What Does a Staff Physical Therapy Assistant Do?

A staff physical therapy assistant's role is to provide treatments while under the supervision and directives of a physical therapist. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around assisting patients and therapists, documenting all treatment processes, providing care advice to patients and their families, and monitoring a patient's progress, alerting the physician should there be any concerns or unusual behavior. Furthermore, a staff physical therapy assistant may perform clerical duties such as gathering patient information, managing schedules, arranging appointments, answering calls and inquiries, and maintaining records.

Take a few minutes to create or upgrade your resume. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Staff Physical Therapy Assistant resume.

Staff Physical Therapy Assistant Responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real staff physical therapy assistant resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

Perform ultrasound massage on patients and effectively manage pain level of patient using heat therapy.
Train patients on the use of braces, canes, crutches, walkers and prosthetic/orthotic devices.
Provide outpatient physical therapy rehabilitation services to patients with orthopedic, post-surgical problems, chronic pain issues.
Teach patients how to use and care for wheelchairs, walkers, braces and artificial limbs.
Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches or wheelchairs.
Provide treatments such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hot/cold packs, infrare, UVR, tens and traction.
Monitor exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction, and ultrasound.
Support therapists with the rehabilitation of patients through the demonstration and assistance of various exercises and therapeutic activities.
Prepare cervical and lumbar hot and cold packs per treatment plan.
Attend family meeting and deliver ADL training to the family members and the patients.
Work closely with OT and case management in the process of ordering necessary equipment for a patient's home.
Treat patients in a sub-acute setting with CVA, central cord syndrome, balance deficiencies, and total joint replacements.
Instruct, motivate and assist patient in the use of assistant and supportive devices such as crutches, canes and prostheses.
Participate in the helping patients adapt to the use of wheelchairs, braces, canes, walker, and orthotic devices.
Treat patients using cryotherapy and thermotherapy.

Staff Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description

Between the years 2018 and 2028, staff physical therapy assistant jobs are expected to undergo a growth rate described as "much faster than average" at 26%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So if the thought "should I become a staff physical therapy assistant?" Has crossed your mind, maybe you should take the growth rate into account. In addition, the number of staff physical therapy assistant opportunities that are projected to become available by 2028 is 38,000.

On average, the staff physical therapy assistant annual salary is $51,881 per year, which translates to $24.94 an hour. Generally speaking, staff physical therapy assistants earn anywhere from $37,000 to $71,000 a year, which means that the top-earning staff physical therapy assistants make $56,000 more than the ones at the lower end of the spectrum.

As is the case with most jobs, it takes work to become a staff physical therapy assistant. Sometimes people change their minds about their career after working in the profession. That's why we looked into some other professions that might help you find your next opportunity. These professions include a rehabilitation aide, rehab technician, certified occupational therapy assistant, and physical therapy technician.

Learn More About Staff Physical Therapy Assistant Job Descriptions

Find Better Talent in Less Time

Post a Job on Zippia and take the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.

Staff Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs You Might Like

12 Staff Physical Therapy Assistant Resume Examples

Build a professional staff physical therapy 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 staff physical therapy assistant resume.


Gerald Carter Staff Physical Therapy Assistant Contact Information New York, NY (540) 555-4179 gcarter@example.com Skills Direct Supervision Communication Disorders Facility PTA Psychosocial Assessments Electrical Stimulation Wheel Chair Informal Assessments CPR MBS Employment History Staff Physical Therapy Assistant 2020 - Present Premier Therapy New York, NY Assisted/Instructed patients with exercise Provided modalities (Ultrasound, Electrical Stimulation, Ice packs, Hot Packs, etc.) Provide therapy services and education to residents at the assisted living facility. Lead patient care conferences to insure goal status per insurance reimbursement and home safety. Therapy Aide 2016 - 2020 Tender Touch Rehab Services Elizabeth, NJ Perform chart audits weekly and report findings to the Rehab Supervisor . Assist in home care needs of clients including personal care, transfers, medication monitoring and transportation. Care for patients by changing bed linens, washing and ironing laundry, cleaning, or assisting with their personal care. Perform first aid and CPR according to the demands of adverse situations. Student Clinician 2015 - 2016 Cranston High School East Providence, RI Monitored and recorded patient progress in response to therapy and treatment plans. Interpreted information from assessments to establish goals and treatment plans for IEPs. Education Master's Degree Physical Therapy 2014 - 2015 Johnson & Wales University Providence, RI Bachelor's Degree Kinesiology 2011 - 2014 Johnson & Wales University Providence, RI


