Let’s look at what a good graduating student from one of the physical therapy assistant programs out there would have learned. This is known as PTA Outcomes.
Excellent communication skills are required. Communication with the patient both verbally and nonverbally. Communication with the physical therapist and various staff.
Understands cultural differences with sensitivity. So you can deal with various cultures and religions without offending anyone.
Professional problem-solving skills are required. Good judgment must be demonstrated. You will learn analytical thinking.
You need to develop exceptional education skills as you will be educating the patient as well as staff members and volunteers. Teaching skills are a major component of the job.
Demonstrate understanding of a written plan of care. Understanding the goals of this plan both short-term and long-term.
Monitor the patient and adjust according to your written plan of care and goals. You must keep in mind both the short term and long term goals as laid out by the physical therapist.
Evaluate the patient’s progress toward the goals as written out by the physical therapist.
Provide the care is laid out by the physical therapist in various settings. There may be other settings
where you will be required to work, secondary and even tertiary settings.
Following the plans and procedures for the facility you are employed at.
Being a socially responsible citizen and working in your local community.
Continually enhances personal education for better performance.
The above is a summary of what is expected upon graduation from one of the physical therapy assistant programs available.
To give an idea of a typical curriculum here are some of the things you’ll be learning.
Structure and function of the human body.
normal and abnormal conditions across the lifespan.
logical and critical thinking.
physical therapy theory and practice.
professional roles and behaviors.
patient screening and data collection.
treatment interventions and implementation.
written and oral and nonverbal communication.
management of physical therapy services.
A pretty comprehensive curriculum wouldn’t you agree?this gives a great overview of what you can expect in a typical program.
As you can imagine by the time you graduate you will really know your stuff.
These guidelines were set by the American Physical Therapy Association and any of the physical therapy assistant programs that are approved by them adheres to these guidelines.
So as you can see these programs are very rigorous and designed to make you a very competent physical therapy assistant upon completion of such a program.
After all as the average physical therapy assistant salary is above $45,000 a year you should be very capable at your position.
And what exactly are those classes that teach communication skills, cultural differences and sensitivity?