Physical Therapist Assistants

Description

Career Cluster:

Health Science

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.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Education

Required Level of Education

• Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 99.83%
• Bachelor's Degree = 0.17%

Related Work Experience

• None = 37.33%
• Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 16.41%
• Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 15.68%
• Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 14.41%
• Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 8.48%
• Up to and including 1 month = 5.72%
• Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 1.97%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

• Up to and including 1 month = 44.10%
• Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 14.20%
• None = 12.01%
• Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 11.68%
• Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 9.53%
• Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 7.20%
• Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 1.28%

On-the-Job Training

• Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 19.94%
• Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 17.03%
• None or short demonstration = 16.64%
• Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 15.33%
• Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 13.08%
• Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 8.48%
• Over 10 years = 5.72%
• Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 2.67%
• Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 1.11%

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

• 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.
• Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
• Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
• Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
• Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.
• Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

• Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.
• Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.
• Perform postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations or teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

• Lower extremity prosthetic devices (Above-the-knee prosthetics)
• Orthotics or foot care products (Ankle-foot orthotics)
• Upper extremity prosthetic devices (Arm prosthetics)
• Automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles (Automated external defibrillators AED)
• Back or lumbar or sacral orthopedic softgoods (Back braces)
• Balance beams or boards or bolsters or rockers for rehabilitation or therapy (Balance beams)
• Balance beams or boards or bolsters or rockers for rehabilitation or therapy (Balance boards)
• Lower extremity prosthetic devices (Below-the-knee prosthetics)
• Blood pressure cuff kits (Blood pressure cuffs)
• Skinfold calipers (Body-fat calipers)
• Cardiac output CO monitoring units or accessories (Cardiac monitors)
• Head or neck traction supplies (Cervical traction equipment)
• Therapeutic heating or cooling pads or compresses or packs (Cold packs)
• Continuous passive motion CPM devices or accessories (Continuous passive motion CPM equipment)
• Crutches or crutch accessories (Crutches)
• Desktop computers
• Digital cameras
• Digital camcorders or video cameras (Digital video cameras)
• Electromyography EMG units or accessories (Electromyography EMG biofeedback equipment)
• Work tables or stations or accessories for rehabilitation or therapy (Ergometers)
• Exercise trampolines
• Weights or sets or accessories for rehabilitation or therapy (Free weights)
• Walkers or rollators (Front-wheel walkers)
• Neuromuscular stimulators or kits (Functional electrical stimulation FES equipment)
• Gait belts for rehabilitation or therapy (Gait belts)
• Goniometers
• Wrist exercisers for rehabilitation or therapy (Hand grips)
• Walkers or rollators (Hemi walkers)
• Mats or platforms for rehabilitation or therapy (Hi-lo manipulation tables)
• Galvanic or faradic stimulators (High-voltage Galvanic stimulation machines)
• Patient lifts or accessories (Hoyer lifts)
• Full body immersion hydrotherapy baths or tanks (Hydrotherapy pools)
• Physiological recorders (Inclinometers)
• Electrotherapy combination units (Interferential electrical stimulation machines)
• Vascular sequential compression devices or tubing (Intermittent compression units)
• Electrotherapy combination units (Iontopheresis equipment)
• Knee braces or hinged knee supports (Knee braces)
• Hydrotherapy bath or tank accessories (Lavage hydrotherapy equipment)
• Lower body resistance machines (Lower-body isokinetic machines)
• Electric vibrators for rehabilitation or therapy (Massage equipment)
• Chest percussors (Mechanical percussors)
• Mechanical stethoscopes or accessories (Mechanical stethoscopes)
• Medical nasal cannulae
• Therapeutic balls or accessories (Medicine balls)
• Notebook computers
• Therapeutic paraffin baths or accessories (Paraffin baths)
• Parallel bars for rehabilitation or therapy (Parallel bars)
• Positioning devices (Patient positioning devices)
• Pelvis or back traction supplies (Pelvic traction equipment)
• Personal computers
• Walkers or rollators (Pick-up walkers)
• Walkers or rollators (Platform walkers)
• Plumb bobs (Plumb lines)
• Oxygen therapy delivery system products accessories or its supplies (Portable oxygen equipment)
• Patient height rulers (Posture grids)
• Powder boards for rehabilitation or therapy (Powder boards)
• Medical staff isolation or cover gowns (Protective gowns)
• Pulse oximeter units (Pulse oximeters)
• Canes or cane accessories (Quad canes)
• Reachers for the physically challenged (Reachers)
• Walkers or rollators (Reciprocating walkers)
• Reflex hammers or mallets (Reflex hammers)
• Patient care beds or accessories for specialty care (Roto beds)
• Back or lumbar or sacral orthopedic softgoods (Sacro-illiac joint lumbar corsets)
• Protective gloves (Safety gloves)
• Goggles (Safety goggles)
• Vascular sequential compression devices or tubing (Sequential compression devices)
• Short wave diathermy units (Short wave diathermy devices)
• Canes or cane accessories (Single point canes)
• Patient shifting boards or accessories (Sliding boards)
• Arm orthopedic softgoods (Slings)
• Orthopedic splint systems (Splints)
• Patient care beds or accessories for specialty care (Standing cages)
• Patient care beds or accessories for specialty care (Standing tables)
• Pedal exercisers for rehabilitation or therapy (Stationary bicycles)
• Patient stretchers or stretcher accessories (Stretchers)
• Medical staff isolation or surgical masks (Surgical masks)
• Therapeutic balls or accessories (Swiss exercise balls)
• Tablet computers
• Resistive exercise bands or putty or tubing or accessories for rehabilitation or therapy (Therabands)
• Therapeutic heating or cooling pads or compresses or packs (Therapeutic hot packs)
• Patient care beds or accessories for specialty care (Tilt tables)
• Patient lifts or accessories (Total lift chairs)
• Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation units (Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation TENS equipment)
• Treadmill exercisers for rehabilitation or therapy (Treadmills)
• Ultrasonic therapy apparatus or supplies (Ultrasound machines)
• Ultraviolet UV lamps (Ultraviolet UV phototherapy lamps)
• Upper body resistance machines (Upper-body isokinetic machines)
• Wheelchairs
• Full body immersion hydrotherapy baths or tanks (Whirlpool therapy baths)
• Orthopedic splint systems (Wrist splints)