Ruth Cox Staff Physical Therapy Assistant Contact Info Washington, DC (710) 555-3847 rcox@example.com Skills Treatment PlansCommunication DisordersPTAFunctional ActivitiesElectrical StimulationEvaluation ResultsInformal AssessmentsDirect SupervisionAcute CareCPR Employment History Staff Physical Therapy Assistant 2020 - Present Physical Therapy Central Washington, DC Provide hands-on patient care under the supervision of a therapist. Physical Therapy Technician 2017 - 2020 Physical Therapy Central New York, NY Communicated with the PTA Program Director and Clinical Coordinator of Onondaga Community College. Treated patients with ultrasound, electrical stimulation and heat / ice packs. Experience with direct patient care in all departments of the hospital. Student Clinician 2008 - 2017 KEAN UNIV Union, NJ Assessed and treated children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder & articulation disorders as well as adults with expressive aphasia. Provided therapy for children and adults with articulation disorders, language disorders, aphasia and apraxia of speech. Provided therapy to clients with aphasia, articulation disorders, expressive/receptive language delay, and accent reduction. Devised treatment plans, manufactured daily progress notes, and provided extensive semester summaries for each client. Provided speech and language services at the Kean University Center for Communication Disorders. Education Master's Degree Physical Therapy 2007 - 2008 University of South Florida Tampa, FL Bachelor's Degree Health Sciences And Services 2004 - 2007 University of South Florida Tampa, FL


Kathryn Turner Staff Physical Therapy Assistant Minot, ND (320) 555-7732 kturner@example.com Experience Staff Physical Therapy Assistant2018 - Present Trinity Hospital Holding Company•Minot, ND Educated and informed patient's family regarding home care and rehab. Assisted with patient care under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist/Physical Therapist Assistant. Rehab Aide2016 - 2018 Trinity Hospital Holding Company•Minot, ND Assisted physical therapist as needed in patient care: performing ultrasounds and other treatment modalities, exercise plans, aqua therapy. Assisted RN with wound debridement and procedures as needed. Assist clinic staff and be responsible for day-to-day facility management. Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant2014 - 2016 VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE REHAB SERV•Minot, ND See Alamo Heights Nursing and Rehab Deliver exceptional patient care and customer service while maintaining a high level of productivity. Contract rehab company where I worked at Leisure Years Nursing Home (Now named Owensboro Place). Increased safety and independence for patients to safely discharge from the facility into the community. Bed making, bed baths, care for incompetent residents, ect CERTIFICARE:CPR, AMAP Twin City Hospital --Dennison, OH CNO: Joyce Schrickel RN Med/Surg nurse. Skills Office SuppliesAlzheimerDirect SupervisionHealthcarePatient CareUltrasoundPTATreatment PlansDaily ActivitiesCold Packs Education Associate's Degree Physical Therapy2012 - 2014 Boston University•Boston, MA

Create My Resume

Build a professional resume in minutes using this template.

Staff Physical Therapy Assistant Skills and Personality Traits

We calculated that 27% of Staff Physical Therapy Assistants are proficient in Patients, Rehabilitation, and CPR. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Physical stamina, and Compassion.

We break down the percentage of Staff Physical Therapy Assistants that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Patients, 27%
Assessed patients' functional mobility and provided instructions for proper body mechanics to reduce probability of injury and increase independence.
Rehabilitation, 14%
Provided treatments to 12-16 patients/day including administering Physical Therapist approved treatment and therapeutic exercise programs, specializing in post-op rehabilitation.
CPR, 12%
Completed Dementia training, Oasis training, and CPR certified.
Home Health, 10%
Provide skilled therapeutic services for a medically diverse home health patient population.
Customer Service, 4%
Delivered awesome customer service to residents, family, and administration.
Acute Care, 4%
Participated patients in wound-care treatment and helped patients in an acute care regional hospital

Choose From 10+ Customizable Staff Physical Therapy Assistant Resume templates

Build a professional Staff Physical Therapy Assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Staff Physical Therapy Assistant resume.

"patients," "rehabilitation," and "cpr" aren't the only skills we found staff physical therapy assistants list on their resumes. In fact, there's a whole list of staff physical therapy assistant responsibilities that we found, including:

The most important skills for a staff physical therapy assistant to have in this position are dexterity. In this excerpt that we gathered from a staff physical therapy assistant resume, you'll understand why: "physical therapist assistants should be comfortable using their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises" According to resumes we found, dexterity can be used by a staff physical therapy assistant in order to "time management proficiency excellent customer service knowledgeable in therapy procedures skilled with hands"

Another trait important for fulfilling staff physical therapy assistant duties is physical stamina. According to a staff physical therapy assistant resume, "physical therapist assistants and aides are frequently on their feet and moving as they work with their patients." Here's an example of how staff physical therapy assistants are able to utilize physical stamina: "administered all physical therapy treatments under the supervision of a physical therapist. "

