1 answer
Makayla
Student
Ellsworth, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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can you work throughout OTA or PTA schooling?
I don't like math and want to be an OTA or a PTA, would this be an issue? I also would like to know if I can work or if it is a very intense program. Please tell me what the difference of a OTA and PTA is. I would prefer to work with kids and helping help out.
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1 answer
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
48
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hello Makayla,
You can definitely conquer your dislike for a subject and reach your goals, so don't let your aversion to math stop you from pursuing your dream of becoming an OTA or PTA. It's crucial to grasp the principles of math and science for these roles. OTA and PTA programs are full-time, typically lasting 2 to 2.5 years. Depending on the program, you might get a summer break after the first year. These programs can be demanding, but there's usually room to work on weekends. They also include a clinical education phase where you'll intern full-time in a clinic under a licensed instructor.
As an occupational therapist assistant, you'll work under a licensed occupational therapist. Occupational Therapy aims to teach people to perform tasks needed for independent living or job functions. This could be due to an injury or illness requiring long-term or permanent adjustments, or a permanent physical, mental, or developmental disability.
As a physical therapist assistant, you'll work under a licensed physical therapist. Physical Therapy focuses on aiding people to recover from injuries or illnesses that restrict their movement. PTAs help patients regain motion range, strength, and flexibility in affected body parts, improve balance and coordination, and alleviate pain.
Both PTAs and OTAs work with young patients. OTAs often assist children with developmental disabilities to develop play and social skills. PTAs typically concentrate on strengthening and mobility skills in children. Both PTAs and OTAs can be found in school systems and pediatric outpatient clinics. Consider contacting a local pediatric therapy clinic to see if you could spend a day or two shadowing and understanding the job differences between occupational and physical therapy.
You can definitely conquer your dislike for a subject and reach your goals, so don't let your aversion to math stop you from pursuing your dream of becoming an OTA or PTA. It's crucial to grasp the principles of math and science for these roles. OTA and PTA programs are full-time, typically lasting 2 to 2.5 years. Depending on the program, you might get a summer break after the first year. These programs can be demanding, but there's usually room to work on weekends. They also include a clinical education phase where you'll intern full-time in a clinic under a licensed instructor.
As an occupational therapist assistant, you'll work under a licensed occupational therapist. Occupational Therapy aims to teach people to perform tasks needed for independent living or job functions. This could be due to an injury or illness requiring long-term or permanent adjustments, or a permanent physical, mental, or developmental disability.
As a physical therapist assistant, you'll work under a licensed physical therapist. Physical Therapy focuses on aiding people to recover from injuries or illnesses that restrict their movement. PTAs help patients regain motion range, strength, and flexibility in affected body parts, improve balance and coordination, and alleviate pain.
Both PTAs and OTAs work with young patients. OTAs often assist children with developmental disabilities to develop play and social skills. PTAs typically concentrate on strengthening and mobility skills in children. Both PTAs and OTAs can be found in school systems and pediatric outpatient clinics. Consider contacting a local pediatric therapy clinic to see if you could spend a day or two shadowing and understanding the job differences between occupational and physical therapy.