Physical therapist aides
SOC Code: 31-2022Also known as:
Outpatient Aide, Outpatient Therapy Aide, Physical Therapist Aide (PTA), Physical Therapy Aide (PTA), Physiotherapy Aide
Median Annual Salary
$34,520
+2.8% growth (2024-2034)
7K
Openings/Year
46K
Current Jobs
What Physical therapist aides Do
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
💰 Salary
$34,520
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.8%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
7K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
45,600
Projected Employment (2034)
46,900
Related Careers
Psychiatric technicians
$42,590 •
+20.0% growth
Psychiatric aides
$41,590 •
-0.4% growth
Occupational therapy assistants
$68,340 •
+19.2% growth
Occupational therapy aides
$37,370 •
+2.5% growth
Physical therapist assistants
$65,510 •
+22.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Monitoring
Service Orientation
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
- Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
- Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
- Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
- Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
- Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Physical therapist aides
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a physical therapist aides:
Rehabilitation Aide
158 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Physical Therapy Technician/Aide
20 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Physical therapist aides
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become physical therapist aides.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tulsa Technology Center | Tulsa, OK | 51 | B |
| 2 | Moore Norman Technology Center | Norman, OK | 32 | B |
| 3 | Cowley County Community College | Arkansas City, KS | 12 | C+ |
| 4 | Gordon Cooper Technology Center | Shawnee, OK | 6 | C+ |
| 5 | Southwest Technology Center | Altus, OK | 4 | C+ |
| 6 | Central Technology Center | Drumright, OK | 1 | C+ |
| 7 | The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston | Houston, TX | 28 | C |
| 8 | Southern California Health Institute | North Hollywood, CA | 20 | C |
| 9 | Carrington College-Mesa | Mesa, AZ | 13 | C |
| 10 | Carrington College-Tucson | Tucson, AZ | 8 | C |
| 11 | High Plains Technology Center | Woodward, OK | 3 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist aides make?
The median annual salary for physical therapist aides is $34,520.
What education do physical therapist aides need?
Most physical therapist aides positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Rehabilitation Aide, Physical Therapy Technician/Aide.
Is becoming physical therapist aides a good career choice?
Physical therapist aides is projected to see +2.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 6,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for physical therapist aides?
Top colleges for aspiring physical therapist aides include
Tulsa Technology Center, Moore Norman Technology Center, Cowley County Community College, Gordon Cooper Technology Center, Southwest Technology Center.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to physical therapist aides?
Physical therapist aides may also be known as: Outpatient Aide, Outpatient Therapy Aide, Physical Therapist Aide (PTA), Physical Therapy Aide (PTA), Physiotherapy Aide, PT Attendant (Physical Therapy Attendant), PT Tech (Physical Therapist Technician), PT Tech (Physical Therapy Technician), Rehabilitation Aide, Rehabilitation Attendant, Rehabilitation Technician (Rehabilitation Tech), Rehabilitation Therapy Aide, Restorative Aide (RA), Therapy Aide.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.