Physical Therapist Assistants
Also known as: Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA), Home Care Physical Therapy Assistant, Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant (+10 more)
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.
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What You'll Do
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
- 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.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.
- 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.
- Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
- Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Helper: Supporting people and making a difference matters to you.
- Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
- Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
Common styles
Cooperation, Dependability, Empathy, Attention to Detail, Social Orientation
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Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Strengths
Common Strengths for This Career
- Cooperation (High importance: 4.76/5)
- Dependability (High importance: 4.73/5)
- Empathy (High importance: 4.71/5)
- Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.63/5)
- Social Orientation (High importance: 4.48/5)
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This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.
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Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
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