How do they match: Physical Therapist Assistants

  • Home Care Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Physical Therapy Technician

  • 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.

  • Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
  • 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.
  • Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
  • Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.
  • Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
  • Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
  • Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
  • 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 therapeutic wound care.
  • Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
  • Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
  • Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.

  • Adjust positions of patients on beds or tables.
  • 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.
  • Assist patients with daily activities.
  • Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
  • Communicate patient status to other health practitioners.
  • Confer with other professionals to plan patient care.
  • Encourage patients during therapeutic activities.
  • Engage patients in exercises or activities.
  • Fit patients for assistive devices.
  • Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
  • Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
  • Move patients to or from treatment areas.
  • Prepare patient treatment areas for use.
  • Record patient medical histories.
  • Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.
  • Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.