Physical Therapist Assistant Skills For Your Resume And Career

Research Summary. Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for a physical therapist assistant. We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of physical therapist assistant resumes they appeared on. For example, 26.1% of physical therapist assistant resumes contained patients as a skill. Let's find out what skills a physical therapist assistant actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace.

The most common hard skill for a physical therapist assistant is patients. 26.1% physical therapist assistants have this skill on their resume.
The second most common hard skill for a physical therapist assistant is rehabilitation appearing on 15.1% of resumes. The third most common is home health on 11.0% of resumes.
Three common soft skills for a physical therapist assistant are dexterity, compassion and detail oriented.

Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for a physical therapist assistant. We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of physical therapist assistant resumes they appeared on. For example, 26.1% of physical therapist assistant resumes contained patients as a skill. Let's find out what skills a physical therapist assistant actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace.

15 Essential Physical Therapist Assistant Skills For Your Resume And Career

1. Patients

Here's how patients is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Provided quality out-patient treatment, education and instruction and progression of therapeutic exercise programs for patients with trauma related injuries
Documented all vital signs of patients according to facility schedule and information regarding their progress and medical condition.
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant: provide treatment to orthopedic, neurological patients in a short term rehabilitation setting.
Excelled in ability to customize/adapt conventional PT techniques to meet the special needs of individualized patients.
Provided aquatic therapy for patients with a variety of diagnoses under supervision of Physical Therapists.

2. Rehabilitation

Here's how rehabilitation is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Practiced specialized post-orthopedic surgery recovery and rehabilitation.
Gained clinical experience working with post-operative patients on a daily basis, and other aspects of outpatient rehabilitation and sports therapy.
Performed physical therapy intervention and tests and measures within physical therapist s plan of care in an inpatient rehabilitation setting.
Acquired necessary training/certifications to provide aquatic therapy principles for stroke rehabilitation as determined by the physical therapist plan of care.
Provided physical therapy services in a short term rehabilitation facility to adults with orthopedic, neurological and cardiac diagnoses.

3. Home Health

Here's how home health is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Provided physical therapy to a diverse population covering a variety of medical condition in home health and assisted living facility.
Complete necessary scheduling paperwork and documentation forms for various home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities.
Worked in an upscale retirement community entailing home health atmosphere to nursing home environment.
Accompanied physical therapist assistant during home health care visits with intensive and informative documentation.
Owned/operated company which provided physical therapy services to contracted home health organization.

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4. PTA

The Parent-Teacher Association, PTA, is a formal organization made up of parents, teachers, and staff that aims to facilitate parental involvement in a school, discuss issues that affect children, organize events to raise funds for the school supplies, and supporting school efforts in general. It is also a forum for parents to gain insight and express their views on what is happening at their school.

Here's how pta is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Performed various Physical Therapy interventions under the direct supervision of a PTA clinical instructor.
Communicated with the PTA Program Director and Clinical Coordinator of Onondaga Community College.
Worked in inpatient and outpatient settings implementing, reviewing, revising and progressing treatment programs under supervision of PT or PTA.
Contract PTA in home care setting providing therapy interventions according to physical therapist plan of care as directed by the physician.
Gained extensive experience in the exercise principles of Manual Exercise Therapy (MET) and manual techniques appropriate to the PTA.

5. Physical Therapy Treatment

Here's how physical therapy treatment is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Prepared patients for physical therapy treatment by welcoming, comforting, providing and/or assisting patients into physical therapy apparel or apertures.
Delivered intensive inpatient physical therapy treatments on rehab unit, assisted with therapeutic outings, and designed/implemented a group exercise program.
Implemented and progressed individual physical therapy treatment programs with an emphasis on patient progression and providing maximum value to the facility
Implemented physical therapy treatment and conducted physician prescribed physical therapy programs for medically complex patients (children through geriatrics).
Provided physical therapy treatments to patients who have disability and assisted patients to receive their positive outcomes from physical therapy.

6. Quality Care

Here's how quality care is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Facilitated Care Plan meetings with family caregivers and other disciplines to deliver quality care to every patient.
Motivated and enthusiastic team player recognized as providing compassionate, quality care that consistently exceeds patient expectations.
Communicate consistently with physical therapists and other clinical personnel to ensure quality care of patients.
Provided quality care for residents tailored to their unique living environment.
Followed plan of care designed by physical therapist while ensuring quality care to all patients that I came in contact with.

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7. Direct Supervision

Direct supervision is a term used to indicate that a person is supervising a certain task or a certain person while being physically present or in close proximity. It refers to the presence of a person and the availability of their supervision in something if it is needed.

Here's how direct supervision is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Assumed the role of a Physical Therapist Assistant within a geriatric/sub-acute rehabilitation setting under direct supervision of a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Provided physical therapy interventions as an intern under the direct supervision of a PT in the hospital outpatient rehabilitation facility.
Worked under direct supervision of a PT in aquatics and land based therapy ensuring proper treatment and progression documentation
Assist students in individualized and small groups settings using materials and equipment under direct supervision of assigned teacher.
Performed basic occupational therapy tasks with children and geriatric population under direct supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist.