Compassion is also an important skill for staff physical therapy assistants to have. This example of how staff physical therapy assistants use this skill comes from a staff physical therapy assistant resume, "physical therapist assistants and aides should enjoy helping people" Read this excerpt from a resume to understand how vital it is to their everyday roles and responsibilities, "assisted physical therapist to reach patient goals maintained good patient treatment with consistent compassionate care"

In order for certain staff physical therapy assistant responsibilities to be completed, the job requires the skill "detail oriented." According to a staff physical therapy assistant resume, "like other healthcare professionals, physical therapist assistants and aides should be organized and have a keen eye for detail" As an example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies: "assisted physical therapist with rehabilitative treatment of residents facilitated residents with walking and mobility maintained detailed records of patient treatments"

As part of the staff physical therapy assistant description, you might find that one of the skills that might be helpful to the job is "interpersonal skills." A staff physical therapy assistant resume included this snippet: "physical therapist assistants and aides spend much of their time interacting with patients, their families, and other healthcare practitioners; therefore, they should be courteous and friendly." This skill could be useful in this scenario: "used superior interpersonal skills to provide direct patient care to geriatric population. "

See the full list of staff physical therapy assistant skills.

After discovering the most helpful skills, we moved onto what kind of education might be helpful in becoming a staff physical therapy assistant. We found that 36.8% of staff physical therapy assistants have graduated with a bachelor's degree and 4.0% of people in this position have earned their master's degrees. While some staff physical therapy assistants have a college degree, you may find it's also true that generally it's possible to be successful in this career with only a high school degree. In fact, our research shows that one out of every four staff physical therapy assistants were not college graduates.

The staff physical therapy assistants who went onto college to earn a more in-depth education generally studied physical therapy and medical assisting services, while a small population of staff physical therapy assistants studied kinesiology and biology.

Once you're ready to become a staff physical therapy assistant, you should explore the companies that typically hire staff physical therapy assistants. According to staff physical therapy assistant resumes that we searched through, staff physical therapy assistants are hired the most by Aegis Therapies, Trilogy Health Services, and MAS Medical Staffing. Currently, Aegis Therapies has 128 staff physical therapy assistant job openings, while there are 103 at Trilogy Health Services and 95 at MAS Medical Staffing.

But if you're interested in companies where you might earn a high salary, staff physical therapy assistants tend to earn the biggest salaries at University of California, Berkeley, Massachusetts General Hospital, and University of Maryland Medical System. Take University of California, Berkeley for example. The median staff physical therapy assistant salary is $81,556. At Massachusetts General Hospital, staff physical therapy assistants earn an average of $69,253, while the average at University of Maryland Medical System is $67,746. You should take into consideration how difficult it might be to secure a job with one of these companies.

View more details on staff physical therapy assistant salaries across the United States.

Some other companies you might be interested in as a staff physical therapy assistant include Physiotherapy Associates, PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATES, INC., and Encompass Health. These three companies were found to hire the most staff physical therapy assistants from the top 100 U.S. educational institutions.

The three companies that hire the most prestigious staff physical therapy assistants are:

Aegis Therapies128 Staff Physical Therapy Assistants Jobs
Trilogy Health Services103 Staff Physical Therapy Assistants Jobs
MAS Medical Staffing95 Staff Physical Therapy Assistants Jobs

Build a professional resume in minutes.

Our AI resume builder helps you write a compelling and relevant resume for the jobs you want. See 10+ resume templates and create your resume here.

Don't Have A Professional Resume?

What Rehabilitation Aides Do

A rehabilitation aide is responsible for assisting patients with injuries, mental disorders, and illnesses in their treatment plans and medications. Rehabilitation aides monitor the patients' progress and update attending physicians regarding their conditions. They also prepare treatment rooms, including the materials and equipment for the medical procedures, and discuss the process with the patients. A rehabilitation aide must be highly organizational, especially in attending to different patients' needs and ensuring the safety and security of all facilities and assets.

In this section, we compare the average staff physical therapy assistant annual salary with that of a rehabilitation aide. Typically, rehabilitation aides earn a $23,597 lower salary than staff physical therapy assistants earn annually.

While their salaries may differ, one common ground between staff physical therapy assistants and rehabilitation aides are a few of the skills required in each craft. In both careers, employees bring forth skills like patients, rehabilitation, and cpr.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. A staff physical therapy assistant responsibility is more likely to require skills like "customer service," "acute care," "physical therapy," and "treatment programs." Whereas a rehabilitation aide requires skills like "cleanliness," "data entry," "occupational therapy," and "restraints." Just by understanding these different skills you can see how different these careers are.

