Physical Therapy Assistants

A Day in the Life

As a physical therapist assistant (PTA), you will be directly involved in treating patients, working under the supervision of licensed physical therapists (PTs). You will be providing rehabilitation services to those with limited mobility or function by following a physical therapy plan of care established by a PT. Your work will including teaching patients therapeutic exercises, monitoring patient performance and operating medical equipment.

Physical therapist assistants differ from physical therapist aides in that assistants are usually licensed and perform more clinical work. Physical therapist aides focus on clerical work and don't need a license.

Your typical day as a PTA includes variety, one-on-one interaction with patients and the satisfaction of spending a workday filled with purpose. Each day is usually different from the next day, however usually the day includes a pre-planned schedule.

You may, for example, work with a patient who uses a wheelchair or a patient learning to walk with crutches. You'll typically use massage or therapeutic heat to increase circulation in injured or sore muscles. You may help a client with a replacement hip strengthen his muscles or work with patients with broken bones, back pain, a torn rotator cuff, strains and pains, cerebral palsy or heart disease. As a physical therapy assistant you'll help patients increase their range of motion, their strength, coordination, motor function and endurance. You'll likely perform diverse work throughout the day.

You'll provide encouragement during difficult times and celebrate their success. Due to a busy schedule and rewarding work the day passes quickly.