Nature of the Work

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are licensed healthcare providers who work as part of a team to provide physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. PTAs assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages and cultural backgrounds who have medical problems or health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTAs may also measure changes in the patient's performance as a result of the physical therapy provided. A PTA should have a genuine desire to help others and be able to motivate them to do their best.

The duties of a PTA may include teaching patients/clients exercise for mobility, strength and coordination; training for functional activities such as walking with various assistive devices such as crutches, canes, walkers, or other equipment; applying manual therapy techniques such as massage or joint mobilization; using physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation; and performing data collection and examination techniques to assess patient progress with interventions. Physical therapist assistants must maintain constant effective communication with the physical therapist regarding patient progress and response to treatment and record this information in patients' medical records.