What does a physical therapist assistant do?
BLS says physical therapist assistants and aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, that assistants “are involved in the direct care of patients,” and that aides often have tasks indirectly related to patient care.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
BLS’s handbook page covers both jobs. It states: “Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.” It also states: “Physical therapist aides often have tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients, and doing clerical duties.”
Physical therapist assistants
Under “Physical therapist assistants typically do the following:”, BLS lists:
- Observe patients before, during, and after therapy, noting the patient’s status and reporting it to a physical therapist
- Help patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care
- Treat patients using a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching
- Use devices and equipment, such as walkers, to help patients
- Educate patients and family members about what to do after treatment
BLS states: “Under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants treat patients through exercise, massage, gait and balance training, and other therapeutic interventions.” On credentials: “All states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed or certified.”
Physical therapist aides (a separate job)
Under “Physical therapist aides typically do the following:”, BLS lists:
- Clean treatment areas and set up therapy equipment
- Wash linens
- Help patients move to or from a therapy area
- Do clerical tasks, such as answering phones and scheduling patients
BLS states: “Physical therapist aides are supervised by physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. The tasks that physical therapist aides are allowed to do vary by state.” And: “States do not require physical therapist aides to be licensed.”
Important qualities BLS lists
BLS writes these for assistants and aides together, except where it names one; the wording is kept as published.
- Compassion. “Physical therapist assistants and aides should enjoy helping people. They work with people who are in pain and must have empathy to help their patients.”
- Detail oriented. “Physical therapist assistants and aides should be organized, keep accurate records, and follow written and verbal instructions carefully to ensure quality care.”
- Dexterity. “Physical therapist assistants should be comfortable using their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. Aides should also be comfortable working with their hands to set up equipment and prepare treatment areas.”
- Interpersonal skills. “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.”
- Physical stamina. “Physical therapist assistants and aides are frequently on their feet and moving as they work with their patients. They must often kneel, stoop, bend, and stand for long periods.”
Quoted from the What They Do and How to Become One sections of the BLS Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides handbook page, checked November 10, 2026. On that date, the page showed “Last modified date: August 27, 2026”. State and area data on that page are not copied here.