Career Portfolio: Physical Therapy Assistant

Tai-Lynn Aniobi
Gail Marxhausen

EDUC 1300
5/2/17

Career Exploration
Portfolio

Physical Therapy
Assistant

Career Research Worksheet: Physical Therapy Assistant

This worksheet is about the career field as a whole. For example, you are researching
“education” and not second grade science teacher.

Please type your answers under the questions below.

1. What is your intended career? If you are not sure of a career right now, choose one of interest to
explore. My intended career at the moment is becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant.

2. Find a professional website for your career. What is the name of the website? Please provide the
link here. You may find a professional website from the journal that you discovered above or
sometimes by using Google. The name of the website is MyNextMove:
https://www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/31-2021.00

3. Using the library databases or a professional website, find one professional/academic journal related
to your career. What is the name of the journal? Move Foward

4. Field/discipline:
a. Identify the career field/discipline. For example, if the career is a teacher then the field
is education or if the career is mechanic then the field is automotive industry. The
career is a physical therapy assistant the field is medical.
b. Identify a specific position or title in the field/discipline (for example, an elementary
school teacher or body work repair mechanic). A specific title for a physical therapy
assistant is Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
c. Identify two related positions in a similar or related field/discipline in which you may be
interested (for example, a day care worker and college instructor or machine repair and
certified dealer service manager). A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

5. Knowledge /Training:
a. List the minimum education required. The minimum education required is and Associates
Degree.
b. List any required certifications or licenses. How often do you have to renew the
certification or license? How many hours of continuing education units (CEU) do you have
to obtain each year to keep that certification or license? Yes a license is required and it has
to be renewed every 2-3 years.
c. List the majority of the skills needed to be successful in this job. Listening to others, not
interrupting, and asking good questions keeping track of how well people and/or groups are
doing in order to make improvements Social understanding people's reactions looking for
ways to help people.

d. How many years of experience are required to work in this career? Two Years of experience
are required to work in this career.

6. Salary/Earnings:
a. List the hiring (starting) salary range. (Use current position listing or job boards.) The hiring
salary range is $26.52
b. What is the average salary (not the highest)? The average salary in Texas for a Physical
Therapy Assistant is $34.07.

7. Future of this career:
a. What is the job outlook for this career? In other words, is this in a growing area? Explain
the growth or decline (in numbers) of this particular career. The future for this career is
looking bright and will grow rapidly in the next few years.
b. List the availability of this career in Houston, in Texas, and/or other states in which you are
interested in working. The availability of this career is average opportunities in Houston
Texas.
c. Can this an international career choice? Explain why or why not. I think so there are
physical therapists all over the world so there will definitely be a need for assistants.
d. What is the market (area) for this career? Metropolitan areas are the best places for
Physical Therapy Assistants.

8. Daily Activities:
a. What do people in this field or job do? In complete sentences, (not a list) describe a typical
day for this position. Be very thorough. Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as
they practice exercises or functional activities. Observe patients during treatments to
compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical
therapist in person or through progress notes. Conversate with physical therapy staff or
others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating
treatment.

9. Career and you:
a. How does this career align to your interests and personality? Use your Do What You Are
results to justify your alignment. Explain what your initials mean and how those initials
match or do not match your career choice. My initials are ESTJ just expresses that with my
personality Im well prepare and organized, make decisions based on reasonable facts,
setting realistic goals hard worker and responsible person, complete all my work completely
etc.
b. Why is this career significant to you? Why did you choose to go into this career? What
inspired you? I chose this career because I have always liked the medical field but I did not

like the trauma and blood part I wanted something calmer and less dramatic. So I chose
Physical Therapy Assistant because I didn’t want to go to school more than two years so I
would have time to live my life. Actually my physics teacher peeked my interest in this field
because he told me that his daughter was a Physical Therapy Assistant and that she liked it
and made good money.
c. Describe how and why or why not this assignment altered or completely changed your
career path. This assignment helped me understand more about my career giving me
knowledge so far I still like it and will continue with this major.

10. Please add all works cited entries for information you collected for this worksheet.

"Physical Therapist Assistants at My Next Move." My Next Move. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr.
2017.

