How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Learn the Qualifications, Requirements, and Responsibilities of Physical Therapist Assistants

For anyone seeking a promising career that also offers a strong sense of purpose, the healthcare industry is a natural fit. There’s nothing quite like the gratification of helping somebody heal! And though some people crave the thrill of the emergency room, plenty of others prefer to provide care in a calmer, more structured setting.

If you want to experience the satisfaction of helping people recover from injury or illness, becoming a physical therapist assistant (PTA) is an excellent choice for a fulfilling career. You’ll play a hands-on role in your patients’ healing and have a front-row seat for treatments that make huge improvements in their quality of life.

According to the BLS, as of August 2024, PTAs are one of the top 10 fastest-growing careers in the entire country—inside or outside of the healthcare industry. And because PTAs tend to experience fewer life-and-death scenarios than some other healthcare roles, many people find it to be a rewarding career, with less of the stress you might experience in an emergency room or other critical-care settings.

To help you learn about this rapidly growing occupation, we put together a comprehensive guide on how to become a PTA. We’ll cover what it takes to become a Physical Therapist Assistant, the daily responsibilities of PTAs, and helpful information about PTA salaries, certifications, and more.

What is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?

Physical therapist assistants help patients recover from injuries or illnesses or learn to manage chronic conditions or disabilities. A PTA works directly under the supervision of a physical therapist, though they have the autonomy to provide direct patient care within their scope of practice.

This is one of the main differentiators between a physical therapist assistant and a physical therapist aide. PTAs are licensed healthcare providers, while a physical therapist aide is only given responsibilities indirectly related to the patient, such as cleaning, restocking supplies, transporting patients, and clerical or administrative duties.

What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Do?

Physical therapist assistants are involved in several aspects of providing physical therapy to patients. PTAs help patients rebuild strength, restore mobility, and minimize pain through a combination of hands-on treatment methods and guided exercise/activity routines. They may also assist their supervising therapist during initial patient assessments.

It’s important to note that PTAs don’t conduct assessments or create treatment plans themselves—that’s within a physical therapist’s scope of practice—but they’re an essential part of carrying out the physical therapy treatment plan for each patient.

PTAs commonly work with patients early in their appointment to monitor their progress, document any changes, and go through a warm-up routine before moving forward with the treatment plan. In many cases, PTAs spend more time with their patients than their supervising physical therapist.

Some of the day-to-day responsibilities of a physical therapist assistant include, but are not limited to:

Measuring and recording patients’ progress before and after therapy;
Reporting changes or concerns to a supervising physical therapist;
Helping patients perform specific exercises with proper technique;
Performing hands-on treatments like massage and stretching;
Using therapeutic equipment like ultrasound or electrical stimulation devices;
Teaching patients to use adaptive equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, or prosthetics; and
Educating patients and family members about what to do after treatment.

What Conditions do Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) Treat?

PTAs treat patients of all ages with a wide range of medical conditions that affect movement or their ability to perform daily activities. Many different medical issues can be significantly improved through physical therapy, which means PTAs often have lots of variety in their workdays.

Some of the most common conditions PTAs treat include various sports- or work-related injuries, neurological conditions like stroke or spinal cord injuries, or chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy.

Learn more about some of the most common conditions treated by physical therapist assistants.

What Treatments Can Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) Perform?

Although each state has its own laws about the scope of practice for PTAs, there are some common treatment methods employed by almost all physical therapist assistants. Range of motion routines targeted therapeutic exercises, and other treatment modalities like hot and cold therapy and electrical stimulation are all commonly used.

Learn more about the ten most common physical therapy techniques you’ll likely encounter throughout your PTA career.

Where do Physical Therapist Assistants Work?

The vast majority of physical therapist assistants work in therapy clinics or hospitals, though some PTAs also work in home healthcare services, nursing homes, or private physician’s offices. Because many physical therapists specialize in treating certain types of patients, it’s possible to build a PTA career that aligns closely with your interests—like sports medicine, women’s health, or several other specialties.

Physical Therapist Assistant vs. Occupational Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are similar to occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) in that they both help patients develop, recover, and improve their condition. PTAs work under the direction of a physical therapist to help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain. OTAs collaborate with occupational therapists to help patients function effectively at work or in their daily lives.

Both PTAs and OTAs work under the supervision of their supervising therapists to treat patients through exercise, massage, gait and balance training, and other therapeutic interventions. They record patients’ progress and report the results of each treatment to their supervising therapist.

