Where Do PTAs Work? Exploring Different Healthcare Settings

One of the advantages of a physical therapist assistant (PTA) career is the wide range of clinical settings available. Patients seeking physical therapy services in different environments require different levels of care, which can influence a PTA’s responsibilities. In a hospital or inpatient nursing facility, PTAs often assist patients in managing chronic conditions, focusing on maximizing mobility and quality of life. On the other hand, an active adult recovering from a sports injury may only need short-term outpatient rehabilitation to regain strength and function. Understanding these different work environments can help aspiring PTAs determine where they might thrive in their careers.

While core job duties remain consistent across different environments, the types of patients PTAs work with and their rehabilitation goals can vary significantly. Some common workplaces include hospitals, clinics, extended care centers, schools, fitness centers, and homes.

Almost three-quarters of PTAs work in outpatient physical therapy practices or hospitals. Professionals working in physical therapy clinics generally work with patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions that affect movement and physical functions. PTAs help patients through exercise programs and therapeutic techniques that target strength, mobility, and flexibility. Patients visit on a scheduled basis and return home after each session. Work pace in an outpatient clinic varies, with some days being more structured and predictable while others may involve handling urgent cases.

PTAs in hospitals help patients regain mobility after surgery, injury, or illness. They follow treatment plans from supervising PTs, assisting patients with exercises, and monitoring patient progress. In acute care hospitals, patients often require physical therapy following strokes, joint replacements, and neurological disorders. Rehabilitation hospitals also employ PTAs to support patients undergoing intensive therapy after serious injuries or surgeries. The hospital environment is typically fast-paced due to the number of patients admitted and the variety of needs patients have.

PTAs working in nursing homes and assisted living facilities help elderly or rehabbing residents maintain or improve their mobility and quality of life. Patients in these facilities often contend with chronic conditions that make moving and taking care of themselves difficult, if not unsafe. Similarly to occupational therapist assistants, who help people develop, regain, or improve skills needed for daily living and work, PTA professionals implement fall prevention programs, strength-building exercises, and mobility training to help residents remain as independent as possible. They also show residents how to safely use assistive devices like walkers, canes, and prosthetics.

Aside from traditional medical and healthcare facilities, PTAs also work in schools. In educational settings, PTAs often care for kids with physical disabilities or developmental challenges. Through exercises and therapies, PTAs help students improve strength, motor skills, and overall physical function so they can move around and participate in school activities more comfortably.

Some PTAs provide therapy services in patients’ homes, helping individuals who may have difficulty traveling to a traditional clinic or hospital for care. These patients are often recovering from surgery, managing chronic illnesses, or rehabilitating from injuries. Home healthcare PTAs focus on functional mobility exercises and adaptive techniques. The work is generally slower-paced and more personalized because PTAs are working with one patient at a time in their own home.

PTAs in sports and fitness settings work with athletes recovering from injuries or seeking performance improvement. Depending on the type of facility, PTAs may work with amateur or professional athletes. The work PTAs do supports athletic patients with injury prevention, post-rehabilitation exercise routines, and mobility training.

Villa Maria College offers small classes and a hands-on approach to education. Our students benefit from personalized instruction with experienced faculty in state-of-the-art lab facilities. With three internships included in our curriculum, PTA students gain real-world experience in various healthcare settings, preparing them for diverse physical therapist assistant work environments. Reach out today to learn more about our PTA program!