Physiotherapy Assistant Training

PARSA developed a one-year Physiotherapy Assistant (PTA) training program. Seven Physiotherapy Assistants from Khost province and five students from other provinces of Afghanistan currently are in training. Physiotherapy text books and other teaching supplies are supplied by UNDP for the students from Khost. Teaching supplies for the other students are supplied by PARSA. Training started in November 2005 and will finish at the end of October 2006.

Objectives of the training are to:

1. To train seven Physiotherapy Assistants for Khost orthopedic work shop and five Physiotherapy Assistants for other provinces

2. To train the Physiotherapy Assistants to improve the activities of daily living and increase mobility of physically disabled people

3. To restore disabled people to functional living, including return to work

After graduation from the course, the physiotherapy assistants will:

1. Be able to examine and treat common pathologies relevant to physiotherapy, and will treat uncommon or complicated pathologies under the supervision of a physiotherapist including:

  • Polio
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Paraplegia
  • Hemiplegia
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Amputation
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Congenital deformity
  • Stiffness due to fractures
  • Peripheral nerve injury
  • Burns injury
  • TB of the spine

2. Be able to teach the patient and his/her family about prevention relevant to the pathology in an effective manner.

3. Be familiar with and use physiotherapy treatment equipment in an effective manner, and know its indications and contraindications.

4. Know the use and application of assistive devices as needed for appropriate patients.

5. Be able to write evaluation, treatment and progress reports, and monthly, quarterly and yearly report.

6. Value cleanliness of self and environment, and maintain this in his/her work and environment.

7. Be able to work effectively with other health professionals and rehabilitation personnel.

8. Show interest in professional development.

9. Have compassion for people with and without disabilities.

10. Be able to plan his/her daily, monthly, and yearly work schedule.

11. Be able to refer complicated patient to appropriate place.