Chapter 12 Your Success

Question 1

Entry-level PTA Leadership Expectations

Answer 1

1. Recognize and respond appropriately to changes in patient status
2. Manage time independently throughout the day, especially during patient treatment
3. Appear confident and calm
4. Communicate in a pleasant, positive manner
5. Manage change by demonstrating flexibility instead of stress
6. Prioritize responsibilities and complete tasks without reminders

Question 2

Entry-level PTA Leadership Expectations Continued

Answer 2

7. Identify and initiate additional projects when assigned tasks are completed
8. Complete documentation on time
9. Teach effectively and learn enthusiastically
10. Make sound decisions regarding modification or progression of interventions within the PT POC
11. Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, and self-management

Question 3

Leadership is like other skills, it can be developed!

Answer 3

1•Leaders inspire trust and inspire others to do better, focus on why things occur, and have long-range perspective.
2•Leaders are honest, inspiring, competent, and credible
3•Watch the leaders around you (formal or informal) and see the traits that they display that make them good leaders

Question 4

PTAs, as well as PT’s, have leadership roles available

Answer 4

-APTA State chapter, section, or national level

Question 5

Commission on Education in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-

Answer 5

accrediting all PT/PTA programs- reviewing educational programs for quality

Question 6

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)-

Answer 6

Assist in writing the NPTE questions

Question 7

PTAs can be:

Answer 7

1•Rehab Team leaders in Skilled nursing facilities
2•Clinic Managers
3•Clinical Instructors
4•PTA Faculty Instructors
5•PT Clinic Ownership

Question 8

Community Service:

Answer 8

1•Leading support groups for patient’s with a specific pathology
2•Exercises classes for arthritis patients at the YMCA
3•Leading Special Olympics activities
4•Non-PT Charity Groups & Functions

Question 9

State Chapter and SIG activities

Answer 9

1•PTA involvement in APTA and state organizations is very limited (around 10% of all PTAs)
2•PTA SIG- about ½ of states have this in their state chapters
3•Chapter leadership opportunities
4•PTA caucus representative
•The PTA caucus is the representative
group for PTAs within the APTA
•Terms are for 2 years

Question 10

The APTA as a Means of
Career Development

•Sections and national special interest groups (SIGs)-

Answer 10

1•Acute Care
2•Aquatics
3•Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
4•Clinical Electro and Wound Management
5•Education
6•Federal Physical Therapy
7•Geriatrics
8•Hand Rehab
9•Health Policy and Administration
10•Home Health
11•Neurology

Question 11

Continuing Education

Answer 11

1•Obtain new degrees, certifications, specialized skills that can give great depth and opportunities
•Examples: athletic training degree,
massage therapy degree, lymphedema
certification, Mackenzie certification, etc

Question 12

Degree completion options

Answer 12

1•These are degrees that allow you to complete a Bachelor Degree and giving you credit for most or all of your Associate PTA Degree
•Examples: At KSUA, these would include
the public health degree and general
studies degree.

Question 13

•PTA to PT

Answer 13

•PT is now a Doctoral degree, and there is only 1 school in the US who offers this: The University of Findlay in OH (a 3 year weekend program)

Question 14

•Develop a “continuing education plan” for yourself

Answer 14

1•What would you like to specialize in? What would you like to accomplish professionally?
2•Be prepared to share this new knowledge in “In-services”
3•Gain specialized skills that will set you apart

Question 15

•Specialty Certification:

Answer 15

-PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways Program through APTA
1•acute care, cardiovascular/pulmonary, geriatrics, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, wound care
2•Requires online courses, knowledge and skill checks within a clinical experience
3•Need to practice 5+ years to be eligible, need a mentor clinician with a plan for continued learning in the focus area, need to have demonstrated community involvement

Question 16

After Getting the Job

•Continue researching “Best Practice” treatment

Answer 16

1•Immerse yourself in reading and reviewing research

2•Create journal reading groups

Question 17

•Continuing Education Classes

Answer 17

1•As a PTA, you are required to complete certain number of hours of continuing education courses every 2 years to renew your license. This varies per state (in Ohio, this is 12 hours for a PTA, 24 for PT)
2•Take advantage of this, most jobs will offer free $ to attend coursework, always inquire about this
3•Enjoy learning without grades!

