Search Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Jobs

Looking for physical therapist assistant opportunities? Utilize the job search above to find an assignment that matches your requirements. If you don't find the right fit now, you can always submit an application to be notified of upcoming opportunities.

Whether you're already a PTA or exploring this rewarding career path, it’s wise to understand the role’s responsibilities, compensation, and long-term outlook before applying.

What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant Do?

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) works under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) to help patients recover mobility, relieve pain, and restore function. Typical responsibilities include:

• Guiding patients through prescribed exercises, stretches, and therapeutic modalities
• Monitoring patients’ responses and progress, and reporting observations to the supervising PT
• Using assistive devices (e.g. walkers, canes, resistance bands) in therapy sessions
• Applying manual therapy techniques (massage, mobilization) and educating patients on home exercises
• Documenting treatment sessions, updating patient records, and helping to maintain equipment
• Educating patients and caregivers on safety, injury prevention, and therapeutic follow-ups

Because PTAs deal directly with patients and follow detailed care plans, strong communication skills, empathy, and attention to detail are essential.

PTA Job Outlook & Employment Trends

The demand for physical therapist assistants is strong and projected growth of jobs is robust. Employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is expected to increase 16% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Some sources forecast even higher growth, around 19% over a similar period.

On average, there are about 26,400 job openings per year for PTAs and aides, many driven by retirements and turnover. This growth is fueled by an aging population, increased prevalence of chronic conditions, and a shift toward value-based care, making preventive and rehabilitative services more in demand.

Physical Therapist Assistant Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PTA salaries range from around $46K to $87K per year, and the median salary for PTAs is currently approximately $65K per year. It is important to note that actual wages can vary significantly by facility type, location, experience, and specialization. Because salary ranges are influenced by your state, cost of living, and employer size, it’s helpful to look up local data when applying for physical therapist assistant jobs in your area.

Here are examples from different work settings:*

• Home health care services ~$79,000
• Nursing care (skilled nursing) facilities ~$76,110
• Hospitals (state, local, private) ~$66,300
• Offices of physicians ~$62,170
• Outpatient clinics ~$61,620

* These figures are estimates from BLS or related sources and reflect mean or median wages in those industries.

PTA Education, Licensing & Certification Requirements

Initial Requirements

Most states require completion of an associate’s degree from an accredited PTA program. Coursework often includes anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, therapeutic modalities, and clinical practicum experiences. All states that license PTAs require passing a national or state exam (such as the National Physical Therapy Exam – PTA section) and adhering to state-specific regulations, which may include background checks or jurisprudence exams.

Ongoing Requirements

To maintain licensure, many states require continuing education hours. Additional certifications—such as CPR, Basic Life Support (BLS), First Aid, or specialty certifications—are common and sometimes mandatory depending on your employer or state.

Clinical Experience

Accredited programs generally include hands-on clinical rotations where students apply their skills under supervision in diverse settings (outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehab centers).

Why Choose a Career as a PTA?

Choosing physical therapist assistant jobs offers several advantages:

• High demand & job security: Rapid growth in the field means many opportunities.
• Meaningful patient interaction: PTAs help individuals regain mobility, independence, and quality of life.
• Flexibility of settings: Work environments can include hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, rehab centers, schools, and sports/athletic facilities.
• Lower education barrier: Compared to physical therapists (who require a doctoral degree), PTAs typically need a 2-year associate degree.
• Career advancement paths: Some PTAs move into supervisory roles, clinical specialties, education, or clinic management.

However, there may be challenges to consider:

• Physical demands: Lifting, bending, standing for long periods.
• Reimbursement pressures: Insurance policies and reimbursement rules may limit certain PTA services.
• Mobility: Geographic flexibility may be required to reach areas with higher demand or pay.
• Upskilling needed: Staying current with new techniques, modalities, or specialty certifications is often necessary.

If you would like more information about physical therapist assistant jobs or are ready get started, Preferred can help. Apply today and get connected with the right assignment for you.