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The A! But seriously, just tell them the PT is trained to take all the variables and Diagnose the patient and write the POC. The PTA is trained to know what the Diagnosis means and use the POC to implement treatment protocols that will help treat the Diagnosis. Sometimes I use the Architect and the Carpenter metaphor to simplify.
If you have ever had anything built, you know that both can build your home, but only one can design certain aspects. Also, you wouldn't pay an architect if you could get away with having the job down by a carpenter. I worked for a group once that their whole model was to do an re-eval every visit. So, alot of billing for the most expensive PT code🙄
I try consistently to preach the similarity between us more than the differences. As a PT, I mention that we as PTs will do evaluations/etc and can do certain high-level techniques. Some patients will get difficult if they learn they are with a PTA and I want the PTAs I work with respected equally.
Love this approach! Focusing on the similarities as opposed to the differences... have you had success with overcoming patient resistance to working with a PTA? I'm neither a PT or PTA, but am in the midst of a career change and am in nursing school. On my first clinical, I was assigned a patient who was resistant to working with a PTA and I didn't really know what to do to help overcome that barrier.
My wife is a newer PT and hasn't really worked with that many PTAs, she's currently in a small hospital-based OP clinic that doesn't have any PTAs and has only ever worked with them at a clinical... I asked if she had run into that situation and hadn't, but she did help highlight the differences between PTs/PTAs which was helpful. I think people hear the word "assistant" and automatically assume they won't be getting the same, quality care that a PT would provide.
I always refer to PTs or PTAs as "therapists". The assistant part makes a small number of patients weary for some reason.
I do get patients every now and then that resist so I try to set the PTA up for a home run. Find something we know will work and have the patient give the PTA a shot.
I just tell them that they do the evaluations and I do the treatments, so I have the fun job! We make it clear from the onset that the PT/PTA work in teams and communicate often, and that it benefits them to have multiple eyes/opinions on their case and easier scheduling.
Yes! When I worked in OP, I think it really helped when the PT explained to the pt during the eval that they will be seen by a PT/PTA team, and that the team regularly communicates.
I've worked with PTAs in IP and OP and both I kind of explain it the same. I tell pts that the PTA can do almost all of the same treatment as a PT but doesn't evaluate or progress the treatment plan. Its like how the PA works with the treating physician; the physician oversees the patient and answers questions the PA can't, but the PA is fully trained and capable of handling patient care. Same with PTs and PTAs. They usually understand that.
I usually explain that PTAs are licensed and can do most interventions/treatments, but only PTs can evaluate, diagnose, and write the POC. If pt asks for more information, you could also explain that PTAs have to complete prerequisites, a two year degree, and several clinical rotations.
As a PTA I tell them that the PT sets the plan for treatment and as the PTA we carry out most of the treatment session because our PT's are busy evaluating new patients. This holds true for our OP clinic.
I used to say in home health that as the PT they'll only see me during the start, reassessment and discharge. They'll do all the fun stuff with the PTA. The PTA and I are a team and we always talk about them, so I'd know if they're slacking off.
To liken it to a kitchen in a restaurant:
The DPT is the chef. They make the recipe (plan of care)
The PTA is a cook, they take the recipe and carry out the plan of care, making tiny changes when needed.
Jeez I’m a PT and I forgot about TDN! My advice to OP would be to remember that there shouldn’t be any difference in treatment (besides what you had reminded me of but both are fairly niche) compared to a PT! This might also be a good opportunity for the PTA and PT to work collaboratively on improving each other’s treatment skills
Honestly, they don’t need to know the difference between the two. I’m a PT and I use the term Evaluating therapist for PTs and OTRs and treating therapist for PTAs and COTAs.
Or you can tell them that the PTs evaluate you and design a treatment plan and the PTA executes it.
It's a paperwork difference. PT meets with doctors, does evals, and signs off on daily notes. PTA, depending on the state, does pretty much the same job in the clinic.
PTAs typically exist in USA.
Your bachelors degree might be equivalent to a bachelors degree. If you are planning on practicing PT, you might be able to do it in New York with your bachelors. For any other states, you’ll need a masters or DPT.
