Career-PathGPS
← All education and training
Career

Physical Therapist Assistants

Typical education: Associate degreeLower pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

Kinds of work

  • Social: Helping, teaching, caring for and supporting other people.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $68,380 Median per year · $32.88/hr Most earn $47,750–$89,510

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
  • Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
  • Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
  • Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.
  • Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
  • Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
23% more jobs by 2035, much faster than average · about 18,500 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists43.6%
  • General medical and surgical hospitals16.3%
  • Home healthcare services12.4%
  • Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)10.5%
  • Offices of physicians5.9%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 3 to 6 months

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Associate degreeExperience before this job: 3 to 6 monthsEntry-level

Physical Therapist Assistant is a job you can usually start after an associate degree, which takes about two years of college. Many new PTAs also spend a few months in a related support job first, so the whole path is roughly two to three years after high school.

  1. Physical Therapist Aide

    3-6 months (optional)

    Aides help patients and set up equipment under a therapist's supervision, which shows you whether patient care suits you before you commit to a degree.

  2. Associate degree in physical therapist assisting

    About 2 years

    A program accredited by CAPTE teaches anatomy, treatment techniques, and clinical practice, and it is the main training route for this job.

  3. Physical Therapist Assistant

    Starts after graduation; about 3-6 months of related experience is typical

    After graduating and passing your state's licensing requirements, you carry out treatment plans set by a physical therapist and record patient progress. Most states require a license, so check your state's rules.

Where it can lead

  1. Lead Physical Therapist Assistant

    3-5 years of experience first

    You take on more responsibility, such as training new assistants, coordinating care for a team, and handling scheduling and supervision.

  2. Physical Therapist

    After several years as a PTA, plus a doctoral degree (about 3 years of study) of experience first

    Becoming a physical therapist means completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and licensing, which lets you evaluate patients and create treatment plans yourself.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take biology and anatomy or physiology if your school offers themThese classes build the body knowledge you will use every day in PTA programs.
  • Volunteer at a hospital, rehab center, or nursing homeYou will see therapy in action and learn how to work respectfully with patients who need help moving.
  • Get a first aid and CPR certificationThis is a short, low-cost certificate that shows you can stay calm and help others, which is valued in health care.
  • Join a sports team, fitness club, or health-related clubWorking with people on exercise and recovery builds teamwork and patient-facing skills.
  • Take a part-time job as a camp counselor, coach's assistant, or gym helperThese jobs build communication and encouragement skills that matter when you help patients stay motivated.

In college

  • Take anatomy, physiology, and medical terminologyThese courses are the core science background that PTA programs expect and build on.
  • Work or volunteer as a physical therapy aide or in a rehab settingHands-on time with patients strengthens your application and confirms the career is a good fit.
  • Check which local PTA programs are accredited and what they requireKnowing prerequisites early helps you plan your courses and avoid losing time.
  • Build communication and teamwork skills through a student organization or group projectPTAs explain exercises to patients and report to physical therapists, so these skills are used daily.
  • Get CPR certification and keep your grades strong in science coursesMany programs look at science grades and health certifications when deciding who to admit.

Tips for getting started

  • Look for an accredited PTA program. CAPTE accreditation is the standard to check, and it matters for passing your licensing exam.
  • Get volunteer or paid experience in a clinic, rehab center, or nursing home. Time spent around patients helps you see if you enjoy the work and makes you a stronger applicant.
  • Ask a local physical therapist or assistant for a 15-minute chat about their day. Their answers will tell you more about the job than any description.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

Related careers