P hysical Therapy Assistant
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.
T he 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.
42,700
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.
55,250
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.
W hat 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
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.
Y our Resources
Are you ready to begin an exciting career? Check out a few resources and pathways you can take to becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant!
Physical Therapist Assistant, Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
This program prepares you to assist physical therapists in providing therapy services to a variety of patients. This often includes helping patients perform exercises in order to increase strength and mobility and enabling patients to perform everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs and dressing.
BJC HealthCare Careers
Are you determined to provide excellent care with your talent, ambition, skills, and experience? Join the team at BJC HealthCare. Positions are available for nurses, CNAs, medical assistants, customer support representatives, and other health care professionals.
SSM Health Careers
SSM Health is one of the largest integrated health care delivery systems in the nation, with over 40,000 employees in four states. Nurses, medical assistants, CNAs and other health care professionals can find excellent employment opportunities at the SSM Health Careers website.
Missouri 4-H: Scrub-in to a Health Career
Week-long, low-cost summer camp for those aged 15-17. Spend time exploring different health careers through hands-on experiences and opportunities at the University Hospital. Learn what it takes to be a doctor, nurse, physical therapist, dentist, pharmacist and more. University of Missouri Extension Program
Family Workforce Centers of America
12-week training program that empowers students to combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training to advance to better careers in the science/biotechnology industries. Assists underemployed and unemployed Saint Louis region residents to gain career track employment and earn livable wages.
EXPLORE Healthcare with Centene
EXPLORE is a free Career Immersion Program for St. Louis high school students of color which connects students to industry leaders at SSM Health.This program might be a fit for students who enjoy working with people, medicine, laboratory research, or computers, equipments and machines.
Healthcare Industry Training and Education – HITE
The HITE program provides eligible low-income individuals the opportunity to receive training for a career in the healthcare industry. Training is available for nursing, technician, secretarial, and a wide range of other positions.
