What does a Physical Therapy Assistant do?
Published 3 min read
A physical therapy assistant helps patients regain movement and manage pain after an injury or illness. They work under the supervision of a physical therapist to create and carry out treatment plans. Treatment may include exercises, stretches, and massage.
Physical Therapy Assistant job duties include:
- Assisting patients with physical therapy exercises
- Helping patients to and from the therapy area
- Applying ice or heat to injured areas
- Monitoring patients during therapy sessions
- Adjusting therapy equipment as needed
- Documenting patient progress
- Communicating with physical therapists and other members of the healthcare team
- Cleaning and maintaining therapy equipment
- Stocking supplies
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Requirements
A physical therapy assistant (PTA) is an allied health professional who provides direct patient care services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. PTAs help patients regain functional mobility and relieve pain after an injury, illness, or surgery. Most PTAs have an associate’s degree from an accredited physical therapy assistant program. PTAs must also pass a national licensure exam to practice. Some states may have additional requirements for licensure. Most PTAs have at least 1 year of full-time work experience in the field before becoming certified.
Physical Therapy Assistant Skills
- Communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Documentation
- Patient assessment
- Treatment planning
- Patient education
- Interventions
- Outcomes assessment
- Record keeping
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How to become a Physical Therapy Assistant
A physical therapy assistant (PTA) is a health care professional who provides services to patients under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist (PT). PTAs help patients regain movement and function after an injury or illness. They also work with patients to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs.
Becoming a PTA requires completing an accredited PTA education program. Most programs take two years to complete, although some may be completed in as little as 18 months. Once you have completed an accredited PTA program, you must then pass a national licensure examination to become a licensed PTA.
The first step in becoming a PTA is to research and choose an accredited PTA education program that fits your needs and interests. Once you have been accepted into a program, you will complete coursework and clinical rotations in various settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Upon completion of your PTA program, you will be eligible to take the national licensure examination. This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). To prepare for the licensure exam, review resources and practice exams provided by the FSBPT. After passing the licensure exam, you will be a licensed PTA and can begin seeking employment in a variety of settings.
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