Physical Therapist Assistants

Also called : Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA), Home Care Physical Therapy Assistant, Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant, Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA), Licensed Physical Therapy

What they do

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.

On the job, one would

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

Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.

Observe 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.

Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.

Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.

KNOWLEDGE

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

SKILLS

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.

Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

ABILITIES

Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Related Occupations

Social and Human Service Assistants

Registered Nurses

Athletic Trainers

Medical Assistants

Psychiatric Technicians

TECHNOLOGY

Accounting software

Action games

Calendar and scheduling software

Data base user interface and query software

Electronic mail software

Medical software

Office suite software

Operating system software

Presentation software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Medium Preparation Needed
Education
Training in vocational schools or an Associate deg
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.