What is 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.
List of Physical Therapist Assistant Job Duties
- Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
- Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.
- Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
- Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.
- Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Below is a list of the skills most Physical Therapist Assistants say are important on the job.
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:
- Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
- Per Diem Physical Therapist Assistant (Per Diem PTA)
- Rehabilitation Aide
- Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
- Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant
Are There Job Opportunities for Physical Therapist Assistants?
In the United States, there were 88,300 jobs for Physical Therapist Assistant in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 14,700 positions for Physical Therapist Assistant per year.
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.
What is the Average Salary of a Physical Therapist Assistant
The typical yearly salary for Physical Therapist Assistants is somewhere between $33,780 and $79,810.
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 |
What Tools & Technology do Physical Therapist Assistants Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Physical Therapist Assistants:
- 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
How do I Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Physical Therapist Assistants Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Physical Therapist Assistants employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Career changers with experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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