If you’re interested in a career as a physical therapist assistant (PTA), you’ll want to know the typical job duties to get an understanding of their daily responsibilities. At The Praxis Institute, we offer a Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program to aspiring PTAs in the Miami, Florida, area. Here, we discuss what a day in the life of a physical therapist assistant looks like and typical physical therapy assistant duties.
Typical Physical Therapy Assistant Duties
A physical therapist assistant is a trained healthcare worker who works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. They provide direct care to patients who are recovering from injuries or surgeries to help them manage pain and regain movement and flexibility. Physical therapist assistants oversee patients as they complete their prescribed physical therapy program, making sure they perform their exercises properly. They also record data from the visits and confer with the physical therapist. Some of the other typical duties of a PTA include:
- Observing patients, logging their status, and reporting it to the physical therapist
- Assisting patients with stretches and exercises that are part of their care plan
- Providing massage, balance training, heat and cold therapy, and more to patients
- Using other techniques like walkers, exercise bands, etc. to advance the patient’s therapy
- Promoting wellness and injury prevention
- Assisting with assessments and interventions
- Educating patients and families about post-treatment activities and limitations
The duties of a physical therapy assistant will vary depending on the work environment. PTAs can find work in hospitals, sports medicine centers, physical therapist offices, schools, and more.
Day in the Life of a PTA
Since physical therapy assistants can work in many different healthcare environments, their day-to-day lives will look somewhat different for each environment. However, most PTAs perform similar duties throughout the day. Here is how some popular work sites compare:
Hospital
Physical therapy assistants who work in hospitals will usually start their days by examining their scheduled patients and treatment plans. PTAs will then treat their patients using different methods and techniques, including exercise, stretching, massage, electrotherapy, etc. They may also help patients recovering from surgeries or injuries learn how to use adaptive equipment. PTAs in hospitals also monitor patients’ vital signs, update patient records, educate patients about continuing rehabilitation at home, and report progress to the hospital physical therapist.
Physical Therapy Office
For those who work in physical therapy offices, a day in their life also starts with reviewing their patient schedule and their respective treatment plans. They may also help new patients with filling out paperwork and taking their vital signs. PTAs then work with patients under the supervision of the physical therapist, demonstrating exercises and providing manual therapy like stretching and massage. They also often educate patients on continuing their program at home, monitor patients, record changes, and communicate concerns to the physical therapist.
Schools
For PTAs who work in schools with children, the day will typically start with reviewing their schedule and the treatment plans for the students they’re working with that day. Each patient has different needs, but treatments often involve performing exercises and stretches. PTAs working with children may use equipment like balls, foam pads, or other adaptive equipment. They will also collect data on each student’s progress and educate parents and teachers on continuing their programs at home and in the classroom.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at The Praxis Institute
If a day in the life of a physical therapy assistant sounds ideal to you, pursue the Physical Therapist Assistant program at The Praxis Institute. Since 1988, The Praxis Institute has been providing quality healthcare training programs to students in the Miami, FL, area. Besides the benefit of a well-rounded education, completing training at The Praxis Institute provides several benefits to students, including:
- Experienced teaching staff
- Competitive pricing and financial aid opportunities for qualified students
- Flexible schedules
- Classes taught in English and Spanish
- Career services department
- Enrollment times every week for diploma programs and twice a year for associate programs
For more information about The Praxis Institute’s policies and values, view our frequently asked questions.
Enroll in Our Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Prepare for a rewarding career as a physical therapy assistant by enrolling in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at The Praxis Institute. Serving students in the Miami, FL, area, The Praxis Institute provides short-term training programs that are accessible and comprehensive. To learn more about enrollment requirements, contact us today.