What Is a PTA and What Do They Do?

If you are interested in pursuing a healthcare career, there are a lot of positions to consider. Some roles focus on direct patient care, while others are centered around diagnostics, administration, or research. If you enjoy hands-on work and are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, becoming a physical therapist assistant (PTA) is an excellent choice. PTAs play an active role in patient rehabilitation, helping individuals regain or improve movement and independence after injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions. They work closely with physical therapists (PTs) to support patients on their journey to recovery.

A physical therapist assistant is a healthcare professional who assists patients in restoring mobility and managing pain due to injury, surgery, aging, or a medical condition. Working under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, PTAs implement treatment plans by guiding patients through exercises and interventions and tracking patient progress. Though they work under PTs, PTAs play a key role in helping patients navigate the recovery process, ensuring patients receive the care and support they need to regain function and improve their overall quality of life.

PTAs work with patients across all age groups and physical abilities, supporting them on their journey to improved mobility and strength. Once a PT assesses a patient and creates a treatment strategy, PTAs work directly with the patient to carry out the treatment plan. Their work involves monitoring patient progress, collecting data, and providing patient feedback to the supervising PT, always working as part of a healthcare team to promote patient recovery and well-being.

Physical therapy assistant duties vary depending on the setting. However, some common duties include:

Assisting patients with exercises and therapy
Guide patients through therapeutic exercises designed to improve mobility, strength, and function.

Administering therapeutic interventions
Apply stretching, massages, electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, balance and coordination training, heat and cold treatments, and other techniques that support patient recovery.

Teaching patients how to use medical equipment
Instruct patients how to properly use assistive devices like crutches, walkers, braces, prosthetics, orthotics, and other mobility aids so they can rehabilitate safely. PTAs also help patients fit and adjust these supportive devices for proper function and comfort.

Observing patients and tracking progress
PTAs monitor how patients respond to treatment and report their observations to the PT.

Preparing reports and consulting with PTs
Maintain detailed records of patient progress and communicate with PTs to determine treatment effectiveness and necessary modifications.

Educating patients and their families on post-treatment care
Provide information on home exercises, injury prevention, and lifestyle adjustments to help ensure continued progress outside of formal therapy sessions, especially once appointments end.

While PTAs play a crucial role in patient care, they cannot diagnose conditions, create treatment plans, or perform advanced therapeutic procedures. These responsibilities are reserved solely for PTs.

After PTAs earn their degree, they can choose to specialize in a particular area of physical therapy. Specialization often requires at least 2,000 hours of relevant work experience and around 60 hours of additional education courses. Upon completion, a PTA’s specialization is valid for 10 years. The specialized fields PTAs can work in include:

PTA students at Villa Maria College gain hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings, allowing them to develop the skills necessary to succeed in their careers or future specialties. It only takes two years to earn the associate’s degree and licensure required to work as a PTA. Our program also sees students complete three internships, allowing future PTAs to explore different areas of physical therapy to identify their interests. Additionally, Villa PTA alumni boast an 80% employment rate within six months of licensure. Contact us today to learn more about our PTA program!