Where Can Physical Therapist Assistants Work?

A guide to understanding the workplaces and daily lives of PTAs

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are vital components of the healthcare team. These professionals assist patients who are recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions, helping them improve their movement and manage their pain. PTAs play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process, providing treatments, exercises, and patient education aimed at enhancing quality of life and promoting physical functionality.

Without a doubt, PTAs engage in a broad spectrum of activities. The versatility of these professionals allows them to work in a variety of job settings. Exploring the unique and diverse work environments of a PTA can offer insights into the dedication and compassion inherent in this profession.

If you’re considering a career as a PTA, it’s essential that you learn about the educational requirements, licensure, and necessary skills. For more information, you can read our guide on how to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. We provide you with all the information you need to embark on a rewarding career in physical therapy.

What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant Do?

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a healthcare professional who works under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT). The primary role of a PTA is to assist in the treatment of patients of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

On a daily basis, a PTA engages in a variety of tasks focused on patient care and the effective execution of treatment plans prescribed by a physical therapist. These tasks are designed to improve a patient’s mobility, alleviate pain, and ensure the overall effectiveness of the rehabilitation process. Key daily responsibilities include:

• Assisting with Exercises: PTAs guide patients through specific exercises and stretches that are part of their treatment plans. This hands-on assistance helps ensure that patients perform movements correctly and safely, maximizing the benefit of each exercise.
• Setting Up Equipment: Before patient sessions, PTAs prepare the therapy space by setting up any necessary equipment, such as exercise machines, therapy balls, resistance bands, and treatment tables. They also ensure that the equipment is adjusted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
• Patient Mobility Assistance: PTAs often assist patients with mobility challenges, helping them learn to use assistive devices like crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs. This support is crucial for patients learning to navigate their environments safely during their recovery.
• Implementing Manual Therapy Techniques: Under the direction of a PT, some PTAs may perform manual therapy techniques, such as massage or joint mobilization, to improve patient outcomes.

Communication and Collaboration

In addition to effective problem-solving, communication, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals are critical aspects of a PTA’s daily routine. This collaboration ensures a cohesive approach to patient care and maximizes the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts.

• With Physical Therapists: PTAs work closely with PTs, providing updates on patient progress, discussing any challenges encountered during therapy sessions, and adjusting treatment plans as necessary based on patient responses.
• With Other Healthcare Professionals: PTAs also interact with nurses, occupational therapists, and other members of the healthcare team. This communication ensures that all aspects of a patient’s care are coordinated and that any changes in health status are addressed promptly.

Typical Physical Therapist Assistant Schedule

A PTA plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation and treatment of patients, and their workday is structured to maximize patient care. The specific schedule of a PTA can vary widely based on factors such as the healthcare setting, patient needs, and institutional policies.

Overview of a Typical Workday

• A typical workday for a PTA in an outpatient clinic might start around 8:00 AM and end around 5:00 PM, aligning with standard business hours to accommodate most patients’ schedules. However, in hospital settings or residential care facilities, the shifts can vary more significantly, potentially including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, or even overnight shifts to provide continuous care.
• PTAs are usually entitled to breaks throughout their day, including short rest breaks and a longer meal period. The specific timing and duration of these breaks can depend on the length of their shift and the regulations of the state or facility. For example, a PTA working an 8-hour day might have two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute to 1-hour lunch break.

There are several factors that can influence the daily schedule of a PTA. For instance, patients requiring more intensive rehabilitation efforts might necessitate longer session times, thereby impacting the overall schedule. Different settings can lead to different types of schedules.

For example, PTAs in outpatient clinics may have more predictable Monday through Friday schedules, while those in hospitals might work in shifts, including nights and weekends. Moreover, in addition to patient care, PTAs may have administrative responsibilities, such as documentation and patient scheduling, which can also influence their daily routine.

Examples of different work settings and their impact on the schedule

• Hospitals: PTAs in hospital settings may work in shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage. This could mean early mornings, late nights, or weekend shifts. The variety of patients (acute, post-surgical, chronic conditions) in hospitals means PTAs need to be adaptable and ready for a wide range of therapeutic interventions.
• Outpatient Clinics: These PTAs typically have more regular weekday schedules, focusing on patients who come in for specific appointment times. The predictable nature of this setting allows for a more consistent daily routine, but it can become busy with back-to-back appointments.
• Nursing Homes and Long-term Care Facilities: PTAs in these settings may have schedules that align more closely with the facility’s operational hours, possibly including weekends. The focus here is on improving patients’ quality of life and functional abilities over the long term, which might mean working with the same patients regularly.
• Home Health: For PTAs in home health settings, the schedule can be quite variable, with travel time between patients’ homes factoring into the day. This setting offers a high degree of flexibility but requires careful planning to accommodate the geographical spread of patients.

Traditional Work Environments for PTAs

PTAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private physical therapy practices, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, long-term care facilities, and more. Their work requires flexibility, physical stamina, and strong interpersonal skills to effectively assist patients and communicate with other healthcare providers. While PTs and PTAs work closely together, their roles and responsibilities distinctly differ:

• Physical Therapists (PTs) are responsible for diagnosing physical dysfunction, creating treatment plans, and overseeing the overall care of the patient. They perform evaluations and set goals for the patient’s progress.
• Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) primarily execute specific components of care as directed by the PT. They perform therapeutic interventions and report back on the patient’s progress.

PTAs do not diagnose conditions, alter treatment plans, or act independently of the PT. Their role is supportive and integrative, focusing on delivering the therapeutic interventions designed by the PT.

