Physical Therapist Assistant and Physical Therapist Aide: Career Information

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) perform a variety of tasks under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. Physical therapist aides, sometimes called physical therapy aides, help make therapy sessions productive. They are supervised by physical therapists or physical therapist assistants.

Physical therapist assistants held about 60,000 jobs in 2008, while physical therapist aides held approximately 46,000 jobs.

To work as a PTA in many states one must complete an accredited physical therapist assistant program where he or she earns an associate 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.

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Some states require licensure or registration in order for a physical therapist assistant to practice. Physical Therapist Aides aren't licensed.

The job outlook for physical therapist assistants and physical therapist aides is excellent with projections of faster than average job growth, as compared to other occupations, through 2018. In addition, PT assistant and PT Aide are considered by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to be two of the fastest growing occupations that require post-secondary training or an associate degree, or on-the-job training, respectively.

Physical therapist assistants earned a median annual salary of $48,290 and median hourly wages of $22.22 in 2009. Physical therapist aides earned a median annual salary of $23,890 and median hourly wages of $11.49.

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

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

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm (visited April 20, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Physical Therapist Assistants, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/31-2021.00 (visited December 6, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Physical Therapist Aides, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/31-2022.00 (visited December 6, 2010).

Should You Become a Physical Therapist Assistant? Take a Quiz to Find Out.

Should You Become a Physical Therapy Aide? Take a Quiz to Find Out.