[Subject/Course]
[Submission Date]
I have been interested in becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant from a very early age as I have a passion to help people. In particular, people with physical incapability always grabbed my attention so this is the reason why I have decided to join the physical therapy field. I feel that it is one of the best occupations by pursuing which I can help defenseless people who have physical problems. It won’t be untrue to state that I always wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy. I have personally witnessed the benefits of physical therapy as few of my family members relieved off their pain with the help of physical therapy. Therefore, it is my firm belief that I am the kind of person who is outgoing, communicative, and kindhearted enough to pursue physical therapy as my ultimate profession. I am sure that I can become an effective member of any physical therapy team as I accept professionalism as true. I may turn out to be an efficient PTA as I have a sympathetic heart.
I have already worked as a PTA for two years. At first, I worked at an outpatient facility. Later, I worked at an inpatient facility. I found the latter clinical experience more interesting as the acuity level of the patient required more knowledge and responsible behavior. I also had the opportunity to carry out various tasks. My job responsibilities included provision of assistance to the physical therapist for the treatment of persons (infants to the elderly) who faced health/medical problems haltering their movement ability. I helped people who had difficulties in their daily functioning and couldn’t carry out even the simplest routine tasks. It was also my job to make sure that the physical therapist I worked for was able to achieve his/her goals for the health restoration of clients. I was also liable to contribute to the competence and care of the physical therapist. I gained immense clinical experience in just a short span of time that enabled me to suggest alternative interventions and implement the physical therapy directions at a number of times. As already mentioned, I have achieved experience by assessing patient health after conducting patient interviews. I have also carried out physical examinations of patients/clients.
I also understand that it is important for me as a PTA to keep myself updated about the professional knowledge by being a part of the available opportunities to acquire education. For attaining critical thinking skills, it is also required to read professional literature and publications concerning the therapeutic procedures of the contemporary times (Millis, Levine & Taylor). As I have worked as a PTA for a short period of time, I have realized that it is also imperative to maintain private networks and participate in professional institutions for understanding my job responsibilities (Irimia). I have also learnt that it is very essential for me as a physical therapy assistant to get better and put in efforts for keeping the reputation of my hospital/clinic. As far as my opinion is concerned, it is exceedingly necessary for a PTA to explore opportunities so that he/she can add value to the professional activities.
I have planned to attend programs where I can have access to laboratories so I can gain more practical experience by working with patients. There is a strong demand for the employment of physical therapy assistant in the contemporary age and such opportunities are growing day by day with the increase in jobs ("Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Education Overview"). It simply means that this profession has a bright future for everyone who wants to pursue it in the coming times. I am hoping for the same. It is also important to mention here that I had a lot of support from my family without whom I couldn’t pursue my career.
References
Irimia, Olga. Introduction to Physical Therapy for Physical Therapist Assistants. 2nd ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2011. Print.
Millis, Darryl L., David Levine, and Robert A. Taylor. Canine Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy. St. Louis, Mo.: Saunders, 2004. Print.
"Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Education Overview." APTA. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. <http://www.apta.org/PTAEducation/Overview/>.
