About the Profession
The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a licensed and skilled, technical healthcare worker who delivers physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist (PT).
These services may include:
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instructing patients in therapeutic exercises for strengthening, flexibility, balance/coordination, mobility, and function
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applying physical agents such as heat, cold, electricity, and traction
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communicating with the PT as the patient’s medical condition changes
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monitoring/documenting/reporting patient response to treatment
PTAs are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, and outpatient physical therapy clinics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for physical therapist assistants working in the United States was estimated to be between $37,000 - $80,000, with the mean at $60,000. In our geographical area, new graduates typically start at the lower end of this range.
The PTA Program’s average two-year employment rate is over 90% for graduates licensed within a year of graduation. Statistics on the program’s graduation rate, licensure exam pass rate, and employment rate can be found below.
For more general information about the profession, you may want to visit the American Physical Therapy Association website.