Cory,
This topic has raised an interesting point when brought up amongst
my fellow therapists. What is the origin of the PTA and is this an
obsolete, possibly destructive concept given the upcoming glut of
PT's?
I am affraid not one of my collegues could give a compelling reason
why PTA's should have an EQUAL vote on SAME issues. It has been
suggested that the PTA should have a vote in matters pertaining to the scope
of practice required by the PT practice act, getting complicated?
Here in California, with the proper educational background, one can challenge
the
PTA exam and be given all the responsibilities of a schooled PTA. This along
with
the 3 new PTA programs opening in my area alone, lead me to wonder who is
going
to give these people jobs. The ironic thing is, it is the PT who is
responsible for the
improper use of the PTA. The private practitioner who uses 3 PTA's, one PT,
the
hospital that responds to budgetary considerations when deciding; PT or PTA?
One concept thrown around was the consolidation of the educational programs
for: PT, OT and ATC. One could graduate with say, a Masters in Rehabilitation
Science
and specialization would occur in the program to accomodate; sports, ortho,
neuro, occupational injuries, pediatrics, geriatrics, etc. Along with this
would come
the regulation of PTA or "Rehab. Assistant" and the abolishment of the "aide"
or
tech. The general feeling, during our impromtu discussion, was that we (the
APTA
and greater body of therapists/trainers) need to recognize our encroachment on
each others traditional treatment grounds and help our governing bodies take a
leadership role in redefining our designation before our payors define payment
structure based on the gross abundance of therapists who will do the job
regardless of the reimbursement rate.
So, Cory... Very long answer to your short question; we cannot understand
why
a PTA should be given voting rights. Though you may want to ask a politically
active PTA, I am sure they will have a very different view.
R. May, PT
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