Physical Therapist Assistants
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.
13 alternate job titles:
Salary Information
Physical Therapist Assistants: $65,510 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Engage patients in exercises or activities. | General |
| Encourage patients during therapeutic activities. | General |
| Confer with other professionals to plan patient care. | General |
| Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety. | General |
| Fit patients for assistive devices. | General |
| Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients. | General |
| Move patients to or from treatment areas. | General |
| Adjust positions of patients on beds or tables. | General |
| Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms. | General |
| Assist patients with daily activities. | General |
| Administer basic health care or medical treatments. | General |
| Perform clerical work in medical settings. | General |
| Inventory medical supplies or equipment. | General |
| Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use. | General |
| Prepare patient treatment areas for use. | General |
| Administer therapy treatments to patients using hands or physical treatment aids. | General |
| Prepare medical reports or documents. | General |
| Teach medical procedures to healthcare personnel. | General |
| Document client health or progress. | General |
| Record patient medical histories. | General |
| Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses. | General |
| Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment. | Analysis |
| Monitor medical equipment to ensure proper functioning. | Maintenance |
| Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments. | Maintenance |
| Attend educational events to update medical knowledge. | Maintenance |
| Communicate patient status to other health practitioners. | Communication |
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software |
| FileMaker Pro | Data base user interface and query software |
| dBASE | Data base user interface and query software |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| eClinicalWorks EHR software | Medical software |
| Accounting software | Accounting software |
| Arena Health Systems Phys-X | Medical software |
| Beaver Creek Software The THERAPIST | Medical software |
| Billing software | Accounting software |
| BioEx Systems Exercise Pro | Medical software |
| Bookkeeping software | Accounting software |
| Client caseload management software | Medical software |
| Eazy Application Systems QuickEMR | Medical software |
| Email software | Electronic mail software |
| Knees Software PT DocTools | Medical software |
| Laboratory information system LIS | Medical software |
| Medical condition coding software | Medical software |
| PhysioTools Tools RG | Medical software |
| Rehab Documentation Company ReDoc Suite | Medical software |
| Scheduling software | Calendar and scheduling software |
| SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO | Calendar and scheduling software |
| SpectraSoft DocuPRO | Medical software |
| Spreadsheet software | Spreadsheet software |
| Summit Software CarePoint | Medical software |
| TherAssist | Medical software |
| Word processing software | Word processing software |
| Video game software | Action games |
| Virtual reality game software | Action games |
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy | International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine - US | Not Available |
| Functional Training Specialty Certification | American Council on Exercise | Not Available |
| Occupational Therapist Registered | National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. | Not Available |
| Orthopaedic Technologist Certified | National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technololgists | Not Available |
| Physical Therapy Aide | American Education Certification Association | Not Available |
| Physical Therapy Technician/Aide Certification | American Medical Certification Association | Not Available |
| Wound Care Certification | National Alliance of Wound Care | Not Available |