O*NET-SOC 31-2021.00

Physical Therapist Assistants

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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3

Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.Core2008
Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.Core21192
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.Core15247
Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.Core21193
Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.Core2013
Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.Core2009
Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.Core15248
Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.Core2016
Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.Core2018
Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.Core15249
Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.Core2012
Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.Core2015
Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.Core2017
Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.Supplemental2022
Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.Supplemental2020
Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.Core2019
Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.Core15250
Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.Core2014
Perform postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations or teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.Core2023
Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.Core2021
Perform therapeutic wound care.Supplemental21194

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 30 examples in 12 categories, 8 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Medical software

Arena Health Systems Phys-X
Beaver Creek Software The THERAPIST
BioEx Systems Exercise Pro
Client caseload management software
Eazy Application Systems QuickEMR
eClinicalWorks EHR softwareHot Technology
Knees Software PT DocTools
Laboratory information system LIS
Medical condition coding software
PhysioTools Tools RG
Rehab Documentation Company ReDoc Suite
SpectraSoft DocuPRO
Summit Software CarePoint
TherAssist

Billing and invoicing software

Billing software

Accounting software

Bookkeeping software

Data base user interface and query software

dBASE
FileMaker Pro
Microsoft AccessHot Technology

Electronic mail software

Email software
Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Office suite software

Microsoft Office softwareHot Technology

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Operating system software

Microsoft WindowsHot Technology

Word processing software

Microsoft WordHot Technology

Calendar and scheduling software

Scheduling software
SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO

Action games

Video game software
Virtual reality game software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitor medical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Attend educational events to update medical knowledge.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Performing General Physical Activities

Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Move patients to or from treatment areas.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Prepare patient treatment areas for use.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

Document client health or progress.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Prepare medical reports or documents.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Record patient medical histories.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Confer with other professionals to plan patient care.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Communicate patient status to other health practitioners.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Assisting and Caring for Others

Administer therapy treatments to patients using hands or physical treatment aids.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Fit patients for assistive devices.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Assist patients with daily activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Adjust positions of patients on beds or tables.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Developing and Building Teams

Encourage patients during therapeutic activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Training and Teaching Others

Teach medical procedures to healthcare personnel.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Engage patients in exercises or activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Performing Administrative Activities

Perform clerical work in medical settings.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Monitoring and Controlling Resources

Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 26

Distinct tools0

Level mix

No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.