They work under the guidance of a physical therapist and help patients recover from injuries, or illnesses. They also help patients manage their pain. The skills needed to work in this field include, being able to think critically, follow directions well, have good communications skills, be intelligent, flexible, and compassionate. These are mainly soft skills that a person has to possess, and they’re not learned skills. PTA’s review the physical therapists plan for the patient, perform therapeutic exercises, messages, and other techniques on a patient, and report back to the physical therapist on the patient’s response to certain treatments or techniques. Annually, PTA’s earn up to fifty-eight thousand five hundred dollars. The work environment probably has its ups and downs, from being crazy to relaxed. The work environment also depends on the worker’s relationships with coworkers and patients as with any other job. In order to obtain a certificate or degree in this field you need to go through at least one year of schooling. Just as with nursing and possibly medical assisting the future looks bright within this