Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description

Physical therapist assistants usually provide their service under the supervision of physical therapists. A Physical therapist assistant job description, or PTAs provide care to people who have medical conditions such as limited ability to move or perform various functional activities through their daily lives. They work in different settings which include private practices, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, home health, outpatient clinics, sports facilities and other places. Their job is to measure all the changes in their patient’s performance and report those changes to their supervisor as a part of the physical therapy they provide.

PTA’s requirements are to tech patients how to exercise and gain increased mobility and better coordination. They teach and train patients how to walk with canes, crutches or walkers. They provide massage therapy if needed, teach patients about the use and importance of electrotherapy, physical agents as well as electrical stimulation.

PTAs work positions

The physical therapist assistants PTAs may provide their health services to patients of various ages who suffer from different health conditions. Their health care services may be found in:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Subacute facilities
• Nursing extended care homes
• Education centers
• Hospices
• Schools
• Occupational environments
• Fitness centers
• Sports and training facilities

How to become PTA- Educational requirements

Those who are determined to work as a PTA must earn an associate PTA degree from a community college or university. Before graduating from the PTA program, all physical therapy assistants must pass the national testing to get certified in most states and become suitable to work. They usually work under the supervision of the PT.

Physical therapy assistants’duties are to give instructions to patients how they should exercise, what kind of activities they may perform during the day, and they may use special equipment when needed. Among all the other responsibilities, they are required to give reports on how the patient is progressing and that progress has to be documented.

How much do PTA’s earn each year?

In May 2024, the median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in the U.S. was $65,510, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is equivalent to approximately $31.50 per hour. The BLS reports that the lowest 10% earned less than $46,020, while the highest 10% earned more than $87,630.