The Physical Therapist Assistant is a skilled clinician who assists the registered Physical Therapist in hospitals, clinics, fitness centers, home care settings and other health service agencies with the rehabilitation of patients disabled by illness, accident or congenital handicaps. Employing knowledge of the patient's condition, the assistant will administer physical agents to alleviate presenting symptoms in the form of heat, cold, light, sound, electricity and/or water.

Following initial evaluation by a supervising physical therapist who designs a plan of care, the assistant will also be involved in administering therapeutic exercises such as coordination activities for a child with cerebral palsy, strengthening exercises following low back surgery, as well as functional training and ambulation activities that include the use of artificial limbs, braces, and other assistive devices such as crutches or walkers. PT Assistants must obtain a license to practice in the state of Florida.

Students interested in the field of physical therapist assisting should have a background in the sciences (biology, etc.), desire an active, progressive occupation, interact well with a variety of people/cultures and have a general interest in the prevention of disease and the maintenance/restoration of the quality of life.