Are you interested in a career that involves helping people and keeping them moving? If you have the right skills and qualities, becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) might be the path for you. In this role, you will work alongside physiotherapists to implement treatment programs that improve or maintain clients' ability to function on their own. Let's take a closer look at what being a PTA entails.

Overview of Physical Therapist Assistant Responsibilities

PTA duties can vary depending on the setting. You may work in outpatient clinics, helping clients with orthopedic issues. Alternatively, you might work in schools and preschools, assisting children in developing physical and social skills. Another option is to work in extended care settings, where you'll help geriatric clients. Lastly, you may find yourself in hospitals, providing support to patients with various disorders or those who have undergone surgery. In any setting, PTAs operate under the supervision of physiotherapists.

Key Tasks and Skills for Physical Therapist Assistants

As a PTA, you will implement treatment plans designed by physiotherapists for individual clients or groups. Your responsibilities may include performing lifts and transfers, helping patients with positioning, teaching activities, re-educating patients on posture and gait, administering treatments like hot or cold packs, hydrotherapy, and wax treatments, as well as applying electrotherapy treatments. Additionally, you may measure patients for walking aids, assist with braces or artificial limbs, lead or join group exercise classes, provide respiratory treatments, teach breathing exercises, monitor patients during treatments, keep track of their progress, and handle clerical tasks.

Working Environment and Essential Qualities

Physical therapist assistants work in a range of settings, such as private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and even private homes. While the typical work schedule is on weekdays, some evenings and weekends may be required. As a PTA, it is crucial to possess specific traits and skills to excel in this profession. Empathy, patience, flexibility, communication, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, attention to detail, physical strength, stamina, and manual dexterity are all essential qualities. The ability to encourage patient confidence and participation, as well as the capability to work both independently and as part of a team, is also important.

Explore Opportunities as a Physical Therapist Assistant

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a PTA, here's a list of relevant National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes for your reference:

  • 2006 NOC: Therapy Assistants (3414.2)
  • 2006 NOC-S: Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services (D313)
  • 2011 NOC: Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (3237)
  • 2016 NOC: Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (3237)

Becoming a physical therapist assistant is a rewarding career choice that allows you to make a positive impact on people's lives. With the right qualifications, skills, and attributes, you can excel in this field and help individuals regain their independence and mobility.

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