Physical Therapist Assistant (ASPTA)

Physical Therapist Assistants support physical therapists in providing treatments that relieve pain, increase mobility, and help patients overcome disabilities. Physical Therapist Assistants work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist when administering treatment. Patients requiring physical therapy include persons with arthritis, lower back pain, and people with debilitating conditions such as cerebral palsy. Patients who have been in auto accidents, or who have suffered injuries as the result of athletic activity often require therapeutic services. Patients who have suffered heart attacks or strokes may need physical therapy as part of their recovery.

Duties and Responsibilities of Physical Therapist Assistants may include:

1. Perform manual therapeutic exercises, massage, and other relevant modality treatments.
2. Use traction equipment when treating neck and back pain.
3. Instruct patients in the use of supportive devices such as slings and splints.
4. Measure and fit patients for orthopedic prostheses and supportive devices like crutches.
5. Assist and motivate patients during exercise routines.
6. Measure patients' range of motion and vital signs to determine a proper course of treatment.
7. Evaluate patients during treatments and report progress to physical therapist.
8. Treat respiratory conditions through deep breathing techniques.
9. Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and positioning them as necessary
10. Perform clerical duties, such as ordering supplies and filling out forms.

Physical Therapist Assistants are direct care providers, and must work well with patients. They must be able to communicate effectively with patients during treatment, as well as provide emotional support and motivation. Physical Therapist Assistants need manual dexterity to provide certain treatments, such as therapeutic massage. They must be active listeners and learners, able to comply with public health regulations designed to maintain patient health and safety. Critical thinking, deductive reasoning, sensitivity to patients’ needs, effective oral and written communication skills, and the ability to follow precise instructions are all important skills for the success of Physical Therapist Assistants.

Total Credits: 73

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Herzing College has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). Candidacy is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program is progressing toward accreditation.