Physical Therapy Assistant
Provide a helping hand
As a physical therapy assistant, you’ll be a crucial part of a patient’s treatment and recovery. Physical therapy assistants offer patients instruction and motivation as they progress through a treatment plan. By working with the physical therapy team, you’ll keep your patients safe and on the path to wellness.
The Perks
Physical therapy assistants help with tasks such as measuring a patient’s range of motion and engaging patients with their exercises. You can expect to work consistent hours, enjoy job security, and be able to work in a variety of settings and locations.
42700
Jobs
42,700 physical therapy assistants are estimated to be needed by 2026.
82%
Satisfaction
A survey of physical therapy assistants found that they reported an 82% job satisfaction.
$55250
Salary
The median average annual salary of a physical therapy assistant.
Jane Smith
Physical Therapy Assistant
As a physical therapy assistant, you get to work with patients one on one and see them achieve their goals. You truly make a difference in their lives.
What Do I Need?
If you have the following qualities, you’re in an excellent position to becoming a physical therapy assistant.
Associate's Degree or other Two-Year Degree
Associate’s Degree or other Two-Year Degree
Ability to Communicate Well
Physical therapy assistants need to be able to clearly lay out a recovery plan and explain exercises.
Physical Stamina
Daily tasks often require physical strength, dexterity and the ability to stand for long periods of time.
Active Listening Skills
In addition to communicating well, physical therapy assistants need to be able to listen to a patient’s concerns and questions.
Observation Skills
You’ll need to be aware of your patient, their injury and symptoms in order to offer the best treatment plan.
Empathy
Physical therapy assistants need to be able to show care and concern for their patients, especially in their pain and frustrations.
Associate's Degree or other Two-Year Degree
Almost all employers in need of physical therapy assistants require an associate’s or another two-year degree.
Ability to Communicate Well
Physical therapy assistants need to be able to clearly lay out a recovery plan and explain exercises.
Physical Stamina
Daily tasks often require physical strength, dexterity and the ability to stand for long periods of time.
Active Listening Skills
In addition to communicating well, physical therapy assistants need to be able to listen to a patient’s concerns and questions.
Observation Skills
You’ll need to be aware of your patient, their injury and symptoms in order to offer the best treatment plan.
Empathy
Physical therapy assistants need to be able to show care and concern for their patients, especially in their pain and frustrations.
Your Resources
Physical Therapist Assistant, Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
BJC HealthCare Careers
SSM Health Careers
Missouri 4-H: Scrub-in to a Health Career
Family Workforce Centers of America
EXPLORE Healthcare with Centene
