Will “Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

1.8% Chance of Automation

“Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)” will not be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #83 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 31-2021.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 56,850.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 27.00
Currently, there are 85,580 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Physical Therapist Assistants”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)”

Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.
Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.
Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
Perform postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations or teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.
Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.
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.
Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.
Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.
Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.

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Crutches
Rotating bed
Above-the-knee prosthetics
Safety gloves
Hoyer lifts
Exercise trampolines
Parallel bars
Plumb lines
Wrist splints
Patient positioning devices
Ultrasound machines
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Tablet computers
Quad canes
Gait belts
Back braces
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Swiss exercise balls
Digital cameras
Free weights
Mechanical stethoscopes
Therapeutic hot packs
Cervical traction equipment
Automated external defibrillators AED
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Cold packs
Reachers
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Stationary bicycles
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