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, under the supervision of a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant, help make therapy sessions productive.

Physical therapist assistants held about 60,000 jobs in 2006, 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 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.

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

Employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow much faster than the average through the year 2016.

Median annual earnings of physical therapist assistants were $41,360 in 2006. Median annual earnings of physical therapist aides were $22,060 in 2006.

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;

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm (visited August 4, 2009).

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.