Physical therapist assistants
SOC Code: 31-2021Also known as:
Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA), Home Care Physical Therapy Assistant, Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant, Home Health Physical Therapy Assistant (Home Health PTA), Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)
Median Annual Salary
$65,510
+22.0% growth (2024-2034)
20K
Openings/Year
112K
Current Jobs
What Physical therapist assistants 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.
💰 Salary
$65,510
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+22.0%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
20K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
111,500
Projected Employment (2034)
136,000
Related Careers
Respiratory therapists
$80,450 •
+12.1% growth
Psychiatric technicians
$42,590 •
+20.0% growth
Occupational therapy assistants
$68,340 •
+19.2% growth
Occupational therapy aides
$37,370 •
+2.5% growth
Physical therapist aides
$34,520 •
+2.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Monitoring
Social Perceptiveness
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
- Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
- Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
- Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Physical therapist assistants
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a physical therapist assistants:
Physical Therapy Assistant
5,633 degrees awarded •
365 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Physical therapist assistants
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become physical therapist assistants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make?
The median annual salary for physical therapist assistants is $65,510.
What education do physical therapist assistants need?
Most physical therapist assistants positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Physical Therapy Assistant.
Is becoming physical therapist assistants a good career choice?
Physical therapist assistants is projected to see +22.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 19,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for physical therapist assistants?
Top colleges for aspiring physical therapist assistants include
Mid-America Technology Center, Stanbridge University, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Arkansas State University, Whatcom Community College.
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 assistants?
Physical therapist assistants may also be known as: Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA), Home Care Physical Therapy Assistant, Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant, Home Health Physical Therapy Assistant (Home Health PTA), Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA), Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, Nursing Facility PTA (Nursing Facility Physical Therapy Assistant), Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant, Per Diem Physical Therapist Assistant (Per Diem PTA), Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), Physiotherapy Assistant, Rehabilitation Assistant (Rehab Assistant).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.