Physical Therapist Assistant

Your Fit

Income

$66K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

26.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist to help patients recover from injuries or illnesses, improving their movement and managing pain. PTAs are involved in the direct care of patients, implementing specific treatment plans designed to alleviate physical challenges.

Sample job titles:

Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA), Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA), Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Physical Therapist Assistant.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Physical Therapist Assistant earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$58K per year	$66K per year	$77K per year	$88K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $16K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Physical Therapist Assistant do?

Work environment

PTAs typically work in settings like hospitals, private physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, or sports facilities. They may have regular business hours but can also work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients' schedules.

Quick task list

Assists patients with exercises and movements prescribed in treatment plans.
Observes and reports patients' progress to the supervising physical therapist.
Educates patients and families about treatments and exercises to do at home.
Prepares and maintains therapy equipment and treatment areas.
Assists with patient mobility and transfer.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Orthopedics: Focusing on injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Geriatrics: Specializing in physical therapy for aging patients.
Pediatrics: Working with children and adolescents to address developmental and congenital issues.
Neurology: Assisting patients with neurological disorders like stroke or Parkinson's disease.
Sports Physical Therapy: Providing care for sports-related injuries and performance enhancement.

Description

Physical Therapist Assistants play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process, working closely with physical therapists to provide care that helps patients improve mobility and reduce pain. Their work is hands-on, often involving exercises, stretches, and other physical activities with patients. PTAs need to have a strong understanding of physical therapy practices and the ability to execute treatment plans effectively.

The profession requires good interpersonal skills, as PTAs frequently interact with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. They must be compassionate and patient, providing encouragement and support to patients working through physical challenges. Being detail-oriented and observant is also essential, as they need to accurately track and report patient progress.

As a PTA, one has the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' quality of life. The role can be physically demanding but offers the satisfaction of seeing patients progress and regain functionality. The field also offers various opportunities for specialization, allowing PTAs to focus on areas that align with their interests.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Directly contributing to patient recovery and improved quality of life.
Working closely with a team of healthcare professionals.
Opportunities for specialization and continuous learning in the field.

You might make a good Physical Therapist Assistant if you are...

Interested in helping others improve their physical health.
Compassionate and patient, with excellent communication skills.
Physically fit, as the job requires demonstrating and assisting with exercises.
Detail-oriented, capable of following and implementing specific treatment plans.
Eager to work in a collaborative healthcare environment.

Pros:

High demand for PTAs in various healthcare settings.
Rewarding work with visible patient progress.
Opportunities for specialization and professional growth.

Cons:

Physically demanding, with potential for long hours on your feet.
Emotional challenges in dealing with patients facing severe physical limitations.
Some settings may require evening or weekend work hours.

How to become a Physical Therapist Assistant

Typical education

Becoming a PTA generally requires an associate's degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program, which typically takes about two years to complete. Additionally, PTAs must pass a state-administered national exam to obtain licensure.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and anatomy to understand the human body.
Health and physical education to learn about physical fitness and wellness.
Psychology to gain insight into patient care and support.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in sports or fitness activities.
Volunteering at healthcare facilities or community centers.
Joining clubs related to health sciences or medicine.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program.
Gain practical experience through internships or part-time work in physical therapy settings.
Prepare for and pass the national licensure examination for PTAs.

More resources

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) - Provides resources, education, and advocacy information for physical therapy professionals.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) - Information on accredited PTA programs.
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) - Offers the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs and resources for licensure.
Physical Therapist Assistant Education - A resource for prospective PTA students, including program information and career guidance.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Detailed information about PTA responsibilities, skills, and education requirements.

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