Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $100 CAD credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored Jobs posted directly on Indeed are 40% more likely to report a hire than non-sponsored jobs**
  • Visibility for hard-to-fill roles through branding and urgently hiring
  • Instantly source candidates through matching to expedite your hiring
  • Access skilled candidates to cut down on mismatched hires

Physical Therapist Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
7 min read

A Physical Therapist Assistant, or Physiotherapy Assistant, assists Physical Therapists by providing physical therapy treatments to patients. Their duties can include assisting with assessment functions, recording patient progress, and assessing equipment suitability for patients.

Physical Therapist Assistant duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a Physical Therapist Assistant have a wide range. A Physical Therapist Assistant’s day-to-day tasks can vary greatly, from booking appointments and following up with patients, to evaluating the effectiveness of a treatment plan. Some principal duties and responsibilities include:

  • Assisting during the assessment of patients with the Physical Therapist
  • Carrying out treatment programs under the direction of the Physical Therapist
  • Developing materials for use with patients, such as exercise handouts
  • Preparing equipment for patient use, such as mobility aids, wheelchairs, and exercise equipment
  • Documenting observations and patient progress

Hire your next Physical Therapist Assistant today.

Post a job

Hire your next Physical Therapist Assistant today.

Post a job
Close

Physical Therapist Assistant Job Description Examples:

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Create a culture of innovation
Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
Get the guide

What does a Physical Therapist Assistant do?

A Physical Therapist Assistant plays a vital role in the physical rehabilitation of patients with injury or disability. Working closely with a Physical Therapist, the Assistant works to maximize the patient’s ability to manage daily activities independently. Within the treatment plan, they help the patient with strength training, stretching, and other activities and exercises to help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

This role can be found in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, extended care centers, rehabilitation centers, educational institutions, and private practice.

Physical Therapist Assistant skills and qualifications

A Physical Therapist Assistant needs to develop multifaceted skills. Clear verbal communication, as well as active listening, are essential to the patient experience. Problem-solving and critical thinking are required throughout the treatment, as necessary adjustments must be recognized and accounted for. Some top skills include:

  • Knowledge of physical therapy treatments, such as traction, thermotherapy, and hydrotherapy
  • Strong computer skills that include web-based software, word processing, and patient documentation programs
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, as working within a team and with other professions is often required
  • Observation and assessment skills
  • Ability to communicate with a wide range of patients
  • Genuine desire to help others

Physical Therapist Assistant experience requirements

A well-rounded Physical Therapist Assistant candidate will have experience with a diverse group of patients, including children and the elderly. Working with Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists will provide hands-on experience of working with various types of physical injuries and disabilities. A strong foundation in different treatment protocols, including electrotherapeutic techniques, will be an asset for a Physical Therapist Assistant candidate.

Physical Therapist Assistant education and training requirements

A Physical Therapist Assistant candidate in Canada is required to complete specific training. There are two available options. They must complete a two to three-year college program in physical rehabilitation. Or there is a two-year Physical Therapist Assistant program that can be completed followed by supervised practical training. Practical hands-on experience is subsequent to the educational requirements in Canada.

Physical Therapist Assistant salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Physical Therapist Assistant in Canada is $42,700 per year. This can vary depending on factors such as experience, education, location, and the hiring company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Physical Therapist Assistant job description sample isn’t quite what you are looking for, other job description samples include:

Create a culture of innovation
Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
Get the guide

Physical Therapist Assistant job description FAQs

Two chefs, one wearing a red headband, review a laptop and take notes at a wooden table in a kitchen setting.

Hire your next Physical Therapist Assistant today

Post a job

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found