Where Can PTAs Work? Unique Job Settings for Physical Therapist Assistants

1. Schools and Educational Settings

Do you enjoy working with kids or teenagers? PTAs can work with children in schools to address physical disabilities, improve mobility, and assist with therapy plans. Some of these children might have special needs or developmental delays. Others could be injured during gym class and require specialized care. In addition, PTAs might educate sports teams on how they can prevent injuries.

This probably goes without saying, but PTAs in educational settings often experience great job satisfaction as they help children achieve physical milestones.

2. Sports and Athletic Facilities

Physical therapy and sports go hand in hand. In this environment, PTAs help athletes with injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance improvement. It’s also important for these PTAs to promote a healthy lifestyle at sports and athletic facilities.

If you’re interested in this area of physical therapy, you can explore opportunities to work with professional sports teams, college athletics, fitness centers, and more.

3. Home Health Care

There are many PTAs who make house calls and provide therapy within a patient’s home. This is largely for people who cannot travel to a clinic. In this setting, you will likely enjoy more flexibility and one-on-one patient care. There is also a greater amount of independence and responsibility. Keep in mind that you may be responsible for your own transportation to and from each patient’s residence.

In these types of settings, you might have patients who are elderly or pediatric. Others require therapy for developmental disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Additionally, you might encounter group homes, residential facilities, and even some hospice locations.

4. Industrial or Corporate Settings

This one might surprise you, but PTAs can work in industrial or corporate settings. They play an important role in workplace wellness programs and industrial ergonomics. On the job, PTAs assist employees with injury prevention and improving workplace health.

Plus, PTAs may help design ergonomic workspaces or lead injury prevention workshops.

5. Rehabilitation Centers for Veterans

Veteran rehabilitation centers provide veterans with treatment in supportive environments. They focus on effective and meaningful recovery for as many individuals as possible. Typically, these centers offer a specialized approach that accounts for the experiences and challenges of post-military life.

PTAs often work with veterans who are recovering from injuries or surgeries. They usually develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment while supporting those who have served their country.

6. Travel Physical Therapy

If you are a PTA who likes to travel, you might want to consider assignments as a traveling PTA! There has been a growing demand in the last few years for PTAs who work short-term assignments in various locations, such as rural areas, seasonal facilities, and more. In this role, you’re likely to find more adventure and flexibility than other PTA settings.

Additionally, you might find work in a variety of specialties. These can include areas such as orthopedics, outpatient care, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, etc. Many Travel PTAs can also enjoy benefits like housing stipends or incidental pay for other costs you accrue.

7. Research and Development in Rehabilitation Equipment

This is another setting that might surprise you, but PTAs assist in developing, testing, and training other people on new rehabilitation equipment or technologies. They contribute their hands-on expertise to innovate patient care tools as well.

Essentially, PTAs are needed to assist with research. They help recruit study subjects, collect data, and analyze results. If you’re willing to take the initiative, there are a number of research opportunities you can explore as a PTA.

Benefits of Exploring Unique PTA Job Settings

If you try a variety of job settings, you are more likely to find the right fit. PTAs who do this can tailor their careers to align with their individual passions and skills. Other advantages of non-traditional PTA roles may include greater job fulfillment, more diverse opportunities, and a degree of job mobility.

The rewards of being a PTA are profound, extending beyond the professional sphere into the personal satisfaction of making a tangible difference in people’s lives. The impact of this work is seen in the improved mobility, reduced pain, and enhanced quality of life of your patients, underscoring the value and fulfillment inherent in this career path.

(Click here to learn more about top PTA jobs.)

How to Choose the Right PTA Job Setting for You

When it comes to your job, it’s vital that you choose the right environment for you. We recommend that you start by ensuring your personal goals and interests are met. Try our following tips as you explore your options:

• Assess your strengths and preferences (e.g., fast-paced vs. one-on-one care).
• Consider work-life balance, location, and required certifications.
• Research unique opportunities through networking, job boards, or professional associations.

Why Choose Unitek College for Your PTA Career?

At Unitek College, you can enroll in a Physical Therapist Assistant program that acts as a gateway to diverse career opportunities. Our curriculum includes in-class instruction and hands-on experience in labs and clinical settings, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the demands of this dynamic profession.

Why Choose Our Physical Therapist Assistant Program?

• Comprehensive Training: With a blend of classroom instruction and practical learning, our program covers 69 credit hours, including 680 hours of clinical practice.
• Accelerated Path: Earn your associate degree in as little as 20 months, setting you on a fast track to professional success.
• Focused Curriculum: Dive into essential subjects that prepare you for a diverse range of responsibilities in the field.

Start Your Rewarding Journey as a PTA

Throughout this article, we have explored the multifaceted role of PTAs in the healthcare industry, shedding light on the unique and fulfilling career opportunities available to PTAs. These professionals have the flexibility to work in various settings, from schools to sports facilities and research labs.

PTAs provide patients and PTs with indispensable support. They are pivotal in facilitating patient recovery, offering compassionate care, and ensuring the effective implementation of treatment plans. The contributions of PTAs significantly enhance patient outcomes, emphasizing the critical role they play within the healthcare team.

For those inspired by the possibility of contributing positively to individuals’ health and well-being, considering a career as a PTA offers a rewarding and impactful opportunity. Unitek College offers a comprehensive Physical Therapist Assistant program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to excel in this vital healthcare role.

Change your life, today!