Physical Therapy Assistant job description.
A physical therapy assistant works under the direction of a licensed physical therapist to deliver hands-on rehabilitative care to patients recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions. They implement treatment plans, guide therapeutic exercises, and monitor patient progress in clinics, hospitals, or home-health settings. The role requires current licensure, strong interpersonal skills, and the physical stamina to assist patients with mobility and exercise routines throughout the day.
The Physical Therapy Assistant job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 9 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Physical Therapy Assistant Reports to: Physical Therapist
A physical therapy assistant works under the direction of a licensed physical therapist to deliver hands-on rehabilitative care to patients recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions. They implement treatment plans, guide therapeutic exercises, and monitor patient progress in clinics, hospitals, or home-health settings. The role requires current licensure, strong interpersonal skills, and the physical stamina to assist patients with mobility and exercise routines throughout the day.
- Implement treatment plans established by the supervising physical therapist
- Guide patients through therapeutic exercises, stretches, and mobility routines
- Apply modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation as directed
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
9 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
5 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
6 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Physical Therapist
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Implement treatment plans established by the supervising physical therapist
- Guide patients through therapeutic exercises, stretches, and mobility routines
- Apply modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation as directed
- Monitor and document patient progress, response to treatment, and any concerns
- Assist patients with transfers, ambulation, and use of assistive devices
- Educate patients and caregivers on home exercise programs and safety precautions
- Maintain treatment areas and equipment in clean, safe working condition
- Communicate patient status updates to the supervising therapist and care team
- Schedule and prepare for patient appointments and treatment sessions
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program
- Current licensure/certification as required by state and employer
- CPR/BLS certification
- Strong physical stamina and ability to assist with patient mobility
- Clear, compassionate communication with patients across age groups
- Experience in an outpatient, hospital, or home-health rehab setting
- Familiarity with electronic medical record (EMR) documentation systems
- Bilingual communication skills
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Physical Therapy Assistant job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Physical Therapy Assistant job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The entry band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Physical Therapist) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- Is a physical therapy assistant the same as a physical therapy aide?
- No. A PTA is licensed to provide hands-on treatment under a therapist's supervision, while an aide performs support tasks like prepping equipment and is not licensed to deliver therapy.
- Can a PTA create treatment plans independently?
- No. PTAs implement and adjust care within the plan set by the supervising physical therapist; they don't establish the initial treatment plan or diagnosis.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Physical Therapist
A Physical Therapist evaluates and treats patients with movement impairments caused by injury, illness, or disability.
Physical Therapy Aide
A Physical Therapy Aide supports physical therapists and assistants by preparing treatment areas, assisting patients with mobility, and handling clerical and clinic upkeep tasks.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
An Occupational Therapy Assistant works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients regain or improve daily living and work skills after injury, illness, or disability.
This Physical Therapy Assistant job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.