O*NET Career Intelligence

Physical Therapist Assistants

SOC 31-2021.00

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.

Zone 3 Healthcare Support

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Active Listening

3.8

Speaking

3.6

Monitoring

3.6

Social Perceptiveness

3.6

Service Orientation

3.4

Reading Comprehension

3.2

Critical Thinking

3.2

Coordination

3.2

Knowledge Areas 8

Customer and Personal Service

4.0

English Language

3.7

Medicine and Dentistry

3.7

Psychology

3.6

Therapy and Counseling

3.5

Education and Training

3.3

Biology

3.1

Sociology and Anthropology

3.0

Key Tasks

1Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.

2Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.

3Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.

4Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.

5Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.

Also Known As

Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA) Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA) Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant Per Diem Physical Therapist Assistant (Per Diem PTA) Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Physical Therapist Assistant and Nurse Aide Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Physical Therapy Technician (Physical Therapy Tech) Physiotherapy Assistant