| Rehab Intern | Physical Therapy Assistant |
|---|
| Typically a student or recent graduate gaining experience | Licensed healthcare professional providing therapy services |
| Requires enrollment in a related program, no license needed | Requires licensure or certification |
| Work environment includes clinics, hospitals, rehab centers | Works directly with patients under PT supervision |
| Limited responsibilities, mainly assisting and observing | Performs patient treatments, exercises, and progress documentation |
Rehab Interns are usually students gaining practical experience, while Physical Therapy Assistants are licensed professionals providing direct patient care. The main differences lie in certification requirements, responsibilities, and level of independence in treatment delivery.