Job Description - Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Aides:
Employment Facts - Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Aides:
Education Requirements - PT Assistants and PT Aides:
Physical Therapy Aides must have a high school diploma. Most employers provide on-the-job training.
Other Requirements - PT Assistants and PT Aides:
Job Outlook - Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Aides:
Earnings - Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Aides:
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
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.

