Rehabilitation Therapist Assistant: Job Description and Requirements

Rehabilitation therapist assistants (RTAs) commonly work as physical therapist assistants (PTAs) or occupational therapist assistants (OTAs), under the supervision of physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs), respectively. RTAs, regardless of specialty, provide therapeutic treatment and instruction to their patients. A postsecondary education is most often required; however, requirements vary from state-to-state.

View 24 Popular Schools »

Rehabilitation Therapy Job Description

Patients with permanent or temporary disabilities may benefit from some type of rehabilitation therapy. Treatment plans, catered to the patient's needs, may provide the patient with a better quality of life. Physical and occupational therapists are two groups who design treatment plans for patients, and their work fits within the category of rehabilitation therapy.

Physical Therapist Assistant Duties

Physical therapy provides patients with physical treatments for patient pain reduction and optimal body movement. Physical therapy trains the muscle groups to work more efficiently, and patients often receive PT treatment to recover from injury or chronic illness.

Under the instruction and supervision of a PT, assistants are responsible for various patient care duties based on the patient's personal plan of care. The PT might instruct patients on how to use certain durable medical equipment or provide exercise instruction. Therapeutic administration is common, such as ultrasound, traction, electrical simulation and massage. PTAs also provide gait training and balance instruction.

Occupational Therapist Assistant Duties

Occupational therapy assists mentally and physically impaired patients with the skills necessary for daily living for an improved quality of life. OT patients may be recovering from serious brain trauma injuries or learning skills to overcome learning disabilities.

Together with OTs, OTAs devise rehabilitative exercise and daily living activity treatment plans for individuals. OTAs teach these treatment methods to clients, varying the activities as appropriate. They also monitor the patient's sessions to ensure the exercises are completed properly. Their rehabilitative progress is submitted by the OTA for the OT to review.

Requirements

Physical Therapist Assistant

Education and Licensure

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, successful completion of an accredited program and certification exam are required by many states (www.bls.gov). Students interested in becoming a PTA should seek programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Most associate degree programs are four semesters, taking approximately two years to complete. Education is generally a mix of classroom education and clinical experience. Courses cover all aspects of everyday PTA encounters for proper preparation, including psychology, sociology, kinesiology, orthopedics, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pathophysiology and neurology.

To qualify for the National Physical Therapy Exam administered by the Federation of State Boards in Physical Therapy, individuals must have completed an accredited program. Certified professionals are responsible for maintaining their licensure by acquiring continuing education credits.

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Education and Licensure

An associate's degree is usually all that is required to work as an OTA. Prospective students should look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). OTA programs generally offer courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, psychology, kinesiology, geriatric and pediatric interventions, physical dysfunction, OTA fundamentals and human development. Fieldwork is often a requirement.

Graduates of an accredited program may sit for the national certifying exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). To keep their credential, they must take continuing education courses.

Show me popular schools

Related to Rehabilitation Therapist Assistant: Job Description and Requirements

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Equine Rehabilitation Therapist: Salary, Duties and Requirements

There are few animals as athletic as the horse, particularly race horses and show horses. However, the strain of...

Schools with Speech Therapist Assistant Programs: How to Choose

Speech therapy assistants are commonly referred to as Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants (SLPA). SLPAs screen...

Occupational Therapist Aide: Info for Students Considering a Career As an Occupational Therapist Assistant or Aide

If you're looking to become an Occupational Therapist Aide, you should have at least a high school diploma. Experience...

Horse Rehabilitation Therapist: Salary Info and Job Duties

Horse rehabilitation therapists are required to have a calm, kind and compassionate nature in order to deal with...

Rehabilitation Therapist Education Requirements

24 Popular Schools

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics