Physical Therapy Assistant Skills List and Examples

Physical Therapy Assistant Skills List and ExamplesPhysical Therapy Assistant Skills List and ExamplesPhysical therapy assistants (sometimes called PTAs) help a variety of patients with illnesses and injuries to reduce pain and improve mobility. They work under the supervision of physical therapists. PTAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, sports and fitness facilities, nursing homes, schools, and more. PTAs need an associates degree and a state licenaya or certification. However, they also require particular skills. Many PTA skills arehard skills, such as a knowledge of human anatomy and a knowledge of how to perform certain stretches and exercises. However, the job also includes a number ofsoft skillsthat help physical therapists communicate effectively with patients and coworkers. Heres a list ofskills that employers are looking forin resumes, cover letters, job applications, and interviews. Included are detailed descriptions of the five most im portant physical therapy assistant skillsets, along with accompanying lists of related skills and work responsibilities. How to Use Skills Lists You can use these skills lists as a resource as you prepare job application materials such as yourresumeand yourcover letter. Many employers now utilize automatedapplicant tracking systemsto screen applications these systems are programmed to privilege specific keywords and phrases, such as those well talk about here. Along with reviewing our lists, be sure to identify which keyword phrases are specifically mentioned in job announcements, and try to echo these in both your resume and in the body of your cover letter. Its also a wise strategy to provide examples of times when you have used these skills in a work or training environment. You can also use these skill words in aninterview. Make sure, during the interview itself, that you mention instances of times you demonstrated each of the top five skillsets listed here. Of course, each job will require different skills and experiences, so make sure you read the job description carefully and focus on the skills listed by the employer. Also, review our other lists ofskills listed by jobandschriftart of skill. Top Five Physical Therapy Assistant Skills CommunicationPTAs communicate regularly with patients. They need to clearly convey instructions to patients, such as how to perform certain exercises. They also must speak with the patients and their families about what to do after treatment. To do this effectively, PTAs must have strong oral communication skills. Because a PTA works under the supervision of a physical therapist, he or she must also be able tocommunicate wellwith the therapist. She has to listen carefully to instructions, and convey information about patients in a clear manner. Active ListeningAssertivenessEducating Family Members and Caregivers Regarding Therapeutic RoutinesExplaining Exercises and Therapies to PatientsInstructing Patients about t he Use of Treatment EquipmentInstructing Patients on Use of Adaptive Devices like Walkers, Crutches, or CanesInteracting with Patients of Different Ages, Races, and Socio-Economic BackgroundsOrienting, Supervising, and Training Students, Volunteers, and Support StaffProviding Gait Training to PatientsRecommending Modifications of Treatment to Physical Therapist ReportingSpeaking ClearlyTeamworkVerbal CommunicationsWriting Patient Progress Notes CompassionAlong with effective communication, PTAs have to be able to empathize with patients who are struggling, often both physically and emotionally. They have to understand how the patient is feeling, and use that information to decide how to best motivate that patient and, often, the patients family. CollaborationCustomer ServiceEncouraging Patient Participation with Tasks and TherapiesInterpersonal SkillsMotivating PatientsOvercoming Patient Resistance to TherapiesPositive OutlookRelating to Disabled PatientsRemaining Calm with Distress ed PatientsTolerating Patient Setbacks or Lack of Progress Detail OrientedPTAs have to keep detailed records of patients illnesses, injuries, and exercise programs. They must carefully track patient progress and report patient status to the physical therapist. To keep track of all of this, PTAs must be organized and focused on the details. Assessing Pain Tolerance of PatientsDocumenting Patient ProgressEmpathyFollowing Infection Control Policies and ProceduresMeasuring Range of MotionMonitoring Vital SignsObservationPrioritizing MultitaskingOften, PTAs mustperform multiple tasks at once. They typically assist with many patients at one time and must be able to prioritize their duties. Therefore, PTAs must be strong multitaskers. Applying Diagnostic Muscle, Nerve, Joints, and Functional Abilities TestsCompiling Discharge ReportsFollowing Directions from Physical TherapistsMaintaining EquipmentOrdering SuppliesOrganizationReading and Comprehending Patient InformationUsing Smart Data Sy stemTime ManagementTreating Multiple Patients at the Same TimeWorking with Minimal Supervision Physical StaminaPTAs perform a number of tasks that require physical strength and dexterity. They must be on their feet for long periods, bend and kneel, and move patients. They also have to work with their hands to massage patients and set up equipment. Administering Traction to Relieve Neck and Back PainApplying Manual Resistance to a Patients Limbs or Trunk During ExercisesDemonstrating Exercises to PatientsHigh Energy LevelManual DexterityPerforming Passive Stretch with ParticipantsPerforming Therapeutic krpermassage Job Outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants According to theBureau of Labor Statistics, 140,300 people were employed as physical therapist assistants and aides in 2016 their median annual wage in 2017 was $46,920. Career opportunities in this field are anticipated to grow 30 percent by 2026, much faster than average.