Over the past few months I've noticed a few things about the physical therapy profession that caught my attention, and I wanted to describe the situations here.  First, I was speaking with a physical therapist about the doctorate program education for physical therapists, and she responded, ''I think it's a really good thing that they are ...

I've read about social security running out of money, reduced reimbursement rates, a decrease in the number of qualified providers, quicker discharges and supposedly better recovery after surgery. Where does this leave everyone? Social security has to be there to provide care for the blind and disabled; a reduction in reimbursements will always ...

As I was perusing the various state board websites, I noticed several states offered licenses to PTs but required the PTA to have a certificate to practice and provide therapy care. I've been awarded certificates in achievement, performance and even have one as a geriatric wellness specialist. My children come home from school with certificates in ...

I've been in my new job nearly four months now. It's going rather well and I like the work that I'm doing. I start traveling fairly extensively starting today. That being said, I'm missing the patient contact. My partner asked me, ''What do you love doing?'' I responded that I've actually become passionate about falls prevention in older adults. ...

This year I want to hear from fellow PTAs. I want to know your thoughts on healthcare changes, working relationships with PTs, and your ideas about increasing the PTA education to a bachelor's level as well as your feelings towards the APTA and the PTA profession. I would ask that you do a bit of research on reimbursement rates in Kansas for PTA ...

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 ...

I've been reflecting on the posts from my fellow ADVANCE bloggers this week. Toni stood up for her ethics, was forced to find a new job and has noted how difficult it is to get extra work. Jason works extra jobs to afford big purchases or to survive if his caseload is low. Karen is doing an amazing job of finding the silver linings in the cloud of ...

Reading Jason Marketti's blog last week reminded me of a discussion we're having here in Texas. It's called RC-3 and is an amendment to the Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act. It proposes unlicensed individuals such as athletic trainers and massage therapists be used as PT extenders. These extenders are to provide care as directed by the physical ...

I'm sure there are some people who'd like to see the PTA profession disappear and have every patient treated only by a PT. And for those who feel like that, let's discuss what we should do with the PTAs. But first the United States needs to open its borders to more foreign-educated physical therapists to take the place of the PTAs currently ...

Last week I promised a peek at another website filled with misinformation. People who are familiar with the physical therapy field will spot the errors, but it's easy to see how those with no knowledge of physical therapy could read this piece and get a wrong impression of the profession. Worse, they may begin to use the terms incorrectly and ...