What Does it Take to Be a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Example of Physical Therapist Assistant Job: 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.
What Do Physical Therapist Assistants Do On a Daily Basis?
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
- Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.
- Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
- Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
Things a Physical Therapist Assistant Should Know How to Do
When polled, Physical Therapist Assistants say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
- 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.
- Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary
Physical Therapist Assistants make between $33,780 and $79,810 a year.
Physical Therapist Assistants who work in Texas, New Jersey, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
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