CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Physical Therapy Assistants, sometimes called PTAs, help patients improve their mobility after an injury or illness.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$46,920
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
22,827
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description
Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, outpatient clinics and sport facilities.
PTAs help patients/clients of all ages improve their mobility and perform functional activities of daily living. They assist with an array of therapies with the overall goal of promoting wellness, relieving pain and preventing or limiting physical disability.
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Responsibilities
Physical therapy assistants may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Works under the direction of the physical therapist
- Therapeutic exercise
- Transfer training
- Gait training
- Ultrasound therapy
- Massage
- Patient and family education
Physical Therapy Assistant Salary
The actual salary of the physical therapy assistant can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $46,920*
National average per hour: $22.56*
- $63,377 per year or $30.47 per hour**
- $52,624 per year or $25.30 per hour***
- $48,574 to $59,206 per year****
- $55,000 to $91,000 per year*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Physical Therapy Assistant Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a physical therapy assistant? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Great job outlook
- Make a difference in people’s lives
- Job security
- Variety of work settings
- Work with a team
- Build skills for career growth
- Regular working hours
Cons
- Physically demanding
- Emotionally demanding
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Physical Therapy Assistant?
If you are considering a career as a physical therapy assistant, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Earn an associate’s degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited program.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to become licensed.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the physical therapy assistant is in the middle of the medical career pathway and can be preceded by entry-level or other mid-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) > Physical Therapy Assistant > Physical Therapist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Associate’s degree from a CAPTE accredited program
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience gained through completion of radiation therapy program.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Compassion and empathy
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Physical stamina
- Documentation skills
- Positive and motivational nature
Physical Therapy Assistant Certifications
None
Physical Therapy Assistant Licenses
Most states require passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to become licensed.
Physical Therapy Assistant Training and Preparation
Once you have earned your associate’s degree, you will want to prepare for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) exam. This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
The exam can be very challenging and being organized and prepared will help ensure your success. Preparing for the exam can be done in many ways. You will find a variety of test preparation options available and you can choose the ones that best meet your needs. There are online review courses available and traditional classroom prep courses. Review books, study guides, practice tests and flashcards are also excellent tools to get you prepared. Many of these are available online or in your local bookstore. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) website also has useful test review information.
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