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Some people will use these term interchangeably but they are not the same. A physical therapy aide is an unskilled staff member of the clinic or hospital. They may be a high school student who one day would like to become a PT or PTA. In other words, only a high school diploma is required. Their responsibilities include setting up treatments (like hot packs, getting things ready for exercises), assisting with lifting or two-person transfers, and assisting with other things under a physical therapist's (PT) or, in some states a PTAs supervision. A well-trained aide may also transport patients or lead group exercises after being deemed competent to do so.

A physical therapist assistant (PTA) has completed an intensive 2 year degree with both academic and hands on clinical experiences and has successfully passed the national licensing exam. The curriculum is not as extensive as that for a physical therapist (2 years vs. 6) and therefore a PTAs job description is not as extensive in scope. A PTA, working within the Plan of Care, can develop and implement therapeutic intervention including data collection (manual muscle testing and ROM testing), sensory testing, exercise (strengthening, increasing ROM, gait training, etc.) modalities (US adn estim, for example) and patient education. PTAs do not evaluate patients or create or change a plan of care developed by the PT. Depending on the jurisdiction, a PTA may be required to be in the direct line of sight of a PT, be in the same building or just be able to reach them by phone.

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13y ago

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