A Dive into the Bryant & Stratton College PTA Program

October is National Physical Therapist Assistant Month, a time where we get the chance to celebrate physical therapists (PT), physical therapist assistants (PTA), and PT and PTA students. These individuals help improve lives by playing a critical role in helping people of all ages and abilities achieve their physical activity goals along with improve their quality of life by restoring and improving someone’s ability to move. The American Physical Therapy Association uses this month to raise awareness of the benefits of physical therapy.

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants work with their patients to help manage or eliminate pain without medication, and in some cases, it can even be an alternative to surgery. They examine their patients and develop a plan of care by using techniques that can promote the patient’s ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

Explore a Degree as a PTA at Bryant & Stratton College

Working under the supervision of a physical therapist, a PTA helps to treat patients through exercise, massage, balance training, and many other therapeutic interventions. They then record the patients progress and report the results of each treatment they have performed to the physical therapist.

The first step to becoming a PTA is to start you education at a college you can trust. At Bryant & Stratton College, we provide our physical therapist assistant students the foundation to work in several different settings within the medical field. PTA graduates can work in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, private practices, home health agencies, schools, and even athletic facilities.

Students at Bryant & Stratton College will go through a complete classroom learning experience where they gain experience in key theories and skills required in the field to ensure they are prepared to offer impactful treatments to their patients.

Degree Outcomes of a PTA Student

Bryant & Stratton College physical therapy assistant students will gain skills and experiences that will give them the confidence to begin their careers. Upon completion of the program students will be able to demonstrate professional behavior and values, articulate the distinct roles and responsibilities of a PTA, be an advocate for patients, apply physical therapy principals, and much more.

After earning the physical therapy assistant degree, students will then have the proper education to take licensure exams and sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTA’s.

5 Traits it Takes to be a PTA

1. Communication skills:

Being a PTA is both challenging and rewarding. It takes a unique individual who has the patience and dedication to help patients stay on a regimen in order to achieve their long-term goals. A PTA will meet with the same patients possibly several times a week and has to build excellent communication skills to build a relationship with that person.

Having the proper communication skills will allow the patient to feel comfortable enough to speak to you and let you know how they are feeling during the process of their physical therapy journey.

2. The desire to help others:

Each patient is unique and will require different methods of physical therapy. This requires PTA’S to have understanding that you are helping the patient and doing what is best and encouraging them to continue to meet their goals. Even when a patient wants to stop, being understanding will give you the willingness to continue.

Without the desire to help others, you will not help the patient to recover. If a patient wants to quit, the PTA must gently remind them of their goal and stand beside them every step of the way to get them back on their feet. Being able to celebrate with the patient when they meet their goals is rewarding, but it can take some time to get there.

3. The Ability to be a Professional

Being a PTA comes with the responsibility of speaking with doctors, patients, family members, and caregivers requires professionalism to gain trust. Being confident and experienced will help people accept your answers and take your advice.

Professionalism does not mean that you cannot laugh with your patients and feel their pain, or interact with them on a personal level, but it means that you have the level of knowledge to know what is appropriate and when.

4. Be a Motivator and Advocate

Being a PTA, you will work with a variety of different patients who will need different forms of physical therapy to meet their specific needs. A PTA should have the ability to work with patients at all different ages and levels and be able to motivate them to keep going. A PTA should be an advocate for their patient and utilize a patient centered approach to help them achieve their goals.

5. Be a Great Problem Solver

Although PTA’S work with a physical therapist to figure out the best practice for a patient, there is a level of independence. Being independent as a PTA requires being able to think quickly and comprehensively. Knowing when you can make a decision, when you need to ask for help, and if the therapy you are utilizing is working or not is key to solving problems.

Physical therapy is different for every individual that comes for help. This means that every patient will need a personalized care plan by a PTA who is integral and experienced.

Taking the Step to Becoming a PTA

This October we will be taking the time to celebrate National Physical Therapist Assistant Month. We recognize the efforts it takes to be a successful PTA and have created a program to help our students gain the important knowledge and experience needed to become the best PTA possible.

At Bryant & Stratton College, our physical therapist assistant program can prepare you for a rewarding career that would allow you to help others daily. It will give you the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, just by doing your job. Our PTA program will give you the skills you need to work under the supervision of a physical therapist and help patients with all different medical issues to regain mobility and independence performing day-to-day activities.

Learn more about our PTA program here!