Physical Therapy Assistant
A Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) plays a vital role in supporting licensed physical therapists by delivering therapeutic services to patients with various physical conditions that hinder their mobility. Working primarily in settings such as rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, PTAs implement treatment plans designed to help patients regain strength, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. This profession requires an associate's degree, with coursework in biology, anatomy, and psychology, and involves short-term on-the-job training.
PTAs engage in numerous hands-on activities, including conducting patient assessments, preparing treatment spaces, and using therapeutic modalities like hydrotherapy and electrotherapy. They work collaboratively with a diverse team of healthcare professionals and often assist patients with severe limitations, such as those recovering from strokes or injuries. The job also involves essential administrative tasks, such as maintaining patient records and managing appointment schedules. With a median annual salary of approximately $58,740 and a projected employment growth rate of 19%, the field of physical therapy is expanding rapidly, attracting individuals who have a strong commitment to helping others and possess good communication and problem-solving skills.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Anatomy and physiology, exercise science, biology, physical therapy, health science technology, physical education
Earnings (Yearly Median): $58,740 per year $28.24 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 19% (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Associate’s degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Physical therapy assistants help licensed physical therapists provide therapeutic physical therapy services to patients with acute or chronic physical conditions or illnesses that limit physical movement and mobility. They implement patient care and services described in the patient treatment plan devised by a physical therapist. These services aim to help patients maintain or recover physical mobility and strength, lessen pain, increase productivity, and improve quality of life.
Work Environment. Physical therapy assistants work in medical settings, such as rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, physical therapy clinics, and schools. In medical environments, physical therapy assistants generally partner with medical and social service professionals, such as doctors and social workers, to increase a patient’s physical strength and overall independence. In school settings, they work with educational professionals, such as teachers and special education coordinators, to address a student’s physical issues. Physical therapy assistants generally work a standard forty-hour week, and scheduled work hours and appointments are the norm.
Occupation Interest. Individuals attracted to the field of physical therapy are people who find fulfillment in hands-on work and close interaction with others. Those who excel as physical therapy assistants exhibit physical strength and stamina, good problem-solving abilities, patience, caring, and a desire to help. Physical therapy assistants must be good at science and able to work as part of a team to meet patient needs. Strong communication skills are also essential.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. A physical therapy assistant’s daily duties and responsibilities include full days of hands-on patient interaction, care, and clerical and administrative tasks. Patients treated by physical therapy assistants include those experiencing physical limitations and effects from neck and spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, arthritis, burns, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, strokes, limb or digit amputation, or work- or sport-related injuries.
As medical or therapeutic workers, physical therapy assistants regularly interact with patients. Daily work responsibilities may include participating in patient assessments, consulting with patient teams, contributing to treatment plans, and preparing and cleaning the equipment and materials used in a physical therapy session. Some skills and techniques a physical therapy assistant may use with patients include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices, hydrotherapy, and electrotherapy. Physical therapy assistants support physical therapists in treating patients with severe physical limitations; this might involve lifting patients in wheelchairs, providing early intervention services to young children with physical delays and limitations, and helping to build adaptive equipment for patients with special needs not met by existing options. They also provide therapies using water, heat, touch, sound, electricity, or light to patients as directed and report any improvements or setbacks during treatment. They may instruct individuals and groups on physical exercises to prevent injury, teach patients to use assistive or adaptive equipment, or provide counsel on physical adaptations that will allow the patient to continue to work at their chosen occupation.
A physical therapy assistant’s daily administrative and clerical responsibilities include record-keeping for patient evaluation and treatment. Physical therapy assistants must record notes following patient treatment sessions and provide insurance companies with patient records and progress notes as required. They may also be responsible for the daily tasks of patient appointment scheduling and billing.
Physical Therapy Aides (355.354-010). Physical therapy aides prepare patients for physical therapy treatments by a physical therapist or assistant.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Physical therapy assistants work in rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, therapy clinics, and schools. Office settings used by physical therapy assistants and their supervisors may be shared with other therapeutic professionals, such as occupational, recreational, or speech and language therapists.
Human Environment. Patients who need physical therapy include those with balance and strength issues caused by cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, or muscular dystrophy; stroke victims experiencing coordination problems or paralysis; individuals with arthritis or other painful or limiting conditions; and children and adults suffering the physical effects of injuries, abuse, or accidents. Physical therapy assistants usually work as part of a patient treatment team, including families, social workers, teachers, doctors, and other therapists.
Technological Environment. Physical therapy assistants use a wide variety of technology in their work. Computers and Internet communication tools are ubiquitous in physical therapy work and practice. Specialized therapies, such as electrotherapy, ultrasound, and hydrotherapy, require technical equipment and training. In addition, physical therapy assistants generally learn how to use and teach the use of adaptive devices, such as wheelchairs and orthopedic aids.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing the profession of physical therapy assistant should take courses in biology, psychology, anatomy, sociology, and mathematics. They may benefit from seeking internships or part-time work with physical therapists or people who have physical problems that limit their movement or daily life.
Related High School Subjects.
− Applied Math
− Biology
− Chemistry
− English
− Foods & Nutrition
− Health Science Technology
− Mathematics
− Medical Assisting
− Physical Education
− Physics
− Physiology
− Science
Postsecondary. Interested postsecondary students should complete at least an associate’s degree in physical therapy and classes in physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, anatomy and physiology, pathology, sociology, communications, and mathematics. Programs in physical therapy provide hands-on clinical instruction, CPR certification, first-aid training, and classroom learning. Membership in the American Physical Therapy Association may offer networking opportunities and connections.
Related Occupations
− Occupational Therapy Assistant
Bibliography
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 31-2021 Physical Therapist Assistants." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312021.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.