Question 18

Interview Purpose:

Answer 18

-meet with the prospective employer, exchange questions & answers, and obtain info to decide yourself

1•Research shows greater chance of hiring the best employee judging by their credentials than by interview; Interviews remain healthcare’s main selection tool

2•Strengths & weaknesses of a candidate during an interview are considered their strengths & weaknesses

Question 19

Interview Show Skills:

Answer 19

-Demonstrate decision-making ability, communication skills, poise, tact, ability to work with others, leadership skills, achievement record, and sense of personal direction

Question 20

Interview Follow-Up:

Answer 20

-Send thank-you card same day as interview or shortly after; Calling a few days after and thanking interviewer for the meeting is a nice touch

Question 21

Interview Professional Preparation

Answer 21

1•Complete degree, Join APTA, Participate in State & Chapter activities & network

Question 22

Interview Physical Preparation

Answer 22

1•Includes cover letter, resume, thank-you letter (send day of interview)
2•Clothing: clean, neat, and conservative; Makeup, jewelry, and scents should be kept at a minimum
3•Tattoos should be covered and piercings removed
4•Be courteous to all staff, Be confident and avoid nervous behavior

Question 23

Interview Mental Preparation

Answer 23

1•Being prepared; Know answers to typical interview questions & info about employer
2•Be able to describe how you acted after facing a difficult decision
3•Ask good questions: advantages/disadvantages of working there, benefits, work hours, vacation/sick times, liability insurance, continuing education, salary range

Question 24

Applying for Employment

Answer 24

1•Write Cover Letter to potential employer
2•Do research and find out about facility, who the direct the letter, who does the hiring, etc.
3•Learn about the mission/philosophy of the employer
4•Identify any connections you have with the clinic
5•Can determine if you get an interview or not

Question 25

Resume

Answer 25

1•Can send ahead of time with cover letter or present at interview
2•Include career objective, work experience, education& activities
3•Needs to be perfect, printed on nice paper
4•Needs to include your clinical rotation information
5•Include non-PT related info that shows customer service, etc

Question 26

References

Answer 26

•Can be faculty, clinical instructors, former employers, family, friends, & clergy

Question 27

Employment-

Things to look for

Answer 27

1•Do you like the type of setting and patient/diagnosis types?
2•What opportunities are there for advancement
3•What are the wages & benefits
4•What opportunities are provided for continuing education?
5•Does the facility have a mentoring program?
6•What are the facility’s future plans?
7•What are the productivity requirements?
8•How does the facility utilize PTAs?
9•What are the policies for providing quality care?
10•Ask an employee “ What do you like/dislike about the facility

Question 28

Student Opportunities

Answer 28

1•Can be involved with APTA’s Student Assembly, National Student Conclave activity in your local state PTA district or state activities
2•Check out APTA blogs for students: “The Pulse” and “Pulse Broadcast”, monthly Facebook Live Chat
3•Networking at these activities can lead to great career opportunities

Question 29

•Initiative

Answer 29

1•Doing more than what’s expected

2•Being self-motivated to succeed

Question 30

•Flexibility

Answer 30

1•Ability to adapt when change occurs

2•Big part of physical therapy

Question 31

•Generosity

Answer 31

1•Sharing one’s $, talents, time- brings fulfillment and happiness
2•Pro-bono clinics, community education & events, professional donations

Question 32

•Relationships

Answer 32

1•Should be worked on and invested in to develop

2•PT-PTA, patients, employer, co-workers, community

Question 33

•Competence

Answer 33

1•Having necessary knowledge & skills
2•Assessed by practical exams, skill checks, NPTE
3•Curiosity, initiative, drive for excellence- Cont. Ed

Question 34

•Passion

Answer 34

1•Excitement, Joy, and Awe about PT

2•It is contagious, surround self by passionate people

Question 35

Success Characteristics

•Optimism

Answer 35

1•See value in every situation & expect to succeed
2•Positive attitude, Change what you can change
3•Uplifting to work with

Question 36

•Commitment

Answer 36

1•Dedicated to fulfilling duty

2•Will allow others to trust and depend on you (relationships)

Question 37

The First Task: Passing the Licensure Examination

Answer 37

1•FSBPT Computerized Examination
2•Required in most states
3•200 multiple-choice questions, 150 of which are scored, Divided into 4 sections of 50 questions each with 1 hour allotted for each section
4•Raw score converted to a scaled score,
5•Score of 600 needed to pas
6•No penalty for guessing

Question 38

•Jurisprudence examination

Answer 38

1•Oral or written examination of state-specific laws

2•Required in most states