Career Profile

Physical Therapist Assistants

Education Associate's
This is the typical education required for an entry-level position.
Earnings $73,700
This is the typical median salary earned for an entry-level position.

Physical Therapy Assistants assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures.

General Information

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.

Important Work Activities

  • Assisting and Caring for Others
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Documenting/Recording Information
  • Performing General Physical Activities
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Training Funds Available

This is a Rural Capital Area Target Occupation.
Training and education opportunities are available with eligible providers throughout the state.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Occupational Outlook

For the Rural Capital Area

46

Job Opportunities

Over the next five years, an average of 46 openings per year are projected for Physical Therapist Assistants.

+27.1%

Employment Change

Employment for Physical Therapist Assistants is forecasted to increase significantly more than the regional average by 27.1% between 2023 and 2028.

$35.44

Earnings Potential

An average worker in this occupation is paid $35.44/hour. Entry level workers are paid $24.09, while experienced workers are paid $38.55. The median wage is significantly above average regional wages across occupations.

Local Employment Opportunities

There are 199 Physical Therapist Assistants in the RCA region. By 2028 this number could reach 252.

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2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028

Top Employing Industries, Locally

The top industries employing Physical Therapist Assistants are Offices of Other Health Practitioners, General Medical and Surgical Hospitals, and Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities).

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Offices of Other Health Practitioners
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)
Home Health Care Services
Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals

Knowledge Areas

The top most significant knowledge categories for Physical Therapist Assistants include Customer and Personal Service, Therapy and Counseling, and English Language.

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Customer and Personal Service
Therapy and Counseling
English Language
Education and Training
Psychology

Educational Attainment Patterns

The most common level of education for Physical Therapist Assistants is Associate's. 100% of people employed in these roles have some form of college degree.

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HS diploma or less
Some college, no degree
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postgraduate degree
Sources: BLS   JobsEQ®   ONET