The physical therapist assistant can work in a variety of settings. In Central Florida, PTAs work in hospitals, outpatient offices, private practices, nursing homes, home health agencies and schools. In some settings the PT does not have to be physically on site while the PTA is treating patients.

PTAs will never go away in out patient settings. They're a vital part of high volume clinics, especially independently owned clinics. Hiring only DPTs is not cost efficient and doesn't provide better treatment.

Although PTAs cannot make changes to the overall plan of care, they are trained to make treatment adjustments to accommodate a patient during a session. PTAs cannot perform selective sharp debridement in wound care management. ... Some states do allow PTAs to provide grade V high velocity low-amplitude thrust techniques.

PTAs cannot write a discharge summary, document patient evaluations or develop a care plan. The PTA is not allowed to write progress notes that will be sent to another health care professional.

In general supervision, the physical therapist is not required to be on site for direction and supervision but must be available at least by telecommunication. The ability of the physical therapist assistant to provide services shall be assessed on an ongoing basis by the supervising physical therapist.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. PTAs help people of all ages who have medical problems, or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

PTs are allowed to supervised up to 4 PTAs simultaneously, but may not supervise more than 3 of a mixed group of aides, physical therapist students, physical therapist assistant students, and/or temporary licensees. The maximum number of PTAs to be supervised is 2. A PT may not supervise more than 3 aides.

A total of 37 States have specified other PTA supervision criteria. These include: (a) setting a maximum number of PTAs that a PT can supervise at one time (33 States), and (b) establishing supervisory or reevaluation visits by PTs supervising PTAs (37 States).

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are governed by the physical therapy licensure law (practice act) in the state in which they practice, along with any rules, regulations, positions, or interpretations adopted by the state licensure board, or other applicable administrative regulations from a state ...