Chapter 12 Your Success Flashcards
(38 cards)
Entry-level PTA Leadership Expectations
- Recognize and respond appropriately to changes in patient status
- Manage time independently throughout the day, especially during patient treatment
- Appear confident and calm
- Communicate in a pleasant, positive manner
- Manage change by demonstrating flexibility instead of stress
- Prioritize responsibilities and complete tasks without reminders
Entry-level PTA Leadership Expectations Continued
- Identify and initiate additional projects when assigned tasks are completed
- Complete documentation on time
- Teach effectively and learn enthusiastically
- Make sound decisions regarding modification or progression of interventions within the PT POC
- Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, and self-management
Leadership is like other skills, it can be developed!
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
PTAs, as well as PT’s, have leadership roles available
-APTA State chapter, section, or national level
Commission on Education in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-
accrediting all PT/PTA programs- reviewing educational programs for quality
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)-
Assist in writing the NPTE questions
PTAs can be:
1•Rehab Team leaders in Skilled nursing facilities 2•Clinic Managers 3•Clinical Instructors 4•PTA Faculty Instructors 5•PT Clinic Ownership
Community Service:
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
State Chapter and SIG activities
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
The APTA as a Means of
Career Development
•Sections and national special interest groups (SIGs)-
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
Continuing Education
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
Degree completion options
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.
•PTA to PT
•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)
•Develop a “continuing education plan” for yourself
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
•Specialty Certification:
-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
After Getting the Job
•Continue researching “Best Practice” treatment
1•Immerse yourself in reading and reviewing research
2•Create journal reading groups
•Continuing Education Classes
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!
Interview Purpose:
-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
Interview Show Skills:
-Demonstrate decision-making ability, communication skills, poise, tact, ability to work with others, leadership skills, achievement record, and sense of personal direction
Interview Follow-Up:
-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
Interview Professional Preparation
1•Complete degree, Join APTA, Participate in State & Chapter activities & network
Interview Physical Preparation
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
Interview Mental Preparation
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
Applying for Employment
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
