We surveyed 1,363 physical therapist assistants to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical physical therapist assistant. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a physical therapist assistant?
Low
High
Working as a physical therapist assistant typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a physical therapist assistant?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a physical therapist assistant typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a physical therapist assistant?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a physical therapist assistant. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for physical therapist assistants.
Do physical therapist assistants work full-time or part-time?
54% of physical therapist assistants work in full-time roles while 47% work part-time.
Is being a physical therapist assistant stressful?
Low
High
Physical therapist assistants tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a physical therapist assistant?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a physical therapist assistant.
How competitive is the workplace for physical therapist assistants?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for physical therapist assistants.
Does being a physical therapist assistant require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for physical therapist assistants.
Are physical therapist assistants allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Physical therapist assistants are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do physical therapist assistants have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Physical therapist assistants tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a physical therapist assistant physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a physical therapist assistant may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.
Are physical therapist assistants exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Physical therapist assistants tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a physical therapist assistant require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a physical therapist assistant.
Does being a good physical therapist assistant require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as a physical therapist assistant.