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 a associate's degree (accredited pta program), with a median salary of $64,080 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$64,080/yr
Typical range
$47,700 to $87,830
Job growth
26%
Openings / yr
19,700
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
- Dentist$170,910 median
- Pharmacist$132,750 median
- Nurse Practitioner$126,260 median
- Physician Assistant$126,010 median
- Health Services Administrator$110,680 median
- Physical Therapist$99,710 median
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023, projections 2022-2032) and O*NET. National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.