Physical Therapy Assistant

Explore This Path

Help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life through therapy.
Support physical therapists in crafting and executing effective treatment plans.
Engage in a hands-on role that combines healthcare and personal interaction.

💰 Earn $62K-$95K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 25.4% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

20,800 Annually

Median Earnings

$79,630 in California

$64,080 Nationally

$25K

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Physical Therapy Assistant? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@janaejasmine

@ranasamone

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Relating with or serving others
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Service Orientation
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Physical Therapy Assistant

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years