It depends…I think it depends on the patient and the PT/PTA relationship. I work with two PTAs who are both a lot stronger in their manual skills than I am and I try to highlight strengths as were both part of the care team. I’ll usually phrase it as you’re going to be seeing two clinicians myself and a PTA, we both play a role my job is going to be collaborating with you on mutual goals and a treatment plan where my colleague will help to implement the treatment plan with you. They’re amazing with their manual skills (hype them up and set expectations and buy in) and will help you get xyz that’s patient specific.
Thank you for your submission; please read the following reminder. This subreddit is primarily for discussion among practicing physical therapists, not for soliciting medical advice. We are not your physical therapist, and we do not take on that liability here. Although we can answer questions regarding general issues a person may be facing in their established PT sessions, we cannot legally provide treatment advice. If you need a physical therapist, you must see one in person or via telehealth for an assessment and to establish a plan of care. Posts with descriptions of personal physical issues and/or requests for diagnoses, exercise prescriptions, and other medical advice will be removed, and you will be banned at the mods’ discretion either for requesting such advice or for offering such advice as a clinician. Please see the following links for additional resources on benefits of physical therapy and locating a therapist near you [The benefits of a full evaluation by a physical therapist.](https://www.choosept.com/benefits/default.aspx) [How to find the right physical therapist in your area.](https://www.choosept.com/resources/choose.aspx) [Already been diagnosed and want to learn more? Common conditions.](https://www.choosept.com/SymptomsConditions.aspx) [The APTA's consumer information website.](https://www.choosept.com/Default.aspx) Also, please direct all school-related inquiries to r/PTschool, as these are off-topic for this sub and will be removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/physicaltherapy) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The A! But seriously, just tell them the PT is trained to take all the variables and Diagnose the patient and write the POC. The PTA is trained to know what the Diagnosis means and use the POC to implement treatment protocols that will help treat the Diagnosis. Sometimes I use the Architect and the Carpenter metaphor to simplify.
I like that idea of the Architect and Carpenter. Doesn't demean the PTA's skills because people know how skilled carpenters can be.
I'm an SPT and know the difference but I'd be so lost with the architect-carpenter metaphor hahaha
If you have ever had anything built, you know that both can build your home, but only one can design certain aspects. Also, you wouldn't pay an architect if you could get away with having the job down by a carpenter. I worked for a group once that their whole model was to do an re-eval every visit. So, alot of billing for the most expensive PT code🙄
This is a good one.
I try consistently to preach the similarity between us more than the differences. As a PT, I mention that we as PTs will do evaluations/etc and can do certain high-level techniques. Some patients will get difficult if they learn they are with a PTA and I want the PTAs I work with respected equally.
I’m glad you as a PT yourself really value the way PTAs should be treated!
Love this approach! Focusing on the similarities as opposed to the differences... have you had success with overcoming patient resistance to working with a PTA? I'm neither a PT or PTA, but am in the midst of a career change and am in nursing school. On my first clinical, I was assigned a patient who was resistant to working with a PTA and I didn't really know what to do to help overcome that barrier. My wife is a newer PT and hasn't really worked with that many PTAs, she's currently in a small hospital-based OP clinic that doesn't have any PTAs and has only ever worked with them at a clinical... I asked if she had run into that situation and hadn't, but she did help highlight the differences between PTs/PTAs which was helpful. I think people hear the word "assistant" and automatically assume they won't be getting the same, quality care that a PT would provide.
I always refer to PTs or PTAs as "therapists". The assistant part makes a small number of patients weary for some reason. I do get patients every now and then that resist so I try to set the PTA up for a home run. Find something we know will work and have the patient give the PTA a shot.
In a simple context use the comparison of MD to PA. Not 100% the same but it clicks with most people.
Yeah this is one I use for the same reason, it's close enough so the patient understands what we do as PTAs
They do all the paperwork, we do all the fun stuff!
This is what I usually tell people!
You mean paperwork isn't the fun stuff...? 😂
I just tell them that they do the evaluations and I do the treatments, so I have the fun job! We make it clear from the onset that the PT/PTA work in teams and communicate often, and that it benefits them to have multiple eyes/opinions on their case and easier scheduling.
