Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists to provide physical therapy services to patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, who have injuries or health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform daily activities. They help patients regain their mobility, strength, and coordination, manage pain, and prevent future problems. PTAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, privately owned physical therapy practices, home health, schools, and rehabilitation centers.
Some of the specific duties of a PTA include:
- Working directly with patients on therapeutic exercises designed to help them regain full mobility, strengthen their muscles, and improve coordination
- Administering various physical modalities, such as soft tissue massage, electrical muscle stimulation, and ultrasounds, to help relieve pain, improve circulation, and decrease swelling in the muscles
- Observing patients and patient progress
- Preparing therapy equipment
- Sanitizing work areas
- Helping patients manage pain, meet fitness goals, or prevent injury through methods such as heat or ice therapy, stretching, and massages
- Making sure a patient and their loved ones understand which exercises and stretches they need to do at home to continue their recovery
To become a PTA in the United States, you must graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist assistant education program and pass a state-administered national exam to obtain licensure or certification required in most states. The job outlook for physical therapist assistants is very positive, with the number of job openings projected to grow by 19 percent in the next decade.
