Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant

Definition:

Physiotherapist Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant, also known as PTA and
OTA, are vital roles in the therapy stream of health care. For the PTA and OTA, there are many
opportunities to work in a wide variety of places in the health care field, for example a hospital,
nursing home, school, clinic, and the list goes on. The role or scope of a PTA and OTA is pretty
straight forward, they assist and work under the supervision of the physiotherapist and
occupational therapist with treatment plans and exercises. When combined, these two separate
careers can be called a rehabilitation assistant, in this case the individual can work in both areas
of health care. PTA and OTA work closely with patients, families or groups to help the clients to
reach personal therapy goals.
OTA’s work with clients to improve strength and mobility of functional activities that we
do every day (these are called activities of daily living) for example brushing our teeth or going
to the bathroom. They follow a detailed treatment plan prescribed by the OT with the use of any
aids that may help the patient to feel more independent in any environment. A quick example of
a task a OTA may perform is to modify the hospital room after a patient has had a total hip
replacement surgery, they may adjust the height of the bed or add aids into the room to improve
independence.
PTA’s work with clients to improve mobility/strength/endurance/balance, and range of
motion. They follow a detailed plan prescribed by the PT and work with clients through a
program to reach therapeutic goals. A quick example of a task a PTA may do would be to help
improve the strength and mobility in a patients knee after knee surgery.
Both assistants work with a group of health care professionals and always report back to
their supervisor with any important information about a client’s progress. They always get
consent, communicate clearly with patients, observe and identify any changes and document
their sessions with the clients. OTA/PTA have well rounded personalities that include a great
attitude, reliability, passion, well mannered, and approachable. Overall these two careers are
quite similar but very different all at the same time.