Technologies Include:

• Accounting software

• Accounting software
• Billing software
• Bookkeeping software

• Action games

• Video game software
• Virtual reality game software

• Calendar and scheduling software

• Scheduling software
• SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO

• Data base user interface and query software

• dBase
• FileMaker Pro software
• Microsoft Access

• Electronic mail software

• Email software
• Microsoft Outlook

• Medical software

• Arena Health Systems Phys-X
• Beaver Creek Software The THERAPIST
• BioEx Systems Exercise Pro
• Client caseload management software
• Eazy Application Systems QuickEMR
• Knees Software PT DocTools
• Laboratory information system LIS software
• PhysioGraphic
• PhysioTools Tools RG
• Rehab Documentation Company ReDoc Suite
• SpectraSoft DocuPRO
• Summit Software CarePoint
• TherAssist

• Office suite software

• Microsoft Office software

• Spreadsheet software

• Microsoft Excel
• Spreadsheet software

• Word processing software

• Word processing software

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Special Requirements

To become licensed in Virginia as a physical therapist’s assistant, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

Licensure for a physical therapist assistant shall be by examination or by endorsement.

Education requirements: Graduates of approved programs
A. An applicant for licensure who is a graduate of an approved program shall submit with the required application and fee documented evidence of his graduation from such a program.
B. Graduates of an approved program located outside of the United States or Canada, must provide proof of proficiency in the English language by passing with a grade of at least 560 on the TOEFL, or an equivalent examination approved by the board. TOEFL may be waived upon evidence of English proficiency.


EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS for: graduates of schools not approved by an accrediting agency recognized by the board.
An applicant for licensure as a physical therapist assistant who is a graduate of a school not approved by the board shall submit with the required application and fee:
1. Proof of proficiency in the English language by passing with a grade of not less than 560 on the TOEFL or an equivalent examination approved by the board. TOEFL may be waived upon evidence of English proficiency.

2. A photostatic copy of the original certificate or diploma verifying his graduation from a physical therapy curriculum which has been certified as a true copy of the original by a notary public.

3. Verification of the equivalency of the applicant’s education from a scholastic credentials service approved by the board of at least 65 semester hours.
4. Verification of having successfully completed a full-time 1,000 - hour traineeship as a "foreign educated trainee" under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The traineeship shall be in a facility that serves as a education facility for students enrolled in an accredited program educating physical therapists in Virginia and is approved by the board.



