Physical Therapist Assistants

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (10%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (10%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 17 (81%)

• Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations or teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Perform therapeutic wound care.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about physical therapist assistants and AI