How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
Work under the direction of physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injury or illness. It typically requires an associate's degree (accredited pta program), with a median salary of $68,380 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$68,380/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
19,800
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Patient Care
- Anatomy
- Documentation
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- NPTE-PTA (National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs)
- State Licensure
- BLS Certification
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
5/100
Work-life balance
65/100
Stress level
40/100
Satisfaction
74/100
Related careers
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- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistant make?
The median pay for a Physical Therapist Assistant is $68,380 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant?
The usual entry point is an associate's degree (accredited pta program). Common majors are Physical Therapist Assisting, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences.
Is Physical Therapist Assistant a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 19,800 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Physical Therapist Assistant use most?
Common skills for this role are Therapeutic Exercise, Patient Care, Anatomy, Documentation, and Communication.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.