Job responsibilities between physical therapists and physical therapist assistants?

Question

What else can a physical therapist do that a PTA can not, besides initial evals and sign off on D/C's?

What would make someone want to go from PTA to PT?

Answer 1

General career info:  http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'physical therapists', 'physical therapist assistants' or such.

Answer 2

Generally, PTAs are restricted from performing techniques that require signficant critical thinking such as manipulations, wound debridement, etc.  In the McKenzie method, PTAs are not allowed to take the advanced problem solving courses unless they are working in a clinic supervised by a PT who is credentialed in that method.  State regulations probably also play an important role. In some states, PTAs cannot work in a clinic unless there is a PT onsite at all times.  Some PTAs cannot do home health visits.  Many insurance companies are now also refusing to pay for treatments done by PTAs and will only pay for treatments done by PTs. These are just a few example.