Rehabilitation aides really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $29,100. Whereas staff physical therapy assistants tend to make the most money in the health care industry with an average salary of $50,971.

On average, rehabilitation aides reach similar levels of education than staff physical therapy assistants. Rehabilitation aides are 0.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

What Are The Duties Of a Rehab Technician?

A rehab technician's role is to assist physical therapists and patients in a hospital or similar facility. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around gathering a patient's personal information and medical history, escorting them to corresponding rooms, and conducting initial tests and assessments. It is also essential to maintain records of all transactions, updating medical accounts promptly and accurately. Furthermore, a rehab technician may also perform basic treatments under the supervision of a physical therapist. There are also instances when they have to sanitize and clean therapy equipment, all in adherence to the facility's safety regulations and policies.

The next role we're going to look at is the rehab technician profession. Typically, this position earns a lower pay. In fact, they earn a $23,376 lower salary than staff physical therapy assistants per year.

While the salary may be different for these job positions, there is one similarity and that's a few of the skills needed to perform certain duties. We used info from lots of resumes to find that both staff physical therapy assistants and rehab technicians are known to have skills such as "patients," "rehabilitation," and "cpr. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences that are worth noting. For example, staff physical therapy assistant responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "treatment programs," "restore function," "pathogens," and "crutches." Meanwhile, a rehab technician might be skilled in areas such as "cleanliness," "taking care," "therapy sessions," and "occupational therapy." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Rehab technicians may earn a lower salary than staff physical therapy assistants, but rehab technicians earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $29,851. On the other side of things, staff physical therapy assistants receive higher paychecks in the health care industry where they earn an average of $50,971.

On the topic of education, rehab technicians earn similar levels of education than staff physical therapy assistants. In general, they're 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

How a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Compares

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants are professionals who work with licensed occupational therapists in providing therapy to patients. This therapy is usually related to the physical or mobility challenges of a patient. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients retain their skills, improve on their challenges, and eventually recover. They record the patient's progress after every therapy session. They may also help out in creating treatment plans for the patient. Since they spend a lot of time with patients, their inputs and recommendations are valuable in crafting and adjusting the treatment plan.

The certified occupational therapy assistant profession generally makes a lower amount of money when compared to the average salary of staff physical therapy assistants. The difference in salaries is certified occupational therapy assistants making $1,009 lower than staff physical therapy assistants.

While looking through the resumes of several staff physical therapy assistants and certified occupational therapy assistants we discovered that both professions have similar skills. These similarities include skills such as "patients," "rehabilitation," and "home health," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers as shown by resumes from each profession. Some of those differences include the skills required to complete responsibilities within each role. As an example of this, a staff physical therapy assistant is likely to be skilled in "cpr," "customer service," "restore function," and "traction," while a typical certified occupational therapy assistant is skilled in "patient care," "occupational therapy," "occupational therapy treatments," and "adaptive equipment."

Interestingly enough, certified occupational therapy assistants earn the most pay in the education industry, where they command an average salary of $51,821. As mentioned previously, staff physical therapy assistants highest annual salary comes from the health care industry with an average salary of $50,971.

Certified occupational therapy assistants are known to earn similar educational levels when compared to staff physical therapy assistants. Additionally, they're 2.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Description Of a Physical Therapy Technician

A physical therapy technician supports both the physical therapists and their physical therapy assistants in planning and implementing patient care. You are expected to perform varied duties and responsibilities that include responding to patients' requests for assistance, assisting with patient preparation before treatment, and maintaining the equipment used by the physical therapist during treatment sessions. In addition, you will be responsible for maintaining patient satisfaction and patient confidentiality. A physical therapy technician will also perform some administrative tasks such as overseeing inventory and scheduling appointments and treatments.

Physical therapy technicians tend to earn a lower pay than staff physical therapy assistants by about $16,720 per year.

While both staff physical therapy assistants and physical therapy technicians complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like patients, rehabilitation, and cpr, the two careers also vary in other skills.

While some skills are shared by these professions, there are some differences to note. "home health," "acute care," "physical therapy," and "treatment programs" are skills that have shown up on staff physical therapy assistants resumes. Additionally, physical therapy technician uses skills like patient care, occupational therapy, treatment rooms, and front desk on their resumes.

Now, let's take a closer look at the financials in each career. The health care industry tends to pay more for physical therapy technicians with an average of $32,442. While the highest staff physical therapy assistant annual salary comes from the health care industry.

Physical therapy technicians reach similar levels of education when compared to staff physical therapy assistants. The difference is that they're 0.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree more, and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Updated October 2, 2020