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By Nsim Team
If you want to become a physical therapy assistant, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you’re probably well suited for a career as a physical therapy assistant:
Those who become physical therapy assistants have an interest and aptitude in helping people who have difficulty with physical mobility due to injury or illness. They are typically passionate about promoting overall health, fitness and wellness. Physical therapy assistants must be comfortable working in a team environment, and taking direction from others.
Who is a Physical Therapy Assistant ?
Physical therapist assistants perform certain physical therapy procedures and related tasks under the supervision of physical therapists or physiotherapists in order to help patients and clients who have challenges with their mobility due to injury or illness.
By assisting with physical therapy, physical therapy assistants help relieve pain, prevent of limit physical disability and immobility, and promote overall fitness and health in for their patients and clients.
Education Needed to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant
Although educational requirements for becoming a physical therapist assistant may vary from region to region, or from employer to employer, you typically need to have a diploma or an associate’s degree in a physical therapist program from an accredited college or university.
Physical therapy programs are typically 2 years in duration, and include both classroom work and clinical experience. Classroom-based academic work typically includes courses such as algebra, English, anatomy, and psychology.
Characteristics Needed to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant
In order to become effective in a career as a physical therapist assistant, you need to posses certain personality characteristics. Having these characteristics will ensure that you are able to maintain a positive attitude towards your work, and that you are able to endure the ups and downs of a career as a physical therapy assistant; such traits include:
• Physical fitness
• Good observation skills
• Have patience when dealing with people who are under physical and emotional stress
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to encourage patient confidence and participation
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good oral communication skills
• Manual dexterity
• Able to follow directions closely
Who Hires Physical Therapy Assistants?
Organizations that help patients and clients who have difficulty with movements due to illness or injury hire physical therapy assistants; such organizations include:
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centres
• Continuing care facilities
• Community and government health agencies
• Home care agencies
• Physiotherapy and physical therapy clinics
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