"Salary.com Salary Wizard- Do You Know What You're Worth?" Salary.com Salary Wizard- Do You
Know What You're Worth? N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.

"BLS Search Results." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.
Web. 04 Apr. 2017.

Sources may include:
Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/)

Texas Workforce Commission http://www.twc.state.tx.us/

any other professional websites or databases suggested by a librarian

NO Wikipedia

Job Analysis Worksheet: Physical Therapy Assistant

This worksheet is about a very particular type of job in your career field as a whole. For
example, you are researching high school biology teacher and NOT “education” as a whole
career.

Please type your answers under the questions below.

Using the internet or other sources indicated on the list provided by your instructor or librarian, look for a
specific job posting in the area of the state or country in which you want to work. List that job posting as one
of your sources in MLA format. Print or copy the job posting to turn in with this worksheet. Use the job
posting to answer the following questions.

1. What is your intended career? If you are not sure of a career right now, choose one of interest to explore.
My intended career at the moment is becoming a physical therapy assistant.
2. What is the title of the position?
The title of the position is Physical Therapy Assistant.
3. With what company/organization is this position?
Where is this position located? Try to find a position in the area of the state or country where you actually
think you will be working. The company is Memorial Herman Hospital and it is located in Houston TX.
Address: 921 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77024

4. a. What education/training is required for this position? I need to have Two years of experience and have
my License or Certification: Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners license.

b. Describe your plans to accomplish your education/training. Im going to work hard now in my required
classes so that I can get into the Physical therapy Program next year.

5. a. How many years of previous experience are needed? At this particular job posting at least two years but
not all jobs have two year experience as a requirement.

b. Describe your plans to gain the experience you need. I will get another job first that will except the skills
that I have coming fresh from the program then later apply to memorial Herman if it’s still a goal.

6. a. What specific skills required for this position? Some skills needed is to be able to Provide clinical
leadership and demonstrate capability for helping patient Serving as a clinical resource for hospital or physical
therapy department.

b. Describe your plans to develop these skills.
I will observe and apply as much as I can as an intern and through the schooling program.

7. Does the position list a salary, and if so…
a. What is the range? Estimated range is 25$-30$
b. What is the starting salary? No salary listed
b. What is the average salary? No salary listed

8. List three STRENGTHS (skills, knowledge and personal qualities) that you currently possess that can help you
be successful in this position. Describe why these are strengths to this position.
A few strengths that I think will help me be successful in this job position is first I am very caring towards
others physically and emotionally. Second I have a lot of Patience with people I cannot be easily irritated and
be calm when solving a problem. Third I am a leader and not a follower I can follow instructions when needed
but I can also take action right away and lead others in the right direction.

9. List three WEAKNESSES (personal traits that you currently lack) that can hamper your success in this
position. Describe why these are weaknesses for this position AND how you will improve upon these
weaknesses. I have a few weaknesses as well, I don’t like to be stressed unnecessarily about things of non-
importance rather on the problem at hand it tends to take a toll on me. Second being on time I tend to be late
at times its not and every day thing but it is something I need to work on. Third at times I may not take
criticism well if it is towards work ethic and coming from my boss I can accept it but maybe from other co-
workers I might not be to open to here it.

10. Describe the interesting facts did you discover about this career that you did not know before. (“There are
none” is not an acceptable answer.)
One thing I learned is you need to be able to life things at least from thirty to seventy five pounds, also that
you need to have good moral character with this job they want someone that really cares for people which I
figured.
11. Describe how certain you now are about pursuing a position in this career.
Before starting this project I was very sure about becoming a physical therapy assistant I still like it but I am
also interested in becoming a respitory therapist it pays a little more and has less requirements for the
program.
12. Cite all the sources below in MLA format from which you obtained this information.

"Your Therapy Source." Jobs. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2017.

"Supplemental Physical Therapist Texas Medical Center." Memorial Hermann Health System. N.p., n.d. Web.
13 Apr. 2017.

Transferable Skills

As you begin your job search, it is important that you know your own qualifications. Over the years you
have developed many skills from coursework, extracurricular activities and your total life experiences.
If you have researched topics and written, and edited and presented papers for classes, you have used
skills which are not limited to any one academic discipline or knowledge area, but are transferable to
many occupations. A prospective employer expects you to be able to apply the skills you have learned
in college to the work environment.

