Physical Therapist Assistants Go Back to List 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.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Accounting software

Tasks
	Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
	Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
	Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
	Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
	Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.
	Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
	Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
	Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
	Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
	Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.

Skills
	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.
	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.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Knowledge
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
	Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
	Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
	Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related Experience:   Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $72,882.00 $35.05  $27.26  $30.89 - $39.55  Bridgeport/Stamford $72,245.00 $34.73  $25.86  $29.65 - $39.53  Hartford $73,227.00 $35.20  $28.44  $31.98 - $40.00  New Haven $74,659.00 $35.89  $27.50  $30.89 - $40.52  New London/Norwich $71,053.00 $34.16  $28.70  $31.55 - $38.22  Waterbury $74,377.00 $35.76  $28.66  $31.74 - $38.59  Torrington $65,116.00 $31.30  $21.59  $24.29 - $38.62

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   96   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow much faster than average, but the number of annual openings will offer good or favorable job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.