Physical Therapist Assistant A physical therapist assistant, or PTA, is someone who works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Since they are involved in the direct care of the patients, they observe them before therapy as well as during the therapy, instructing and helping the patients with specific exercises such as stretches and other therapy techniques. After the treatment, the PTA then records the patient’s response to the therapy and reports the results back to the physical therapist (Bureau). There are a variety of settings a physical therapist assistant can work in. 72% of all PTA’s work in hospitals or privately owned physical therapy practices (“Physical”). Others work in home health, schools, and rehab units. The vast majority of PTA’s work full time and the therapy offices have hours that best match the personal schedules of the patients’. PTA’s are likely to encounter occupational musculoskeletal injuries during their career. The most common is with the upper and lower parts of the back due to strenuous activity (“Bureau”). In order to apply for a physical therapist assistant position you must be graduated with an associate’s degree from an accredited physical therapy program and be licensed. Licensure for a physical therapist assistant normally requires the passing of the Physical National Physical Therapy Exam (“Physical”). Some states require additional state-administered exams as well as taking continuing education courses. But in others this is not necessary. Some important qualities of a physical therapist assistant consist of being detail oriented, having dexterity, compassion, physical stamina, and interpersonal skills. A physical therapist assistant usually works morning shifts around 8:00am until 5:00pm. As of May in 2010, the median pay of a physical therapist assistant was $49,690 (Bureau). For physical therapist