8. SNF

SNF is a kind of nursing home perceived by the Medicare and Medicaid frameworks as meeting long haul medical services needs for people who can work autonomously after a restricted time of care.

Here's how snf is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Worked closely with multiple physical therapist and interdisciplinary team members to facilitate patient healing in SNF.
Maintained approximately 25% of a caseload in a SNF with patients ranging in age from mid twenties to late nineties.
Provided patients at a SNF with ROM exercises, transfer and gait training as well as balance and bed mobility exercises.
Provided therapy to patients and residents in a SNF involving progressing patients through a treatment program specific to their needs.
Worked as both a treating therapist and rehab department manager at various SNF facilities for contracts of 13 week increments.

9. PET

Here's how pet is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

assisted in performing home evaluations, group therapy, pool therapy, pet therapy, community reintegration.
Job Title | Company | Dates From - ToPersonal Care: babysitting, housesitting, pet sitting.

10. Physical Therapy Interventions

Here's how physical therapy interventions is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Skilled nursing facility with a large pediatric wing of severely involved pediatric and young adult patients needing daily physical therapy interventions.
Provided physical therapy interventions, to a primarily geriatric population, incorporating behavior change strategies to encourage program participation.
Provided physical therapy interventions primarily for sub-acute rehab patients at this facility after being transferred from a hospital.
Perform physical therapy interventions and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the supervising Physical therapist
Performed prescribed treatment plans established by the supervising PT and evaluated residents for physical therapy intervention.

11. Physical Therapy

Here's how physical therapy is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Performed post-operative rehabilitative physical therapy for post-operative patients.
Provided skilled physical therapy services to residents of skilled nursing facility under direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Perform supervised physical therapy implementations to acute care patients with neurological, orthopedic, cardiac, and pulmonary diagnoses.
Provided educational information about physical therapy and physical therapists, injury prevention, ergonomics and ways to promote health.
Supervised Physical Therapy technicians and equipped them with information necessary to provide quality patient care for improved patient outcomes.

12. Compassion

Here's how compassion is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Experience and compassion for/with physically impaired, challenged and elderly people.
Promoted empathy and compassion with all patients and residents.
Greet patients with respect and compassion.
Carry own caseload in 1:1 sessions within a multi- and interdisciplinary team with compassion and joy.
Motivate patients with compassion and an energetic personality.

13. Direct Patient Care

Here's how direct patient care is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Involved in direct patient care utilizing manual therapy techniques and providing complementary exercises.
Included applying direct patient care, coordinating clinical services, and educating patients / caregivers regarding safety and managing chronic illnesses.
Direct patient care - Patient/family educator Carry out treatment plans as directed by treating Physical Therapist - Documenting treatment outcomes.
Provide direct patient care under the direction of a qualified Physical Therapist as ordered by the patient's physician.
Direct patient care in the following settings: Memory Care Unit, Orthopedic recovery, complications due to hospitalizations.

14. ADL

ADL is a clinical shorthand for "activities of daily living." It includes tasks such as feeding, dressing, bathing, and caring for one's self and personal hygiene.

Here's how adl is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Provided treatment that improved patient mobility while working extensively with the patients on their gait and balance and functional ADL's.
Assisted in maximizing residents quality of life with Therapy Screens to identify any decline or improvement of ADL skills.
Performed strength training, balance training, gait training, endurance training, and ADL training.
Applied PT intervention during ADL activities such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.
Provided patients with functional training and bed mobility to facilitate independence with ADL.

15. Restore Function

Restore function refers to a process of restoring function lost due to various circumstances of life.

Here's how restore function is used on physical therapist assistant resumes:

Performed skilled therapeutic interventions to help restore function.
Used treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability of patients.
Handled services that help to restore functioning, reduce pain, improve mobility and help to prevent physical disabilities.
Developed treatment plans to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability.
Assisted patients with physical movements to help restore function by increasing strength, endurance, and balance.

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The eight most common skills based on Physical Therapist Assistant resumes in 2023.

Patients, 26.1%

Rehabilitation, 15.1%

Home Health, 11.0%

PTA, 7.5%

Physical Therapy Treatment, 4.6%

Quality Care, 3.7%

Direct Supervision, 3.1%

Other Skills, 28.9%

skills are in demand

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List Of Skills To Add To Your Physical Therapist Assistant Resume

According to recent trends, the most relevant physical therapist assistant Resume Keywords for your resume are:

Patients

Rehabilitation

Home Health

PTA

Physical Therapy Treatment

Quality Care

Direct Supervision

SNF

PET

Physical Therapy Interventions

Physical Therapy

Compassion

Direct Patient Care

ADL

Restore Function

Outpatient Clinic

Ultrasound

Patient Education

Traction

Gait Training

Treatment Programs

Senior Care

Patient Safety

Crutches

Discharge Planning

Patient Treatment

Acute Care

Therapy Management

Body Mechanics

Functional Mobility

Electrical Stimulation

Therapeutic Interventions

Bed Mobility

Orthotics

Vital Signs

Assistive Devices

CVA

Injury Prevention

Family Education

Therapeutic Modalities

Optima

POC

Walkers

Patient Evaluations

ROM

Pain Management

Cold Packs

Chronic Pain

Real Examples Of Physical Therapist Assistant Resumes That Use These Skills

Build a professional physical therapist assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 12+ resume templates to create your physical therapist assistant resume.


