Physical Therapist Assistants
Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA), Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA), Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
What they do:
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.
On the job, you would:
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
- Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
- 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.
Knowledge
Business
- customer service
Health
- therapy and counseling
- medicine and dentistry
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Education and Training
- teaching and course design
Skills
Basic Skills
- 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
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
- understanding people's reactions
- looking for ways to help people
Abilities
Verbal
- communicate by speaking
- listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
- notice when problems happen
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Attention
- pay attention to something without being distracted
Hand and Finger Use
- keep your arm or hand steady
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Self Control
- Concern for Others
- Attention to Detail
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
- FileMaker Pro
- Microsoft Access
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Medical software
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- TherAssist
Education
Education: (rated 3 of 5)
associate's degree or
bachelor's degree
usually needed
bachelor's degree
usually needed
Job Outlook
Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Explore More
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Recreational Therapists
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about physical therapist assistants.