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A physical therapy assistant works under the direct supervision of a licensed
physical therapist in treating physical illnesses
and injuries. After a physical therapist has performed an initial evaluation and
developed an individualized treatment plan for an injured patient, the physical
therapy assistant will help to implement and administer that plan. A treatment
plan consists of the physical activities an individual should do to strengthen
and/or build endurance to improve walking, balance, sports performance and any
daily activities they perform. Responsibilities of the physical therapy assistant
may include training patients on how to perform the exercises and other activities
involved in a treatment plan, teaching patients how to use splints, braces,
artificial limbs, etc., preparing equipment for exercising, conducting the
treatments, monitoring a patient?s progress, and reporting to the physical
therapist any changes within a patient. Physical therapy assistants also help in
implementing programs that help to prevent physical injuries. Physical therapy
assistants work in a variety of settings to include hospitals, private clinics,
rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, etc.
In terms of education, this position requires an associate?s degree
(approximately two years in length) from an accredited physical therapy assistant
education program. After completion of the educational program, individuals in the
state of Ohio must pass a state administered national examination to become a licensed
physical therapy assistant. In Ohio, licensing board information can be found at
the State of Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic
Trainers Board website. For additional information on physical therapy
assistants, please visit the
American Physical Therapy Association website. Please use the links provided
below to learn more about specific educational programs pertaining to this field.
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