Selected Geography: Florida

Standard Occupational(SOC) Code: 312021
Standard Occupational(SOC) Title: Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

Wages for Year 2010
Entry Average Experienced
$39,075.08$53,789.93$61,147.86

Occupational Projections
2017 Projected
Employment
Annual
Growth Rate
Annual
Total Openings
4,8003.67%180

Skills Description
Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Time ManagementManaging one's own time and the time of others.
InstructingTeaching others how to do something.
WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Knowledge Description
Therapy and CounselingKnowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education and TrainingKnowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Medicine and DentistryKnowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.


Experience Definition
Overall ExperiencePrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
EducationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Related Occupations
Athletic Trainers
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Physical Therapists
Recreational Therapists
Social and Human Service Assistants


Source: Agency for Workforce Innovation - Labor Market Statistics
Occupational Informational Network(O*Net v7.0)