| Aspect | Core 3 Physical Therapy | Physical Therapist Assistant |
|---|
| Credentials | Licensed Physical Therapist (DPT or similar) | Licensed PTA with associate degree |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers | Rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics |
| Job Role | Develops treatment plans, assesses patients, supervises PTAs | Assists in implementing treatment plans, patient care under supervision |
Core 3 Physical Therapy professionals are licensed physical therapists responsible for creating treatment plans and overseeing patient care, while Physical Therapist Assistants support these plans by assisting with patient treatments under supervision. Both roles are essential in rehabilitation settings, but they differ in credentials, responsibilities, and scope of practice.