Physical Therapy Assistant

Duties and Responsibilities: Physical therapist assistants (sometimes called PTAs) and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. Physical therapist assistants typically do the following:

• observe patients before, during, and after therapy, noting their status and reporting to a physical therapist
• help patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care
• use a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching, to treat patients
• use devices and equipment, such as walkers, to help patients
• educate a patient and family members about what to do after treatment

Salary: $42,980

Education: Most states require physical therapist assistants to have an associate's degree from an accredited physical therapist assistants program.

Demand or Need for Profession: 

• compassion
• detail oriented
• dexterity
• interpersonal skills
• physical stamina

 Reflection: This career does interest me because you get to help others become more active. Also because when you're a physical therapy assistant you get to help out a lot with different stuff. Plus I think I would fit in this job because I have most of the skills/ qualities needed.