Below is a list of five broad skill areas which are divided into more specific, skills. Rate the skills

indicating your ability in each area.

0 = no ability 2 = some ability

1 = enough ability to get by with help from others 3 = strong ability

Communication Research & Planning

The skillful expression, transmission and interpretation of The search for specific knowledge and the ability to
knowledge and ideas. conceptualize future needs and solutions for meeting
3 _____ Speaking effectively those needs.
2______ Writing concisely 2______Forecasting, predicting
2______ Listening attentively 2______Creating ideas
3______ Expressing ideas 3______Identifying problems
2______ Facilitating group discussion 3______Imagining alternatives
2______ Providing appropriate feedback 3______Identifying resources
1______ Negotiating 3______Gathering information
3______ Perceiving nonverbal messages 3______Solving problems
3______ Persuading 3______Setting goals
3______ Reporting information 3______Extracting important information
1______ Describing feelings 2______Defining needs
2______ Interviewing 2 ______ Analyzing
2______ Editing 1______Developing evaluation strategies

Human Relations Work Survival

The use of interpersonal skills for resolving conflict, The day-to-day skills which assist in promoting effective

relating to and helping people. production and work satisfaction.

1______ Developing rapport 2______Implementing decisions
2______ Being Sensitive 2 ______ Cooperating
3______ Listening 2______Enforcing policies
3______ Conveying feelings 1______Being punctual
3______ Providing support for others 1______Managing time
3______ Motivating 2______Attending to detail
2______ Sharing credit 3______Meeting goals
3______ Counseling 2______Enlisting help
2______ Cooperating 2______Accepting responsibility
3______ Delegating with respect 3______Setting and meeting deadlines
2______ Representing others 3 ______ Organizing
3______ Perceiving feelings, situations 3______Making decisions
3______ Asserting

Organization, Management & Leadership Career Specific (REQUIRED SECTION)

The ability to supervise, direct and guide individuals and The specific skills required for an entry-level job in my

groups in the completion of tasks and fulfillment of goals. chosen career. See job posting for ideas.

2______ Initiating new ideas 1______ Punctuality ____________________________
2______ Handling details 3______ Lifting Weight __________________________
2______ Coordinating tasks 3______ Caring ________________________________
2______ Managing groups 3______ Understand Patients_____________________
3______ Delegating responsibility 1______ Handle emotional stress__________________
1______ Teaching 2______ Collect cognitive data ____________________
1______ Coaching 3______ Manage multiple tasks ___________________
3______ Counseling 3______ Have professional behavior _______________
3______ Promoting change 3______ Problem solve __________________________
1______ Selling ideas or products 2______ Cooperate with employees _______________
3______ Decision making with others
3______ Managing conflict

Ways I can develop my skills (REQUIRED SECTION):

I need to work on managing my time and being on time, some ways I can achieve this is planning out my day regularly and

also going to sleep earlier. ________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

TAI-LYNN ANIOBI

4706 CAIRNSEAN STREET • HOUSTON TX 77084 • 832-970-5440 •
[email protected]

OBJECTIVE My goal is to promote and maintain patients health by providing
EXPERIENCE Physical Therapy services under the supervision of a Physical
Therapist.

2019-2020 MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston,TX

Physical Therapy Assistant

Provide physical therapy interventions as determined by a
treatment plan established by a physical therapist.

Maintain all documentation to meet regular billing completion
standards.

Work cooperatively with other patients an employees in
maintaining standards for professional physical therapy
practice and teamwork.

2020--2021 Memorial Herman Houston,TX

Physical Therapy Assistant

Ensure safe care of patients by following policies, procedures
and standards,

Promote individual professional growth and development by
meeting requirements for mandatory or continuing
education/skills.

Serve as a Clinical Instructor for any PTA interns. Actively
participating in organized community service/functions.

EDUCATION

2017-2019 Lone Star College Houston,TX

AAS Degree
Certified physical therapist assistant (PTA) license.

INTERESTS

Love traveling to cities amd countries.
Enjoy doing hair and makeup I am also a Certified Cosmetologist.
Like doing 5K runs and engaging in exercise daily.

