do with what you have done for yourself. It’s what you have done for the people around you. Helping anyone in need makes Kris feel good about himself, makes him feel accomplished. Helping someone accomplish their goal is Kris’s goal. Kris grew up and in unfortunate home. He never had much, but was willing to give his last to someone that had less then him. Since he was a little kid in elementary helping people has always made him feel good. From holding a door open for someone; to saying “Hi” and giving them a compliment. In school Kris was always reminded of college and making sure you are looking at different careers. Kris knew he wanted a career that involved interacting with people and helping them reach a goal of theirs. So Kris looked into being a Physical Therapist Assistant.
A physical therapist assistant provides patients with various therapies and exercises modalities developed by the physical therapist. Physical therapist assistants
(PTA) help patients ease pain, recover from an injury or illness, or regain use of a body part. To become a physical therapist assistant are required to hold an Associate’s degree from an accredited two-year college that offers a (PTA) program. The length of a PTA program is typically 2 years (5 semesters). Consisting of general education course, physical therapy courses, and clinical education. Primary physical therapy content areas in the curriculum may include, but are not limited to, anatomy & physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, clinical pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, and ethics/values. Approximately seventy-five percent (75%) of the PTA curriculum comprises classroom (didactic) and lab study and the remaining 25 percent (25%) is dedicated to clinical education. PT students spend on average 16 weeks in full-time clinical education experiences. Education is important to Kris because he wants to be the best at what he does.
Kris began looking into the cost of going to school for this career would be. Community college can cost as little as 2,500 a year, while private colleges as much as 10,000 a year. A physical therapist must be either licensed or registered in most states. Generally this requires obtaining a degree from an accredited program and passing a licensing exam. In addition to the degree and certification, some states require CPR and first aid certification which can be completed at the Red Cross or American Heart Association. Of course the fees vary by location, but they are typically less than $100 a class. Technical schools might include books in their fees, but community colleges and university’s offering (PTA) training books costs are the same any other college course of study. Which is 750-300 or more a year, depending on the program. Kris also learned he could grants and even a scholarship to help him pay for the costs.
Kris learned that it is very easy to find a job as a physical therapist assistant.
Physical therapist assistants are currently a nationwide shortage of qualified individuals. There are many opportunities in the hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. Physical therapist may also work in a sports medicine clinics, which are springing up throughout the country, or in individual physical therapy centers. Jobs for a physical therapist assistant may be found in almost any geographical location. In the physical therapist assistant career there are many opportunities for advancements. Kris learned he could turn his assistant career to a full fledge physical therapist over time. (PTA) takes orders from the head physical therapist, physiatrist, or other rehabilitation specialist. Kris liked that you could advance in this career. He did not want to go into a career where he would be stuck at the same position with no way of
advancement.
Kris began to look into the duties and traits of a (PTA). Kris learned that a (PTA) checks or tests the patient’s injury. Such as checking the weight the patient can put on his/her leg or how far the individual can bend. (PTA) may help the patients walk, climb stairs or inclines. (PTA) also does many other exercises to gain mobility. (PTA) often have to do a lot of paper work documents. (PTA) build close relationships with their patients. (PTA) should have a great deal of patience. To be successful in this career an individual should be a giving person. Someone that enjoys helping others. Compassion and empathy are also traits that will help you excel in this career. (PTA) should be articulate. Also positive, personable and enthusiastic so you can motivate patients to help themselves. A smiling face can sometimes be the difference from success and failure.
After Kris learned all of this different type of information about a (PTA) and what they do, he wanted to become one once he graduates high school. Kris felt like a (PTA) represented who he was deep down inside. Kris very much enjoys helping and giving to others. Kris will give his last to someone that doesn’t even need it, just because he enjoys helping that much. Becoming a (PTA) would bring joy to his heart. Helping others to succeed their goals makes it possible for Kris to succeed at his life. One would want to become a (PTA) after learning about all the benefits that come along with this career. “Kindness; One of the greatest gifts you can bestow upon another. If someone is in need lend them a helping hand, do not wait for a thank you. True kindness lies within the act of giving without expectation of something in return.”