Physical therapist assistants perform therapy procedures and related tasks selected and delegated by a supervising physical therapist. They assist the physical therapist in providing services to patients that help improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.

Treatment procedures performed by physical therapist assistants may involve exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot/cold packs, traction, and ultrasound. They also record the patient’s progress during treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist. Other duties may include some clerical tasks such as ordering depleted supplies, maintaining patient records and filling out insurance forms. The extent to which an assistant performs clerical tasks depends on the size and location of the facility.

This certificate program prepares students to enter the Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree curriculum at Greenville or Trident Technical College through an articulation agreement between the colleges.


PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
SEMESTER CURRICULUM MODEL