The main difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy is that physical therapy is focused mostly on improving a patient’s overall ability to move and control their body, while occupational therapy is focused more on specific tasks and returning to work or other daily activities.

Occupational therapy assistants also commonly work with children or adults who have chronic conditions or learning disabilities, teaching them skills that encourage success in school or increased independence in everyday life.

Some of the day-to-day responsibilities of an occupational therapist assistant include, but is not limited to:

Helping patients do therapeutic activities, such as stretches and other exercises;
Leading play sessions for children with developmental disabilities to promote coordination and socialization;
Encouraging patients during tasks or exercises;
Teaching patients how to use special equipment—for example, devices that make eating easier for patients with Parkinson’s disease; and
Recording patients’ progress and reporting changes or concerns to a supervising occupational therapist.

What Is the Job Outlook for a PTA?

Physical therapist assistants have one of the best long-term career outlooks in the entire healthcare industry. As the overall demand for healthcare rises—and as physical therapy increasingly becomes a first treatment option over more invasive approaches like surgery—demand for PTAs should remain high for years to come.

According to the BLS, as of August 2024, employment of physical therapists assistants is projected to increase an impressive 25% between 2023 and 2033—that’s over six times faster than the average growth rate among all careers.

PTA Training & Education

All states require Physical Therapist Assistants to have an associate’s degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Programs typically last about two years, although some accelerated programs can trim that timeline by a few months.

PTA training includes coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, in addition to specific training on various health conditions and treatment techniques. As part of their education, PTAs also gain hands-on experience performing supervised clinical work with real physical therapy patients.

All states require PTAs to be licensed, which requires graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program and passing the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants.

In most states, PTAs also need to take continuing education courses to keep their skills and licenses current. Check with your state board for specific licensing requirements.

Physical Therapist Assistant Certification

Beyond their formal education and work experience, physical therapist assistants can earn additional certifications to enhance their skills and stand out to employers.

Certifications can give you an edge in a competitive job market, as well as provide access to new career opportunities and specializations. Some of the most common certifications for PTAs include:

Functional Training Specialty Certification. Offered by the American Council on Exercise, this certification is a great choice for PTAs who want to expand their skills. It deepens your understanding of how to train the body for movement more efficiently and qualifies you to work with a wide variety of clients, including competitive athletes, post-rehabilitation patients, and clients who need to improve their balance and joint stability.

Wound Care Certification. The National Alliance of Wound Care offers this certification for PTAs who want to work in post-surgical care, critical care, or with any other patients who require special considerations for skin or wound care management. Upon passing the certification exam, graduates may use the initials WCC, Wound Care Certified, in their title.

PTA Specialty Certification in Orthopaedics. Offered by Evidence in Motion, this certification helps licensed PTAs advance their knowledge and treatment skills for patients with orthopaedic-related conditions. Graduates gain a deeper understanding of how to provide evidence-based care utilizing advanced exercise prescription and pain neuroscience education.

PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways. Offered by the American Physical Therapy Association, the APTE’s advanced proficiency pathways are the premier program for PTAs seeking to specialize in several areas of physical therapy. PTAs can gain advanced proficiency in any of the following areas:

Acute care
Cardiovascular/pulmonary
Geriatrics
Neurology
Oncology
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Wound management

Now that you know what a PTA does and some of the career advancement opportunities available, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a PTA:

Step 1: Find an Accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program

In order to become a physical therapist assistant, you’ll need to earn an associate’s degree from an accredited PTA program. When choosing a school to attend, it’s important to know the duration of the program, the credibility of the school, and the cost of the program.

The average length of a PTA program is typically 2 years (5 semesters). The program begins with general education courses and progresses into physical therapy courses and clinical education. Some of the subjects that are covered throughout the curriculum include anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and neuroscience. About 75% of the curriculum happens in the classroom, with the remaining 25% consisting of skills labs and clinical rotations.

Accreditation, length, and affordability should all factor into your choice of a PTA program. While cost is certainly a factor, be sure you’re comparing programs accurately by understanding what’s included and whether there may be additional costs for textbooks, lab fees, or other required parts of the program.

Pay attention to the program format—some programs offer a portion of their curriculum online, which can be ideal for anyone trying to balance their education with other responsibilities. You should also consider licensure pass rates, class sizes, and any other available resources like tutoring or career services that may be included.

