1. Would you find caring directly for patients fulfilling?

PTAs work directly with their own caseload of patients under the supervision of a physical therapist.

2. Would you like to help patients regain or improve physical function?

Typically, patients who seek physical therapy are motivated to improve and gain back their functional independence.

3. Are you interested in learning about the science of human motion and mobility?

Courses in the Physical Therapist Assistant programs include physics, biology, and kinesiology-the study of muscles and muscle movement. The science of Physical Therapy applies physical principles to human function to treat injury and disease. The use of heat, light, water, electricity, manual therapy and exercise are examples of patient interventions.

4. Would you like a health career that involves physical activity as part of the job?

The Physical Therapist assistant will provide intervention to many patients each day. Lifting, moving, and walking with patients are everyday requirements.

5. Are you interested in a career in a constantly changing and active career?

As a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), you will work with many patients each day. Each patient has individual goals and needs and the PTA helps each patient meet his or her goals.

If you have answered yes to several of these questions, this career may be right for you.