LICENSURE BY EXAM:
Requirements for the examination.
A. The minimum passing score shall be a scale score of 600 or as established by the board.
B. An applicant who fails the examination after six attempts shall be denied licensure.
C. A person not taking the licensure examination within four years after graduation shall successfully complete a full-time 480 - hour traineeship.


LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT:
Endorsement requirements.
A. A physical therapist assistant who has been licensed in the United States, its territories, the District of Columbia, or Canada, by examination equivalent to the Virginia examination at the time of licensure and who has met all other requirements of the board may, upon recommendation of the board, be licensed in Virginia by endorsement.

B. An applicant for licensure by endorsement shall submit:
1. Documentation of having met the educational requirements
2. The required application, fees, and credentials to the board; and
3. Documentation of passage of the national examination as prescribed by the board.

B. A physical therapist assistant seeking licensure by endorsement who has not actively practiced physical therapy for at least 320 hours within the four years immediately preceding his/her application for licensure shall first successfully complete a 480 - hour traineeship

RENEWAL
A. Active licenses need to be renewed biennially during the birth month of the physical therapist assistant in each even - numbered year with a renewal fee.
B.A licensee whose licensure has not been renewed by the first day of the month following the month in which renewal is required shall pay a late fee

C. RENEWAL REQUIRMENTS
1. Complete a minimum of 320 hours of practice in the preceding four years; and

2. Meet the following continuing competency requirements:
A. Complete at least 30 contact hours of continuing learning activities within the two years immediately preceding renewal.
B. To document the required hours, the licensee shall maintain the Continued Competency Activity and Assessment Form which is provided by the board and which shall indicate completion of the following:
1. A minimum of 10 of the contact hours required for physical therapist assistants shall be in Type 1 face-to-face courses. For the purpose of this section, “course” means an organized program of study, classroom experience or similar educational experience that is directly related to the clinical practice of physical therapy and approved or provided by one of the following organizations or any of its components:

a. The Virginia Physical Therapy Association;
b The American Physical Therapy Association;
c. Local, state or federal government agencies;
d. Regionally accredited colleges and universities;
e. Health care organizations accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO);
f. The American Medical Association-Category I Continuing Medical Education course;
and
g. The National Athletic Trainers Association.

2. No more than 20 of the contact hours required for physical therapist assistants may be Type 2 activities or courses, which may or may not be offered by an approved organization but which shall be related to the clinical practice of physical therapy. Type 2 activities may include but not be limited to: consultation with colleagues, independent study, and research or writing on subjects related to practice.

3. Documentation of specialty certification by the American Physical Therapy Association may be provided as evidence of completion of continuing competency requirements for the biennium in which initial certification or re - certification occurs.

C. A licensee shall be exempt from the continuing competency requirements for the first biennial renewal following the date of initial licensure in Virginia.

D. The licensee shall retain his records on the completed form with all supporting documentation for a period of four years following the renewal of an active license.

E. The licensees selected in a random audit conducted by the board shall provide the completed Continued Competency Activity and Assessment Form and all supporting documentation within 30 days of receiving notification of the audit.

F. Failure to comply with these requirements may subject the licensee to disciplinary action by the board.

G. The board may grant an extension of the deadline for continuing competency requirements, for up to one year, for good cause shown upon a written request from the licensee prior to the renewal date.

RENEWING AN INACTIVE LICENSE
1. Pay the difference between the renewal fee for an inactive license and that of an active license for the biennium in which the license is being reactivated; and
2. Provide proof of:
a. Active practice hours in another jurisdiction equal to those required for renewal of an active license in Virginia for the period in which the license has been inactive. If the inactive licensee does not meet the requirement for active practice, the license may be reactivated by meeting the traineeship requirements and

b. Completion of the number of continuing competency hours required for the period in which the license has been inactive, not to exceed four years.

REINSTATEMENT:
A physical therapist assistant whose Virginia license is lapsed and who is seeking reinstatement shall:
1. Practice physical therapy in another jurisdiction for at least 320 hours within the four years immediately preceding applying for reinstatement or successfully complete 480 hours as an inactive practice trainee and
2. Complete the number of continuing competency hours required for the period in which the license has been lapsed, not to exceed four years.

TRAINEESHIP:
1. The 480 hours of traineeship shall be in a facility that (i) serves as a clinical education facility for students enrolled in an accredited program educating physical therapists in Virginia, (ii) is approved by the board, and (iii) is under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.


2. If the traineeship is not successfully completed at the end of the 480 hours, as determined by the supervising physical therapist, the president of the board or his designee shall determine if a new traineeship shall commence. If the president of the board determines that a new traineeship shall not commence, then the application for licensure shall be denied.