Christopher Burns Physical Therapist Assistant Contact Information Austin, TX (930) 555-1987 cburns@example.com Skills CPR Treatment Plans Health Care Cryotherapy Self Care Game Coverage Sports Medicine PTA Rehab Osha Employment History Physical Therapist Assistant 2020 - Present RehabCare Group East Austin, TX Full time PTA in long term care facility Modalities utilized: E-Stim, Ultrasound, cryotherapy, moist heat Manage the rehab department at a SNF/LTC and provide physical therapy services under the direction of a physical therapist. Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant 2019 - 2020 RehabCare Group East Austin, TX Assisted the Director of Rehab with improving communication between therapy and nursing. Floated to various long term care/subacute rehab facilities Certified Athletic Trainer 2013 - 2019 U B Foundation Activities Amherst, NY Created an excellent work environment for students to become acquainted with Sports Medicine. Aided William McLaughlin, ATC, in providing first aid and emergency care for the Gloucester City Christmas Wrestling Tournament. Worked as part of a sports medicine team. Assisted coverage with the following teams: Field Hockey, Women's and Men's Soccer, and Volleyball. Coordinated athletes' medical, Orthopedic, MRI, and X-ray appointments with with Loyola Sports Medicine Providers. Education Bachelor's Degree Physical Therapy 2010 - 2013 Daemen College Amherst, NY


Joan Palmer Physical Therapist Assistant Contact Info Wyncote, PA (610) 555-7701 jpalmer@example.com Skills Back PainFacilityPTAPer DiemIndividual PatientsOutcome MeasuresRehabROMTreatment PlansCopd Employment History Physical Therapist Assistant 2020 - Present Genesis HealthCare Wyncote, PA Participated and routinely performed communication with head physical therapists reguarding patient care. Ordered equipment for use in department, and patient use in facility. Provided physical therapy treatments to rehab and long term care patients. Participated in facility and department meetings. Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant 2019 - 2020 Genesis HealthCare Wyncote, PA Support the Physical Therapist in carrying out patient treatment plans Daily patient documentation on Rehab Optima using I pad. Trained in OTAGO balance exercises Participated in wound care rounds Participated in WC census of facility for 1 year Instructed, motivated, and assisted clients to improve their health and mobility at an assisted and independent care facility. Presented at Interdisciplinary Team meetings regarding patient care. Student Physical Therapist 2016 - 2019 Genesis HealthCare Wyncote, PA Screen, evaluate, tx, and supervise COTA in AL, IL, and SNF. Mentor new OTR/L, COTA/L and students in patient care, documentation, and hand on treatment approaches. Execute treatment plans set up for each individual on my case load as set by myself and our Occupational therapist. Education Doctoral Degree Physical Therapy 2013 - 2016 University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Master's Degree Kinesiology 2012 - 2013 Texas State University San Marcos, TX Bachelor's Degree Kinesiology 2009 - 2012 Texas State University San Marcos, TX


Janice Gardner Physical Therapist Assistant Philadelphia, PA jgardner@example.com (640) 555-3700 Experience Physical Therapist Assistant 2018 - Present USDAPhiladelphia, PA Program Director for St. Ann's Nursing Home - Supervisor to 4 employees in long term care facility modified patient care as needed . Participated in Patient Care Planning with staff and patient families. Scheduled multidisciplinary rehab treatments/Assisted with billing and clerical support. Provided physical therapy services for short term rehab patients. Provide interventions including gait and transfer training, strengthening, and balance training under the supervision of a Physical Therapist Assistant Staff Physical Therapy Assistant 2016 - 2018 NovaCare RehabilitationPhiladelphia, PA Prepared patients for physical therapy treatment by welcoming, escorting and assisting the patients into therapy treatment areas. Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant 2014 - 2016 USDAPhiladelphia, PA Provided care in an acute hospital setting (400+ bed facility), outpatient sports medicine clinics and aquatic therapy. Certified Mentor of PTA students. Direct patient care for long-term, short-term and outpatient rehabilitation. Skills CPR Patient Care Patient Therapy Rehab Acute Care Direct Supervision PTA Restore Function Electrical Stimulation Outpatient Facility Education Associate's Degree Physical Therapy 2012 - 2014 University of the SciencesPhiladelphia, PA

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Online Courses For Physical Therapist Assistants

One of the best ways to acquire the skills needed to be a physical therapist assistant is to take an online course. We've identified some online courses from Udemy and Coursera that will help you advance in your career. Since physical therapist assistants benefit from having skills like patients, rehabilitation, and home health, we found courses that will help you improve these skills.

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Updated December 12, 2022