CEUs for PTAs
In the mail, I received several brochures advertising how to evaluate and treat multiple body parts. All therapy disciplines were invited to attend. Being a PTA, I don't evaluate people so I wonder if I could get a discount because the evaluation aspect of those courses wouldn't directly benefit me in my chosen profession.
I'd like to see more courses directly related to what I do -- assessments and treatments. I've seen generic courses related to orthopedics and fall prevention that would be beneficial but very few that are geared specifically to the PTA. Assessments are an important aspect of what I do. I need to accurately report any changes in the patient's condition to the PT in charge so if any updates to the POC are warranted, the PT can act immediately based on my observation of the patient's condition.
Changes in a patient's condition can occur rapidly in acute care and a PTA who can note and report seemingly insignificant data in that change of condition can actually save a person's life. Even in a SNF when a patient casually reports chest pain, an assessment should be done immediately to assess a greater medical concern. Precision in a PTA's assessment is paramount to a therapy department's success and experienced PTAs who can pick up subtle changes in a patient's condition are definitely leaders in their field.