Physical Therapist Assistant and Physical Therapist Aide: Career Information

Job Description of Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Aides: Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) perform a variety of tasks under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. Physical therapist aides, under the supervision of a physical therapist or a physical therapist aide, help make therapy sessions productive.

Employment Facts for Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Aides: Physical therapist assistants held about 59,000 jobs in 2004, while physical therapist aides held approximately 43,000 jobs.

Education Requirements for PT Assistants and PT Aides: To work as a PTA in most states one must complete an accredited physical therapist assistant program where he or she earns an associates degree. PTAs are required to have Certification in CPR and other first aid, and clinical experience.

Physical Therapy Aides must have a high school diploma. Most employers provide on-the-job training.

Other Requirements for PT Assistants and PT Aides: Some states require licensure or registration in order for the physical therapist assistant to practice. Physical Therapist Aides aren't licensed.

Job Outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Aides: Employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow much faster than the average through the year 2014. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that physical therapist aide will be the third fastest growing occupation for which a degree isn't required.

Earnings of Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Aides: Median annual earnings of physical therapist assistants were $37,890 in 2004. Median annual earnings of physical therapist aides were $21,380 in 2004.

Use the Salary Calculator at Salary.com to find out how much physical therapist assistants and physical therapist aides currently earn in your city.

A Day in a Physical Therapist Assistant's Life:

On a typical day a physical therapist assistant will perform components of treatment procedures including:

• exercises;
• massages;
• electrical stimulation;
• paraffin baths;
• hot and cold packs;
• traction;
• ultrasound;

A Day in a Physical Therapist Aide's Life:

On a typical day a physical therapist aide will:

• keep the treatment area clean and organized;
• prepare for each patient’s therapy;
• help patients get to or from the treatment area;

*This is the most recent year for which this information is available.

Information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm (visited October 20, 2006).