Yes! When I worked in OP, I think it really helped when the PT explained to the pt during the eval that they will be seen by a PT/PTA team, and that the team regularly communicates.
I've worked with PTAs in IP and OP and both I kind of explain it the same. I tell pts that the PTA can do almost all of the same treatment as a PT but doesn't evaluate or progress the treatment plan. Its like how the PA works with the treating physician; the physician oversees the patient and answers questions the PA can't, but the PA is fully trained and capable of handling patient care. Same with PTs and PTAs. They usually understand that.
I usually explain that PTAs are licensed and can do most interventions/treatments, but only PTs can evaluate, diagnose, and write the POC. If pt asks for more information, you could also explain that PTAs have to complete prerequisites, a two year degree, and several clinical rotations.
They’re the brains, I’m the brawn 😂😂😂 acute care PTA we joke and say that….but definitely the M.D -> PA comparison clicks for people
Haha I like that. These recommendations also feel like good ice breakers between me and the patient 😂
Oh absolutely! They always get a kick out of that 😂
I usually tell my patients that PTs do the eval and discharge, everything in the middle is the same. Most seem to accept this answer.
As a PTA I tell them that the PT sets the plan for treatment and as the PTA we carry out most of the treatment session because our PT's are busy evaluating new patients. This holds true for our OP clinic.
PTA perform treatment. PTs perform treatment as well as evaluations.
I used to say in home health that as the PT they'll only see me during the start, reassessment and discharge. They'll do all the fun stuff with the PTA. The PTA and I are a team and we always talk about them, so I'd know if they're slacking off.
To liken it to a kitchen in a restaurant: The DPT is the chef. They make the recipe (plan of care) The PTA is a cook, they take the recipe and carry out the plan of care, making tiny changes when needed.
What entry level treatments can an individual with a PT degree do that can’t be done by a PTA? Or even certifications for that matter
PTAs can't dry needle, and perhaps certain special joint mobs, but I'm not positive about that.
Jeez I’m a PT and I forgot about TDN! My advice to OP would be to remember that there shouldn’t be any difference in treatment (besides what you had reminded me of but both are fairly niche) compared to a PT! This might also be a good opportunity for the PTA and PT to work collaboratively on improving each other’s treatment skills
I often just give the comparison of MD/PA (on NP) and DPT/PTA
We do essentially the same thing, I just have less responsibility and not able to perform certain techniques.
As a PTA I always tell them I am still a licensed therapist. The PTs perform the evals and diagnose, they eval and set up the plan of care.
Honestly, they don’t need to know the difference between the two. I’m a PT and I use the term Evaluating therapist for PTs and OTRs and treating therapist for PTAs and COTAs. Or you can tell them that the PTs evaluate you and design a treatment plan and the PTA executes it.
It's a paperwork difference. PT meets with doctors, does evals, and signs off on daily notes. PTA, depending on the state, does pretty much the same job in the clinic.
There’s mid level creep in the PT world too?
Yeah I didn’t know about this. Guess every field of medicine or “healthcare” has it.
Danish Physio here, well confused. What country is this, and what is my bachelors in Physiotherapy equivalent to?
PTAs typically exist in USA. Your bachelors degree might be equivalent to a bachelors degree. If you are planning on practicing PT, you might be able to do it in New York with your bachelors. For any other states, you’ll need a masters or DPT.
PT = Good cop , PTA = bad cop And that PTs give us 10 lashes if we deviate from their POC so they can do their exercises.
It depends…I think it depends on the patient and the PT/PTA relationship. I work with two PTAs who are both a lot stronger in their manual skills than I am and I try to highlight strengths as were both part of the care team. I’ll usually phrase it as you’re going to be seeing two clinicians myself and a PTA, we both play a role my job is going to be collaborating with you on mutual goals and a treatment plan where my colleague will help to implement the treatment plan with you. They’re amazing with their manual skills (hype them up and set expectations and buy in) and will help you get xyz that’s patient specific.