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.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 3 – Medium preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresPrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Active Listening2.A.1.b4.008/2020
Monitoring2.A.2.d3.7508/2020
Social Perceptiveness2.B.1.a3.7508/2020
Speaking2.A.1.d3.7508/2020
Active Learning2.A.2.b3.2508/2020
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a3.2508/2020

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.34.1208/2020
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.14.008/2020
Speech Clarity1.A.4.b.53.8808/2020
Speech Recognition1.A.4.b.43.8808/2020
Near Vision1.A.4.a.13.7508/2020
Problem Sensitivity1.A.1.b.33.7508/2020

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.Core6008/2020
Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.Core6008/2020
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.Core6008/2020
Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.Core6008/2020
Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.Core6008/2020

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Social6.4111/2023
Realistic4.4611/2023
Conventional3.7811/2023
Investigative3.6511/2023
Artistic1.5311/2023
Enterprising1.3511/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 3

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.