For more insights on researching PTA programs, check out our in-depth guide on how to choose the best physical therapist assistant program for you.

Step 2: Pass the PTA Licensing Exam

Before you can get your first PTA job, you’ll need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants. Once you’ve graduated from a PTA program, you’re eligible to apply for the exam.

The exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The PTA version of the NPTE exam consists of four sections with 45 multiple-choice questions each. You’ll have up to four hours total testing time to complete the exam.

It’s crucial to prepare for your NPTE exam, as retakes are only allowed three times per year and six times total. The minimum passing score for the PTA exam is 600, with scores ranging from 200–800. Official practice exams are available through the Practice Exam & Assessment Tool (PEAT) website. The FSBPT website also offers some free sample questions.

Specific licensure requirements can vary by state, so it’s important to know your state’s individual process. More information can be found on The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website.

Step 3: Apply and Interview for PTA Jobs

If you’ve earned your degree and successfully passed your licensure exam, you’re almost ready to begin your career as a PTA. However, just like any career, how you present yourself is just as important as your qualifications.

When preparing to interview for PTA jobs, remember that employers want to see examples of your communication skills and professionalism. They also want applicants that are detail-oriented and that can multitask well.

Common questions during PTA job interviews may include:

Why did you choose to become a PTA?
What are your strengths when working with different patient populations?
Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult patient.
How do you stay up to date on the latest therapy techniques?
Describe how you’d perform [a specific treatment technique].

When you can, try to answer interview questions by sharing specific stories and examples, be thorough, but don’t ramble—try to keep each answer to a minute or two at the most.

Some PTA programs offer career services to students and graduates to help polish your resume, practice your interview skills, and even find job openings. These extra resources can add a lot of value to your PTA education, considering the amount of time and stress they can save you in the long run.

How Much Do Physical Therapist Assistants Make?

Aside from the opportunity to make a difference for patients, one of the primary things that draws people toward becoming a PTA is the fact that you can earn a great living without spending years in school. In fact, PTAs are one of the highest-paying healthcare positions you can achieve without earning a four-year degree.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary* for physical therapists as of May 2023 was over $65,000 per year, or about $31.66 per hour. PTAs in the top 25% of earners averaged over $76,000 per year, while those in the top 10% of the profession brought home $88,000 per year and up.

While pay rates are determined largely by experience, nearby cost of living, and other market factors, PTAs with advanced certifications and impressive resumes will have the best chances of securing above-average salaries for their field.

Highest Paying States for Physical Therapist Assistants

According to the BLS, as of May 2023, these are the states where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for physical therapist assistants:

State	Average Hourly Pay	Annual Salary
Nevada	$38.64	$80,360
California	$37.36	$77,770
Texas	$34.64	$72,060
Georgia	$34.53	$71,830
Massachusetts	$34.29	$71,320

Highest Paying Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants

According to the BLS, as of May 2023, these are the cities where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for Physical Therapist Assistants:

City	Average Hourly Pay	Average Salary
San Jose, CA	$44.57	$92,710
San Francisco, CA	$43.63	$90,760
Santa Rosa, CA	$41.83	$87,010
Sacramento, CA	$40.78	$84,820
Santa Maria/Santa Barbara, CA	$40.74	$84,730
Porterville, CA	$40.04	$83,290
Las Vegas, NV	$40.03	$83,260
San Diego, CA	$39.88	$82,960
Stockton, TX	$38.90	$80,920
Fairfield, CA	$38.54	$80,170

Highest Paying Industries for Physical Therapist Assistants

According to the BLS, as of May 2023, these industries are where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for physical therapist assistants:

City	Average Hourly Pay	Average Salary
Home Health Care Services	$37.98	$79,000
Nursing Care Facilities	$36.59	$76,110
Continuing Care Retirement Communities & Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly	$36.49	$75,910
Individual and Family Services	$34.30	$71,340
Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals	$34.19	$71,120

Start Your PTA Career at Provo College

If you’re ready to take the leap and enroll in a PTA program, you’ll want to choose a school with a solid history of helping students succeed. With over 40 years of experience training healthcare professionals, Provo College offers hands-on healthcare training.

Our experienced instructors, up-to-date curriculum, and modern simulation labs create the ideal environment to help future PTAs develop their knowledge and patient-care skills. You’ll also have support from an in-house Career Services team that can help you prepare for interviews and even find your first job.

Learn more about the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Provo College, or get in touch with an admissions advisor today to get started on the road to your rewarding new career!