Physical Therapist Assistants

General Information

Description

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.

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Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Health Science

Job Outlook

Overall employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow 24 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 25,500 openings for physical therapist assistants and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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Salary

Average Salary

Salary

$61,180

Military salary*

$82,829

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State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

$76,940
$23,080
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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Associate's degree 84%
  • Bachelor's degree 14%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Related College Majors

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Knowledge

  • Psychology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
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