Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Physical Therapist Assistants — one of 2 occupations here: Physical Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapist Aides.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.97
Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.97
Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.96
Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.92
Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.89
Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.88
Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.86
Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.86
Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.82
Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.82
Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.79
Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.79

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Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.76
Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.73
Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.72
Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.72
Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.72
Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.71
Perform postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations or teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.64
Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.52
Perform therapeutic wound care.47

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring69
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness69
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking69
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking56
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension56
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Service Orientation56
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Writing56
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination53
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing53
Teaching others how to do something.

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Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Learning Strategies47
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Operations Monitoring44
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Systems Analysis44
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation44
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Personnel Resources41
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Quality Control Analysis41
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Science35
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Mathematics31
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Negotiation31
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Equipment Selection28
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Operation and Control28
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Troubleshooting28
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance19
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Repairing16
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service88
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Therapy and Counseling81
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
English Language80
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Education and Training73
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Psychology66
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Medicine and Dentistry63
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Computers and Electronics61
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Biology60
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Administrative49
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Public Safety and Security46
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administration and Management40
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Law and Government39
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

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Sociology and Anthropology37
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Mathematics36
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics35
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Personnel and Human Resources28
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Chemistry26
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Communications and Media24
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Economics and Accounting24
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Geography23
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sales and Marketing21
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Foreign Language20
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology20
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Mechanical18
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology12
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design9
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction8
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Production and Processing7
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Telecommunications7
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Transportation5
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology2
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Clarity72
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition72
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity69
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension69
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning56
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning56
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Selective Attention56
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Written Expression56
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Arm-Hand Steadiness53
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

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Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Static Strength53
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination50
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Trunk Strength50
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Extent Flexibility47
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Flexibility of Closure44
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Originality44
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speed of Closure38
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Stamina38
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Auditory Attention35
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Control Precision35
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Gross Body Coordination35
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Dynamic Strength31
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Equilibrium28
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Rate Control25
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time25
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation19
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Speed of Limb Movement19
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Explosive Strength16
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Assisting and Caring for Others100
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates98
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information95
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Performing General Physical Activities92
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships91
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events91
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public87
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge82
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards81
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Getting Information80
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers79
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems78
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

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Developing and Building Teams68
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Handling and Moving Objects67
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work67
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings65
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials64
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others63
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Processing Information63
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Thinking Creatively63
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People62
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Training and Teaching Others60
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization57
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Coaching and Developing Others56
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Analyzing Data or Information54
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others54
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Scheduling Work and Activities54
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies53
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others49
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment49
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others45
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Controlling Machines and Processes42
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information42
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates42
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing Administrative Activities39
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment30
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment30
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Selling or Influencing Others30
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment29
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources26
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Staffing Organizational Units14
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Cooperation88
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Dependability86
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Empathy86
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Attention to Detail81
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Social Orientation74
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Integrity72
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Optimism67
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Sincerity65
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Self-Control64
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Cautiousness59
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance57
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance50
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

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Adaptability49
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Achievement Orientation47
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Humility41
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Self-Confidence40
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative37
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Intellectual Curiosity35
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation32
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity24
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Leadership Orientation21
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Social90
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Realistic58
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional46
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative44
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic9
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising5
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others97%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day99%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)97%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day92%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day95%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important62%
- Very important38%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results69%
- Important results26%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom50%
- Some freedom47%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day61%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day35%
- Once a week or more but not every day60%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important62%
- Important17%
- Fairly important17%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important67%
- Not important at all16%

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Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom45%
- No freedom15%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious51%
- Very serious15%
- Fairly serious26%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time72%
- About half the time23%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time33%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually30%
- More than half the time35%
- Less than half the time17%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually32%
- More than half the time35%
- Less than half the time19%
- Never12%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
- Never24%
Time Pressure
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day45%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week71%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Very important45%
- Important34%
- Fairly important17%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time63%
- Less than half the time34%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week57%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important17%
- Very important36%
- Important14%
- Fairly important15%
- Not important at all18%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day34%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Never24%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility14%
- High responsibility19%
- Moderate responsibility20%
E-Mail
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Never39%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never31%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive59%
- Slightly competitive16%
- Not at all competitive20%
Public Speaking
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never50%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility51%
- Limited responsibility16%
- No responsibility26%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time76%
Spend Time Sitting
- About half the time23%
- Less than half the time77%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never37%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day20%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never65%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time70%
- Never27%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day15%
- Never82%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- 40 hours29%
- Less than 40 hours71%
Degree of Automation
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never94%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never96%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never95%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never98%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never97%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never99%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all99%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)98%
Exposed to High Places
- Never99%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Bachelor’s degree
Professional degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Medical software
eClinicalWorks EHR software, Laboratory information system LIS, Medical condition coding software, TherAssist
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
dBASE, FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access
Action games
Video game software, Virtual reality game software
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software, SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Accounting software
Bookkeeping software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Billing and invoicing software
Billing software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Engage patients in exercises or activities.
Document client health or progress.
Encourage patients during therapeutic activities.
Record patient medical histories.
Communicate patient status to other health practitioners.
Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
Prepare medical reports or documents.
Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.
Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
Confer with other professionals to plan patient care.
Administer therapy treatments to patients using hands or physical treatment aids.
Adjust positions of patients on beds or tables.

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Move patients to or from treatment areas.
Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.
Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
Monitor medical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
Prepare patient treatment areas for use.
Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
Assist patients with daily activities.
Attend educational events to update medical knowledge.
Teach medical procedures to healthcare personnel.
Fit patients for assistive devices.
Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Physical Therapist Assistant (Nof)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology