The career as a physiotherapist assistant (PTA) is fulfilling. If you have the zeal assist individuals with movement concerns, you can turn out to be a PTA. As a PTA, you will have to work with patients who are recuperating from injuries or surgeries as well as several other health situations like cancer or a cerebral attack. You, as an assistant, have to work with your knowledgeable physiotherapist who is mainly taking care of such patients. You have to assist the expert and give support while treating patients. If you turn out to be a physiotherapist assistant, you need to know what educations and training are necessary to undergo. Let’s talk about them.
- Educational qualification – This is the preliminary thing to become a PTA. You should obtain a proper education. Typically, you must have a diploma or a certificate for this role.
- Diploma in physiotherapy – You should undertake a physiotherapy diploma course to become a prosperous assistant in this field. The course will provide you with the needed understanding of physiology, biology, anatomy and kinesiology. This knowledge is very much required to assist a physiotherapist in treating patients. The course involves foundational knowledge that includes exercises, basic patient care strategies, and rehab practices. The syllabus may require you to get involved in hands-on experience so you can apply this in real-time.
- Certificate in physiotherapy – A physiotherapy certificate course is another option for you towards your journey to become a PTA. The course is crafted specifically to equip students with the required expertise to help licensed physiotherapists. A physiotherapy certificate course is a good option for you if you want to take entry in the industry rapidly. The course involves knowledge of body mechanics, patient care, modalities and equipment. The course duration is shorter than a physiotherapy diploma course.
- Expertise and proficiency – Apart from formal academic qualifications, as a physiotherapist assistant, you have to develop some essential skills to effectively fulfill your role. Some of those skills may include:
- Physical fitness – As a PTA you will need to help patients perform physical exercises, related to lifting and mobility. Unless you are physically fit, you may not be able to help your patients.
- Communication expertise – A PTA should have excellent communication skills so he or she can easily interact with the patients, the physiotherapists, the doctors (if needed) and the patient parties. As a PTA you should be able to explain how to do the exercises, encourage patients, and listen to their issues to create a supporting ambiance. You will be taught these things during your physiotherapy certificate course.
- Attentive towards detailing – Physiotherapist assistants should be able to follow exact instructions from their superiors so that the treatment and exercises can be done safely and properly. You, as a PTA, should also be able to record patient progress. These are taught during your physiotherapy diploma course.
- Compassion and endurance – Dealing with patients who are in pain or suffering from mobility issues and undergoing rehab needs a good deal of compassion and endurance. You should offer proper comfort and support and encourage them to create a positive ambiance that ensures quick healing.
- Internship and work experience – Many physiotherapy courses in Kolkata require the aspirant to be done with an internship as a part of their course. You should have done with the internship program as it provides you with practical experience in the real world so you can apply your acquaintance in real time.
To become a physiotherapist assistant requires you to complete a physiotherapy certificate course. You should acquire the needed expertise and gain real-time experience. Whether you are interested in a diploma in physiotherapy course – you will find many options that would help you enter this healthcare field.
