The Physical Therapy Assistant actually has the job of fulfilling the objectives laid out by the physical therapist.
The physical therapist does an evaluation of the patient and lays out a program to get the person from point A to point B. The physical therapy assistant then has the patient perform various tasks laid out in the program.
So as a physical therapy assistant you have various roles to perform. Obviously you must interact well with people. You will also be teaching your patient how to move in various ways. You will also be explaining various aspects of the program laid out by the physical therapist.
You also must evaluate the progress of the patient as well as ascertain the ease with which the patient is performing the various aspects of the program.
Any problems to patient is having must be brought to the attention of the physical therapist. So you will be reporting the progress of the patient through the program laid out by the physical therapist.
The physical therapy assistant may also have various administrative duties as well. This could be anything from dealing with forms from a health care provider to ordering supplies that you will need to carry out your duties.
So some of the attributes that a physical therapy assistant should have are as follows.
A good interaction with people, a people person.
The ability to teach and tutor various individuals.
Good problem solving skills
Good observation skills
Excellent communications skills
If the above list fits you then the physical therapy assistant would be a great career choice!
Below is a video laying out the various duties taught in one of the physical therapy assistant programs available. It gives a decent explanation of what is expected of a physical therapy assistant.