How do they match: Physical Therapist Assistants

  • 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.

  • Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
  • 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.
  • Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
  • Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
  • Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
  • 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.
  • Perform postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations or teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.
  • Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.
  • Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.

  • Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
  • Administer therapy treatments to patients using hands or physical treatment aids.
  • Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
  • Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
  • Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
  • Move patients to or from treatment areas.
  • Perform clerical work in medical settings.
  • Prepare patient treatment areas for use.