What Qualities, Skills, and Abilities Must Physical Therapist Assistants Possess - Essay Example

All Allied Health Schools (2002-2008) states that PTAs must earn an associate degree in physical therapist assisting so that they may practice in their field. They suggest that before starting a PTA program the individual should obtain some experience as a volunteer with a physical therapist or at a nursing home. Having a strong background in biology, chemistry, physics, health, arts, and social sciences is an advantage in their favor.
According to the ASU Physical Therapist Assistant Program (n.d), the students must have intellectual, ethical, physical, and emotional capabilities to undertake the curriculum. The abilities and skills include observation, communication, motor ability, conceptualization, integration and quantification, and behavioral/social acceptability.

The physical therapist assistant (PTA), works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist (PT) (Dreeben, 2007). The PT and the PTA collaborate with each other. This collaboration is important for the patient´s successful rehabilitation and for everyone´s involved satisfaction. These are events that occur:
- The PT starts the examination and the evaluation of the patient and establishes the goals or outcomes accompanied by the plan of care and the treatment plan.
- The PTA cannot start the examination and evaluation but may take notes and help gather needed data. The PTA accepts the responsibilities within the limits of his or her capabilities and takes into account the legal, regulatory, and ethical guidelines.
- The PT interprets the data provided by the PTA but the PTA does not interpret the initial examination/evaluation data.
- The PTA performs selected interventions directed by the PT.
- The PTA may collect data during the patient´s intervention and may ask the PT for a reexamination.
- The PTA performs the new intervention under the direction of the PT.
This collaboration is based on trust, mutual respect, and respect for individual and cultural differences (Dreeben, 2007).
According to Dreeben (2007), there are elements of and mechanisms for effective communication and feedback of patient care issues between the PT and PTA. These are:
- Discuss the goals and expectations for the patient;
- Have frequent and open communication;
- Have information on response to patient care;
- Make recommendations for discharge;
- Discuss modifications of plan care;
- Have recommendations from other disciplines;
- Consider precautions, contraindications, or other special programs included in the intervention.