Alexandra
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) or Physical Therapist (PT)?
I am a high school senior. I am considering either a Physical Therapist Assistant program (2 year) or to go to college (4 year+) to be a Physical Therapist. However, I have two problems. The first: I don't want to work for a Physical Therapist who considers me to be "inferior" or patients who think I'm just a "helper" and don't have any real training. Do any PTAs out there feel this way at their job? The second: I know that the job can be physically demanding. How physically demanding is it? This is very important for me to know before I get into this field, as I am a 5'2" 100lb female. I'm strong for my size, but I'm not going to be able to lift large patients by myself. #PTA #hospital-and-health-care #medicine #physical-therapy
4 answers
Willy Reyes
Willy’s Answer
Nice to hear that you are interested in either becoming a PT or a PTA. First, to answer your concern about being a PTA. The PTA plays an integral part of the rehabilitation team. In fact, the PTA’s helps the PT’s tremendously in fulfilling their role as a clinician by treating patients,informing PT’s of patient’s improvement or changes in status. The only thing PTA’s can not perform is to evaluate patient, to formulate treatment goals as well as discharging patients as these roles are primarily done by PT’s . With regards to lifting patients, PT’s or PTA ‘s do not lift patient, we exercise clinical judgement to determine a safe transfer for patients’. We instruct, demonstrates, assist patients in getting them in and out of the bed. If ever, a transfer is not feasible with a patient, there are equipments available to accomplished those and this role can be delegated to either the aides or nursing assistants in most hospitals/facilities. However, If the patient can transfer and you have concerns of transferring them, you can always ask another PT or PTA or even the aides to assist/help you. The size of a person does not preclude a person to become a PT!
If you are having second thoughts of which role/career you would like to pursue in the near future. Try talk to a PT’s or PTA’s in your community so that you will have an idea on what career you would like to pursue. Another option that you can do is apply for a volunteer work in a hospital or a PT clinic near you and observe the PT’s and PTA’s on what they do so that you will have an idea if a career in PT suits your interests and personality. I hope this answer your question. Good luck on your future career!
Angela Coffman
Angela’s Answer
Thank You So much!
Alexandra
Kelly Reed
Kelly’s Answer
In my state a PTA does work under a Licensed Physical Therapist but it isn't side by side. State regulation state that the PTA must be within phone reach of their supervisor. As far as physical state and managing patients. You are trained in body management and various techniques on the careful management of patients. Your LPT will develop this program for each patient.
Now the shocking portion of your question. True that the PTA program is an associate degree program that you can complete in two years. However, I am not aware of physical therapy program in the country that is 4 years. Most are master level programs and a number have gone to doctorate level.
Good luck in your decision. The field is a very gratifying.
Deborah R. Brandt, PT, DPT
Deborah R.’s Answer
Good luck.