Physical Therapy Assistant Career Profile

Picture this: A patient who recently underwent knee surgery arrives for their rehabilitation session. They’re anxious about their recovery, but a skilled Physical Therapy Assistant greets them with confidence and compassion, guiding them through their prescribed exercises and monitoring their progress.

Think about the last time you or someone you know needed physical therapy. The PTA was likely the healthcare professional who spent the most time working directly with the patient, providing hands-on care and encouragement throughout the recovery journey.

PTAs are essential healthcare professionals who work under the direction of Physical Therapists to implement treatment plans and help patients regain movement and manage pain. 

Total Employment: 104,000 (2023)

Common Names for Physical Therapy Assistants

• Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA)
• Home Care Physical Therapy Assistant
• Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant
• Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)
• Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant
• Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant
• Per Diem Physical Therapist Assistant (Per Diem PTA)
• Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

What Physical Therapists Do

PTAs implement treatment plans developed by Physical Therapists to help patients recover function, improve mobility, and manage pain. Their core responsibilities include:

• Patient Treatment Implementation: Execute prescribed physical therapy treatment plans under the supervision of licensed Physical Therapists, ensuring patients receive appropriate care and progress toward their recovery goals.
• Exercise Instruction: Teach patients how to perform therapeutic exercises and movements correctly, helping them build strength, improve mobility, and prevent further injury.
• Progress Monitoring: Document patient responses to treatments and maintains detailed records of progress, enabling the healthcare team to adjust treatment plans and track rehabilitation outcomes.
• Patient Education: Provide information to patients and families about exercises, proper body mechanics, and injury prevention strategies, empowering them to participate actively in their recovery.
• Equipment Management: Prepare and maintain therapy equipment and treatment areas, ensuring a safe and effective therapeutic environment for all patients.
• Patient Mobility Assistance: Help patients with movement activities, including transfers, gait training, and balance exercises, supporting their journey toward independent mobility.
• Safety Protocol Implementation: Maintain strict adherence to safety guidelines and infection control procedures, protecting both patients and staff while delivering care.
• Treatment Coordination: Communicate effectively with Physical Therapists and other healthcare team members about patient progress and concerns, facilitating coordinated care delivery.