The PTA Handbook: Keys to Success in School and Career for the Physical Therapist Assistant.

The PTA Handbook: Keys to Success in School and Career for the Physical Therapist Assistant Curtis KA, Newman PD. Thorofare, NJ 08086, Slack Inc, 2005, paperback, 306 pp, ISBN: 1-55642-621-6, $34.95.

This book is intended to guide physical therapist assistant (PTA) students as they progress through academic and clinical education and as they prepare for licensure, to enter the job market, and begin working clinically under the supervision of a physical therapist. It takes a strategy-based approach, recommending strategies for success at various points along the way.

The PTA Handbook is organized into 6 parts, presented roughly in chronological order, starting with the decision to become a PTA, through the education process, and finally through the transition to clinical work.

Part 1, "The Physical Therapy Profession in the Changing World," is an overview of the physical therapy profession. The chapters in this section outline the history and evolution of physical therapy and summarize contemporary trends--such as shifts in demographics and the increasing emphasis on wellness and prevention--that are shaping the future of physical therapy. The role of the PTA is explained, along with the "preferred relationship" between the physical therapist (PT) and the PTA.

Part 2, "Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant," covers various aspects of PTA education, including financing, curriculum, and expected standards of behavior. Chapter 7, "Student Performance Evaluation," focuses on evaluation in the classroom and clinic. Strategies for successful performance on written and practical exams are presented, as well as the appropriate application of APTA's Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument.

Part 3 is titled "Essentials for Success for Physical Therapist Assistant Students." This part includes strategies for successful learning and for dealing with potential barriers to learning, such as illness, fatigue, substance abuse, and depression. Chapter 12, "Legal and Ethical Considerations," very concisely summarizes major legal and ethical issues that may be of interest to students. It provides very practical advice for students who may need guidance in these areas, covering issues relating to academic dishonesty and the role and responsibilities of the PTA as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) Code of Ethics and state practice acts.

Part 4, "Support for Special Students Needs," offers advice for students with disabilities, students who speak English as a second language, and for nontraditional students. Students with disabilities are encouraged to arrange for accommodations in the academic and employment settings. The chapter for students who speak English as a second language contains very specific advice about reading, writing, and taking tests in English. Re-entry students are advised to arrange for support networks among

family and friends and to upgrade computer skills.

Part 5, "Planting the Seeds for a Bright Future," addresses "cutting edge" issues in physical therapy. This part includes chapters that explain the importance of evidence-based practice and "information competence," cultural competence, and teamwork. The chapters in this part encourage student participation in APTA and professional conferences.

Part 6, "First Steps Into the Profession of Physical Therapy," is the final section of the book, and it offers strategies for success during the transition from student to the clinic environment. Chapters in this section deal with preparing for the licensing exam and entry into the job market. The final chapter, "Working With Your Supervisor(s)," may be of interest not only to the PTA, but also to potential supervisors. This chapter is a thoughtful exploration of factors that contribute to an effective working relationship between the PT and PTA.

The PTA Handbook is well organized. Up-to-date references are located at the end of each chapter. Core documents and pertinent policy statements from APTA are included in the appendixes. Each chapter ends with a feature called "Putting It Into Practice." This is a set of very practical exercises and questions that challenge the student to research and apply information.

The intended audience for The PTA Handbook is clearly PTA students. Certain sections of the book, such as part 5, however, may be of interest to PTAs in the clinic. Physical therapists who are preparing for a new role as supervisor of a PTA also may find some sections of this book helpful.

Catherine Walls, PT, OCS 

Mount Auburn Physical Therapy Associates

Watertown, Mass

Ms Walls specializes in the management of patients with orthopedic disorders.