2

Tai-Lynn Aniobi
4706 Carinsean Street
Houston, TX 77084
832-970-5440
[email protected]

April 25, 2017
John West Therapy Services West Houston
18885 Katy Fwy,
Houston, TX 77094

Dear John West Therapy Services,

I am contacting you regarding the open physical therapy assistant position with John West
Therapy Services West Houston. My educational background in PTA, along with my
professional experience, makes me an excellent candidate for this position.

As you will see from the enclosed resume, I have three years of experience prior to applying to
this job in the field of a certified physical therapist assistant acquiring a (PTA) license. I Help
patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care the enclosed resume shows my hard
work increasing my responsibilities. This results from my expertise in Detail orientation as, a
physical therapist assistant I am very organized and have a keen eye for detail. My commitment
to personal and professional excellence, have improved my written and oral communication
skills as well.

If you have questions, or if you want to schedule an interview, please contact me at 832-970-
5440. I look forward to meeting you to further discuss employment opportunities with John West
Therapy Services.

Sincerely,

Tai-Lynn Aniobi
Enclosure

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Tai-Lynn Aniobi
Professor Marxhausen
EDUC 1300
5/2/17

Career Exploration: Physical Therapy Assistant
Deciding to major in (PTA) Physical Therapy Assistant was not something I knew I
wanted to do automatically. I never even thought about it until my junior year in high school
during my physics class. Our instructor would always talk to my classmates and I about his
daughter, one day he related the fact that she was a Physical Therapy Assistant. He elaborated
that she worked part time and made great money not even having to work very hard, when
hearing this it peeked my interest. After doing some basic research I started seeing myself doing
this career it was two years, AAS, the pay started at 25$-30$ an hour, and I could take it at a
community college which would be less expensive than going to a university.
One of the main reasons that attracted me to this career was because it is a calm job in the
medical field, there is no traumatic events or too much blood but rather working to help people
regain their strength and mobility through care plans and exercises. Furthermore another thing
that kept me interested in this field was after I took the assessment: “Do What You Are” it gave
statistics and reflections of my personality plus an eleven page list giving different jobs that I
may want to consider. I was able to see that my personality type ETSJ actually coincided with
the job I picked. The research that I did recently during this project enlightened me on so much
more about this career there were plenty of things I was not aware of. First the procedures and
skills a (PTA) needed to have or acquire when working with people and co-workers. Second all

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the responsibilities and jobs a (PTA) has to do example: documentation of all the patients
information, finding the right care and exercises under the guide of the (PT).

To become a (PTA) there are many steps that have to be taken, education wise acquiring
an AAS degree then getting into the physical therapy program which is a total of two years. After
doing some prerequisites and taking the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
hopefully finishing the program. Skills wise being able to lift weight, work and manage patients
giving them the proper care. Being able to follow directions of the practicing (PT), doing the
required documentation and payment recommendations. Most importantly being able to work
together with others to solve problems and issues at hand.

A typical day as a (PTA) starts off working 10 hour shifts about four days a week. Some
procedures done by (PTA) to patients include: massage, therapeutic exercise, electrotherapy,
motor learning and voluntary/involuntary development, ultrasound, guiding balance and training
the body. Having to observe about 8-15 patients a day depending on the diagnosis of the patients
and whether working in the hospital or private clinic. There are also advancements that can be
made in this field, progressing to becoming a (PT) Physical Therapist but this requires four more
years of study. Other options include specializing in muscular skeletal, neuromuscular, and
cardiopulmonary physical therapy. Or Specialization in pediatric, geriatric or integumentary is
also an option, there is training for special therapy like this. There are also administrative
positions a Physical Therapy Assistant can do which has a higher salary. One thing I do
appreciate about this career in only having to work about 3-4days a week but I am worried about
the shifts they can be very long and crazy hours depending on the work area.

After exploring this career I realized there are steps I personally need to take to achieve
my goal, first finishing as many perquisites classes with A’s or B’s. Second applying to the PTA

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program at Lone Star and any other community colleges in case I am not accepted. Third once in
the program do my uttermost best to be successful in getting my AAS degree and becoming a
licensed Physical Therapy Assistant.