What Does it Take to Be a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Example of Physical Therapist Assistant Job 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.
What Do Physical Therapist Assistants Do On a Daily Basis?
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
- Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.
- Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
- Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
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Things a Physical Therapist Assistant Should Know How to Do
When polled, Physical Therapist Assistants say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Rehabilitation Aide
- Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
- Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant and Nurse Aide
- Rehabilitation Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 88,300 jobs in the United States for Physical Therapist Assistant. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 31.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 27,500 new jobs for Physical Therapist Assistant by 2026. The BLS estimates 14,700 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Physical Therapist Assistant are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Kansas, or District of Columbia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary
Physical Therapist Assistants make between $33,780 and $79,810 a year.
Physical Therapist Assistants who work in Texas, New Jersey, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $57,410 |
| Alaska | $58,950 |
| Arizona | $47,050 |
| Arkansas | $56,940 |
| California | $64,210 |
| Colorado | $55,370 |
| Connecticut | $65,810 |
| Delaware | $56,890 |
| District of Columbia | $40,920 |
| Florida | $61,650 |
| Georgia | $53,840 |
| Hawaii | $58,750 |
| Idaho | $49,410 |
| Illinois | $58,060 |
| Indiana | $55,730 |
| Iowa | $50,420 |
| Kansas | $55,190 |
| Kentucky | $54,060 |
| Louisiana | $48,300 |
| Maine | $52,370 |
| Maryland | $54,150 |
| Massachusetts | $64,180 |
| Michigan | $54,010 |
| Minnesota | $53,830 |
| Mississippi | $48,130 |
| Missouri | $53,150 |
| Montana | $46,130 |
| Nebraska | $47,240 |
| Nevada | $61,000 |
| New Hampshire | $58,970 |
| New Jersey | $68,000 |
| New Mexico | $46,650 |
| New York | $52,720 |
| North Carolina | $60,190 |
| North Dakota | $49,880 |
| Ohio | $58,740 |
| Oklahoma | $59,950 |
| Oregon | $61,990 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,100 |
| Rhode Island | $63,630 |
| South Carolina | $56,880 |
| South Dakota | $42,910 |
| Tennessee | $56,830 |
| Texas | $69,890 |
| Utah | $52,830 |
| Vermont | $54,610 |
| Virginia | $60,110 |
| Washington | $58,210 |
| West Virginia | $49,830 |
| Wisconsin | $52,310 |
| Wyoming | $56,520 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Physical Therapist Assistants
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Physical Therapist Assistants may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Spreadsheet software
- FileMaker Pro
- Scheduling software
- Medical condition coding software
- Billing software
- Accounting software
- Bookkeeping software
- dBASE
- Laboratory information system LIS
- SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO
- Rehab Documentation Company ReDoc Suite
- Client caseload management software
Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant
Education needed to be a Physical Therapist Assistant:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Physical Therapist Assistants Work?
Physical Therapist Assistants work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those who work as a Physical Therapist Assistant sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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