3. The second traineeship may be served under a different supervising physical therapist and may be served in a different organization than the initial traineeship. If the second traineeship is not successfully completed, as determined by the supervising physical therapist, then the application for licensure shall be denied.

Required Fees:

 

For More Information, Contact:

Virginia Department Of Health Professions
Board Of Physical Therapy
6603 West Broad St., 5th Floor
Richmond, VA 23230-1712
Phone: 804.662.9900
Fax: 804.662.7197
http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/

Virginia Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 800.999.2782
Fax: 703.706.8575
http://www.vpta.org/

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Additional Resources

Information on a career as a physical therapist assistant and a list of schools offering accredited programs can be obtained from:

The American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-1488
http://www.apta.org

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
75.25	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.
67.75	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
67.00	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.
64.75	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.
61.75	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.
57.50	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.
51.50	Biology	Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
50.75	Sociology and Anthropology	Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Skills

%	Subject	Description
68.75	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.
65.50	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
65.50	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
65.50	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
59.50	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
56.25	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
56.25	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
56.25	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
53.00	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
53.00	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
53.00	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
50.00	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
50.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
50.00	Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
75.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
68.75	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
68.75	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
68.75	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
65.50	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
65.50	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
59.50	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
59.50	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
53.00	Static Strength	The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
53.00	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
53.00	Trunk Strength	The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
53.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
50.00	Arm-Hand Steadiness	The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
50.00	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
50.00	Fluency of Ideas	The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
50.00	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.
50.00	Multilimb Coordination	The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
50.00	Finger Dexterity	The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
50.00	Manual Dexterity	The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
50.00	Perceptual Speed	The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
50.00	Visualization	The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
86.75	Assisting and Caring for Others	Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
83.75	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
82.75	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
80.25	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
76.00	Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
74.50	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
73.00	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
72.50	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
72.25	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
70.25	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
69.75	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
69.75	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
69.50	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
68.00	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
66.75	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
66.50	Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
65.00	Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
64.00	Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
61.50	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
61.00	Interacting With Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
59.00	Coaching and Developing Others	Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
58.50	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
58.00	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
57.25	Developing Objectives and Strategies	Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
55.25	Communicating with Persons Outside Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
54.75	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
54.75	Developing and Building Teams	Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
54.00	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
53.75	Provide Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
50.00	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
91.75	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
91.00	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
90.25	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
87.00	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
85.75	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
82.75	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
82.25	Self Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
76.50	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
75.25	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
75.00	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
74.25	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
73.50	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
72.75	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
72.75	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
68.75	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
63.00	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
94.50	Relationships	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
66.67	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
66.67	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
61.17	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
61.17	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
100.00	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
96.20	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
95.20	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
89.20	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
87.60	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
86.80	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
82.80	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
82.00	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
80.60	Exposed to Disease or Infections	How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
80.40	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
79.60	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
79.40	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
78.80	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
77.80	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
76.60	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
71.00	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
70.40	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
69.60	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
68.80	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
66.20	Spend Time Walking and Running	How much does this job require walking and running?
64.80	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
63.00	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
61.20	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
61.00	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
59.20	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
58.80	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
58.20	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
57.40	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
56.00	Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body	How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
55.80	Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling	How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
53.60	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
53.40	Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance	How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
50.00	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable	How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

• Overall 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.
• Job Training
  • Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
• Examples
  • These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, occupational therapy assistants, and medical assistants.
• Education
  • Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$32,230.00	$53,360.00	$64,510.00
Virginia	$28,330.00	$55,940.00	$67,830.00
Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Bay Consortium	$39,907.00	$49,047.00	$53,524.00
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	$31,881.00	$54,107.00	$67,470.00
Central VA/Region2000	$43,388.00	$58,340.00	$66,736.00
Crater Area	$25,527.00	$36,320.00	$54,515.00
Greater Peninsula	$35,714.00	$52,163.00	$61,791.00
Hampton Roads	$31,050.00	$54,426.00	$64,652.00
New River/Mt. Rogers	$42,299.00	$54,098.00	$61,885.00
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	$49,389.00	$60,164.00	$67,291.00
Piedmont Workforce	$26,377.00	$44,549.00	$58,199.00
Shenandoah Valley	$34,031.00	$49,399.00	$57,079.00
South Central	$42,628.00	$62,071.00	$65,843.00
Southwestern Virginia	$33,241.00	$46,639.00	$56,276.00
West Piedmont	$41,197.00	$51,949.00	$62,251.00
Western Virginia	$42,677.00	$54,271.00	$64,677.00

