BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasPhysical Therapist Assistants

O*NET · 31-2021.00

Physical Therapist Assistants

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.

Also called Assistant · Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA) · CPTA · Home Care Physical Therapy Assistant · Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant · Home Health Physical Therapy Assistant (Home Health PTA) · Home Health PTA · Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)
15 more

Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant · LPTA · Nursing Facility PTA · Nursing Facility PTA (Nursing Facility Physical Therapy Assistant) · Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant · Per Diem Physical Therapist Assistant (Per Diem PTA) · Per Diem PTA · Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) · Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) · Physiotherapy Assistant · PTA · Rehab Assistant · Rehabilitation Assistant (Rehab Assistant) · SNF PTA · SNF PTA (Skilled Nursing Facility Physical Therapy Assistant)

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code SRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Fire Inspectors and Investigators

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SRCSocial · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social6.41
  • R Realistic4.45
  • C Conventional3.76
  • I Investigative3.65
  • A Artistic1.53
  • E Enterprising1.31

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree84%
  • Bachelor's Degree15%
  • First Professional Degree1%
Related work experience
None (37%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (37%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (26%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Monitoringbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Speakingbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Social Perceptiveness3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Service Orientation3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Writingbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Instructing3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
Show the other 23
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Persuasion3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Systems Analysis2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Operations Monitoring2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Quality Control Analysis2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Sciencebasic2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Negotiation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Mathematicsbasic2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Troubleshooting2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Operation and Control2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Equipment Selection2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Operations Analysis1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Technology Design1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources1.90.9
  • Management of Material Resources1.90.9
  • Programming1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Equipment Maintenance1.80.9
  • Repairing1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

18 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.4.9
  2. 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.4.9
  3. Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.4.9
  4. Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.4.7
  5. Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.4.6
  6. Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.4.5
  7. Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.4.4
  8. Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.4.4
  9. Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.4.3
  10. Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.4.3
  11. Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.4.2
  12. Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.4.2
Show the other 9
  1. Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.4.1
  2. Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.3.9
  3. Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.3.9
  4. Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.3.8
  5. Perform postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations or teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.3.6
  6. Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.3.1
  7. Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.3.9
  8. Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.3.9
  9. Perform therapeutic wound care.2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.55.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language4.23.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Therapy and Counseling4.23.8Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Education and Training3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Psychology3.65.3Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Medicine and Dentistry3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
  • Biology3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Computers and Electronics3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
  • Administrative3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Public Safety and Security2.92.6
  • Administration and Management2.62.9
  • Law and Government2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.51.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Mathematics2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Physics2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Chemistry2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Economics and Accounting2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Communications and Media1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Geography1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Foreign Language1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and Theology1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Sales and Marketing1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Mechanical1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Engineering and Technology1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Building and Construction1.3—
  • Design1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Production and Processing1.3—
  • Telecommunications1.3—
  • Transportation1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Speech Clarity3.93.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Near Vision3.83.9
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.6
Show all 52
  • Inductive Reasoning3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Selective Attention3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Written Expression3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Information Ordering3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Static Strength3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Finger Dexterity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Manual Dexterity3.02.9
  • Multilimb Coordination3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Extent Flexibility2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Time Sharing2.92.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Originality2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.52.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Stamina2.52.6
  • Auditory Attention2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control Precision2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Gross Body Coordination2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Dynamic Strength2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Memorization2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.11.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Depth Perception2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.02.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Rate Control2.01.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response Orientation1.80.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Explosive Strength1.60.9
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others5.05.6
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.94.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.85.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.75.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.74.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.64.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.55.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.35.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
Show all 41
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.23.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Getting Information4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.14.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Working with Computers4.13.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Developing and Building Teams3.72.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.75.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.64.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Processing Information3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Thinking Creatively3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Training and Teaching Others3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.02.9
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.02.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.72.7
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.72.7
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.61.8Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others5.0
  • Physical Proximity5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.9
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.5
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections4.3
  • Telephone Conversations4.3

Technology

30 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (8)

  • eClinicalWorks EHR software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (22)
  • Arena Health Systems Phys-X
  • Beaver Creek Software The THERAPIST
  • Billing software
  • BioEx Systems Exercise Pro
  • Bookkeeping software
  • Client caseload management software
  • dBASE
  • Eazy Application Systems QuickEMR
  • Email software
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Knees Software PT DocTools
  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • Medical condition coding software
  • PhysioTools Tools RG
  • Rehab Documentation Company ReDoc Suite
  • Scheduling software
  • SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO
  • SpectraSoft DocuPRO
  • Summit Software CarePoint
  • TherAssist
  • Video game software
  • Virtual reality game software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Physical Therapist Aides
  2. Occupational Therapy Assistants
  3. Occupational Therapy Aides
  4. Psychiatric Technicians
  5. Respiratory Therapists
  6. Recreational Therapists
  7. Radiation Therapists
  8. Psychiatric Aides
  9. Medical Assistants
  10. Surgical Assistants

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.