Do you enjoy:
- Helping others
- Interacting with people of different ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds
- Encouraging and motivating people
- Paying attention to detail
- Courses in science, math, physical education, and anatomy
Are you good at:
- Written and verbal communication
- Working in teams as a member and a leader
- Monitoring and prioritizing
- Time management and multitasking
Do you have:
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Positive outlook
- High energy level
If you answered YES to most of those questions, then a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant may be right for you.
What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapist services to improve a patients ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. PTAs implement parts of a patient care plan, collect data related to the treatments provided, and work with the Physical Therapist to adapt the care plan when needed.
PTAs provide treatment to individuals of all ages, from birth to the end of life. While PTAs treat patients with injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions, they also help people reach personal health goals to prevent future problems.
Interview with a PTA
Patient Benefits of Physical Therapy
- Manage pain
- Improve and restore movement
- Reduce symptoms of chronic conditions and diseases
- Recover from and prevent injuries
- Overcome barriers to physical activity
- Avoid opioids
- Avoid surgery
Common Conditions and Symptoms Treated with Physical Therapy
Learn more more about specific conditions and symptoms that are treated with physical therapy at the links below.
The link below is and interactive tool that allows you to explore conditions and symptoms by selecting body parts or conditions.
Physical Therapy Specialties
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
- Clinical Electrophysiologic
- Geriatric
- Neurologic
- Oncologic
- Orthopedic
- Pediatric
- Sports
- Women's Health
Watch the video below for a more in depth description of each of the specialties.
Learn more about PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways at the link below:
Specialty Spotlight
Keep your PTA Career on Track with Volunteering
Keep skills in up to date, especially when the PTA is not currently employed.
Can fulfill the experience requirement for entry into a physical therapist (PT) program.
Gain experience in a wide range of specialty areas.
Make valuable professional and personal connections in the field that can help with obtaining later employment.
Explore the K12 Career Education Navigator
The K12 Career Technical Education (CTE) Navigator helps you explore high school courses and career pathways offered across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Browse by industry sector, county, school district, and more to find options that match your interests and career goals and see how these pathways can prepare you for college, certifications, apprenticeships, or the workforce.
Credits:
Created with images by rodrigobernasc - "manual release myofascial release physical therapy" • RobinHiggins - "thinking person person thinking" • Alexas_Fotos - "yes agree allow" • Septimiu - "symptom inflammation syndrome" • Unknown - "Free photo: Physical Therapy - Free Image on Pixabay - 1698817" • Monoar_CGI_Artist - "anatomy skull skeleton" • Unknown - "Diverse Authentic Stock Photos that don't Suck! | rawpixel" • geralt - "board school dreams"