Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs)

We’ve all heard of someone who has had physical therapy. Perhaps a friend who was in a car wreck, or even the famous football player trying to get back in shape after a knee injury. But just what is it that Physical Therapists DO exactly?

Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) are medical professionals who help individuals who have conditions that affect their mobility. They carry out treatment plans that can include a wide variety of modalities, including guided exercise, heat or water therapies, traction or massage and more. They may be employed in hospitals and rehabilitation centers or work in private practice.

On any given day, a PT may find herself evaluating an infant with cerebral palsy, teaching a man with a recently amputated leg how to use his prosthetic and demonstrating strengthening exercises to a woman with a back injury. It is the PTs responsibility to evaluated and diagnose patients and to formulate a treatment plan that will work towards restoring as much of the patient’s mobility as possible.

PTAs are licensed assistants, with training in applying the treatment modalities that are prescribed by the PT. In many cases, PTs diagnose and provide intermittent treatment and evaluation, while it is the assistant who provides the majority of direct patient care. A PTA will spend most of his or her time working with patients on exercises and educating them on how to continue this work while at home. PTAs and PTs also teach individuals how to use assistive devices such as wheelchairs, canes and walkers.

Working in physical therapy can be very demanding, both physically and emotionally, and successful PTAs and PTs must have a unique set of characteristics and skills. They must be empathetic yet able to motivate people and to administer treatments that patients may find uncomfortable. PTAs and PTs need to be good communicators and teachers, in order to educate patients and be comfortable working with a diverse population.

Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants are in great demand, and now is an excellent time to get into the field. Job opportunities for both PTs and PTAs is expected to continue to grow at a much higher than average rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Both PTs and PTAs must be licensed to practice by their state’s professional licensing board. Training for a PTA is a two year Associates program through a vocational or medical college, while PTs must complete a Masters or Doctorate program in Physical Therapy. Coursework for Therapists and Assistants includes study of anatomy and physiology, pathology and treatment modalities. Clinical work is an essential part of training for PTAs and PTs, as it allows skill practice in a supervised setting. Clinical rotations also give students a chance to choose a special area of practice, such as pediatrics or orthopedic care.

In order to qualify to be licensed as a Physical Therapist, one must first graduate from an accredited program and then get a passing score on the NPTE (National Physical Therapist Exam), which is a 250 question examination that measures knowledge of foundational science, assessment, evaluation and diagnosis, interventions, equipment, and treatment modalities.

The cost of taking the NPTE is quite high, which makes it particularly important to prepare for the exam by reviewing test study materials and answering as many practice test questions as possible.

Likewise, Physical Therapy Assistants are required to take their own version of the NPTE as a condition of eligibility for licensure. The PTA exam is made up of 200 questions that address tests and measures in physical therapy, interventions and standards of care.

A career in physical therapy offers many rewards- an excellent salary and job security, the flexibility to work in just about any location in the U.S., and most importantly, the chance to help people achieve their full potential.
 

Physical Therapy Career Overview