* Earnings Calculations:

 Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

 National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Employment Projections

National	2012	2022	% Change
United States	71,400	100,700	+ 41.0%
State	2012	2022	% Change
Virginia	1,901	2,945	+ 54.9%
Region	2010	2020	% Change
Bay Consortium	140	236	+ 68.6%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	137	187	+ 36.5%
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	184	291	+ 58.2%
Hampton Roads	241	368	+ 52.7%
New River/Mt. Rogers	101	151	+ 49.5%
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	217	325	+ 49.8%
Piedmont Workforce	79	120	+ 51.9%
Shenandoah Valley	146	220	+ 50.7%
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	97	141	+ 45.4%
Western Virginia	81	111	+ 37.0%

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Related Occupations

Related Occupations

• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Physical Therapists
• Recreational Therapists
• Athletic Trainers

 

Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:

• Clinical Psychologists
• Counseling Psychologists
• Psychologists, All Other
• Neuropsychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists
• Chiropractors
• Dentists, General
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• Orthodontists
• Prosthodontists
• Dietitians and Nutritionists
• Optometrists
• Pharmacists
• Anesthesiologists
• Family and General Practitioners
• Internists, General
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Pediatricians, General
• Psychiatrists
• Surgeons
• Physicians and Surgeons, All Other
• Allergists and Immunologists
• Dermatologists
• Hospitalists
• Neurologists
• Nuclear Medicine Physicians
• Ophthalmologists
• Pathologists
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
• Preventive Medicine Physicians
• Sports Medicine Physicians
• Urologists
• Physician Assistants
• Anesthesiologist Assistants
• Podiatrists
• Occupational Therapists
• Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Radiation Therapists
• Recreational Therapists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Registered Nurses
• Acute Care Nurses
• Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
• Critical Care Nurses
• Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Nurse Anesthetists
• Nurse Midwives
• Nurse Practitioners
• Audiologists
• Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners, All Other
• Acupuncturists
• Naturopathic Physicians
• Orthoptists
• Dental Hygienists
• Dietetic Technicians
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Psychiatric Technicians
• Respiratory Therapy Technicians
• Surgical Technologists
• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
• Opticians, Dispensing
• Orthotists and Prosthetists
• Hearing Aid Specialists
• Athletic Trainers
• Genetic Counselors
• Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other
• Midwives
• Home Health Aides
• Psychiatric Aides
• Nursing Assistants
• Orderlies
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Occupational Therapy Aides
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Physical Therapist Aides
• Dental Assistants
• Medical Assistants
• Pharmacy Aides
• Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
• Endoscopy Technicians
• Dental Laboratory Technicians
• Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

View Videos

The following videos are available for this occupation:

• Health Science (7.03 Mb)
• Physical Therapist Assistants (3.07 Mb)



Macromedia Flash is required for viewing the videos. If you do not have the Flash plugin, it is freely available for download.

En Español:

• Physical Therapy Assistant (2.71)



Quicktime 5 is required for viewing the Spanish videos. If you do not have the Quicktime plugin, it is freely available for download.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

• Not Occupationally Qualified, General
• Physical/Occupational Therapy Services

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Assisting and Caring for Others	4.5
Documenting/Recording Information	4.5
Getting Information	4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Performing General Physical Activities	4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	4.0
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.0
Training and Teaching Others	4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.0
Processing Information	4.0
Thinking Creatively	4.0
Analyzing Data or Information	3.5
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	3.5
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.5
Handling and Moving Objects	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People	3.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	3.5
Interacting With Computers	3.5
Coaching and Developing Others	3.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	3.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.5
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization	3.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	3.0
Developing and Building Teams	3.0
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.0
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others	3.0
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.0
Performing Administrative Activities	3.0
Controlling Machines and Processes	2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	2.5
Selling or Influencing Others	2.5
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	2.0
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.0
Staffing Organizational Units	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	2.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	1.5

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Titles

• Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)
• Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (LPTA)
• Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
• Physical Therapy Technician
• Physiotherapy Assistant
• Rehabilitation Aide
• Rehabilitation Assistant

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Related Schools

• ECPI University
• Jefferson College of Health Sciences
• Northern Virginia Community College
• Riverside School of Health Careers
• Tidewater Community College
• Wytheville Community College

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.