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Posted By: Amanda | Posted In: Higher Education | December 20, 2021
PTA

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work in offices with licensed physical therapists. PTAs may get to meet many different people every day and participate in patient physical therapy. 

Being a PTA is a great career choice, but you may want to learn more about the everyday duties of a physical therapist assistant. 

Physical therapist assistants will engage in treatment plans for people of various ages. While the duties of a physical therapist assistant will slightly vary based on the PTA’s place of employment, PTAs will generally get to do the responsibilities discussed below. 

Duties as a PTA

Physical therapist assistants will handle the medical records for patients and talk to patients every day. PTAs are generally responsible for keeping records on visits and any concerns that the patients share with them. Additionally, PTAs also watch the progress of their patients and answer questions. They are involved in patient care. 

PTAs may also get to lead in some of the therapies. For example, a physical therapist assistant may be able to provide soft tissue massages or other therapies for pain relief. PTAs can also demonstrate physical therapy moves, such as the take-home exercises that patients may be assigned. 

Patient education is an important component of being a physical therapist assistant. As a PTA, you will be working with people who need guidance in relieving pain or strengthening their muscles. Providing patient education for the patient and their families is part of your duties as a PTA. 

Becoming a licensed PTA

Now that you know the duties of a PTA, you can begin working toward your career goal. Physical therapist assistants must complete an associate degree in physical therapist assistant to be eligible for the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTA. 

Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTA and apply for licensure with the Florida Board of Physical Therapy. Then you can begin applying for jobs as a PTA. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist assistant jobs may grow by 35% through 2030. That is a positive job outlook for any career field but especially for physical therapist assistants. 

Ready to apply to our PTA program? Contact us to begin the application process!