Profession Overview

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) plays a vital role in helping patients recover from injuries and improve physical function. With an emphasis on implementing treatment plans, educating patients, and providing therapeutic interventions, PTAs work closely with Physical Therapists in a variety of settings. The profession offers solid job security, a strong job outlook with a growing demand for rehabilitation services, and opportunities for career growth.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with Therapy Treatments:
    • PTAs help patients perform exercises and movements designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. They use techniques such as manual therapy, exercise programs, and modalities like heat or cold therapy.
  • Patient Evaluation and Progress Monitoring:
    • While PTAs do not evaluate patients independently, they observe patients during therapy sessions, track their progress, and report the outcomes to the supervising physical therapist. This helps the PT adjust the treatment plan as needed.
  • Implement Treatment Plans:
    • PTAs are responsible for implementing the physical therapist’s treatment plan, ensuring that patients follow through with prescribed exercises and activities.
  • Educate Patients:
    • PTAs educate patients on proper body mechanics, how to use assistive devices (like crutches or walkers), and how to continue exercises at home to improve recovery.
  • Documentation:
    • They are responsible for maintaining accurate records of patient progress, therapy sessions, and any changes in a patient’s condition.
  • Provide Therapeutic Modalities:
    • PTAs may use various therapeutic modalities, including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and cold or heat therapy, to help alleviate pain, improve circulation, and promote healing.

Typical Work Week

  • Outpatient Clinics/Private Practices: These settings often operate on standard weekday hours (8 AM to 5 PM), with minimal weekend or evening shifts.
  • Hospitals or Rehabilitation Centers: PTAs working in these environments may have more varied hours, including weekend shifts or longer shifts, especially if the hospital provides 24/7 care.
  • Home Health Care: PTAs working in home health might have more flexible hours depending on their patients’ schedules, and they may travel to different locations throughout the day.
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): PTAs in these facilities often work during daytime hours, but they may also work on weekends or evenings to accommodate patients’ therapy needs.

Typical Shifts

  • Day Shifts: The majority of PTAs work day shifts, typically from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.
  • Evening Shifts: In some settings, like outpatient clinics or rehabilitation centers, there may be opportunities for evening shifts (e.g., 3 PM to 8 PM) to accommodate patients who are unable to come in during the day.
  • Weekend Shifts: Weekend work is more common in settings like hospitals or rehabilitation centers that provide care seven days a week. Weekend shifts may be required, especially if patients need continuous therapy for recovery.

Education requirements

  • Associate’s Degree: PTAs typically need to complete a 2-year associate’s degree program in physical therapy assisting. This includes both classroom education and clinical fieldwork.
  • Accreditation: The program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  • Licensing/Certification: After completing the educational program, PTAs must pass a national licensure exam to practice. This is typically administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Programs in Louisiana

Career outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of PTAs will grow by 21% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the aging population, increased need for physical rehabilitation, and a greater focus on improving mobility and quality of life for people of all ages.

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for PTAs was approximately $60,000 in 2021. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the type of facility in which the PTA works.

Professional Organization Link