Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistants play an essential role in healthcare.
What does a Physical Therapist Assistant do?
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) support patients on their journey to recover movement and ease pain after injury, surgery, or illness. Working closely under the guidance of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT), PTAs offer hands-on care, guide patients through exercises, and utilize therapeutic techniques and equipment to encourage patients to regain their strength, mobility, and independence. Their dedication makes a real difference in patients’ lives.
PTAs work closely with all types of people and ages, like athletes recovering from injuries, older adults enhancing their balance, or patients adjusting after surgery. They are compassionate motivators and skilled practitioners who blend physical rehabilitation with encouragement and support, helping patients reach their personal health goals.
Typical work settings include:
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Home health and sports medicine settings
For more information on what to expect in this career field, you can visit the resources provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
Timeline and Training: Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant typically takes 2-3 years through an accredited associate degree program that includes classroom instruction and clinical experience. Programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) to qualify graduates for national licensure.
| Step | Description | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Prerequisites | Take prerequisite courses such as anatomy, physiology, and general education at a community college or university. | 6-12 months (varies) |
| Enroll in an Accredited PTA Program | Complete an Associate Degree in Physical Therapist Assisting from a CAPTE-accredited program. Coursework includes kinesiology, patient care, and therapeutic exercise. | 2 years |
| Complete Clinical Rotations | Participate in supervised clinical experiences in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or rehabilitation centers to gain hands-on patient care experience. | Concurrent with program |
| Graduate and Apply for the NPTE Exam | After graduation, apply to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. | 1-3 months after graduation |
| Apply for California Licensure | Submit your exam results and application to the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC) for licensure. | 1-2 months |
| Begin Practice as a Licensed PTA | Work under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings. | Ongoing |
| Renew License and Maintain Competency | Complete continuing competency hours every two years to maintain an active license. | Every 2 years |
What Does Training Entail?
- Coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, and rehabilitation techniques
- Hand-on learning in therapeutic exercise, patient care, and assistive equipment use
- Clinical rotations providing direct patient experience in hospitals or outpatient settings
- Preparation for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for state licensure
In the state of California, Physical Therapist Assistant programs are offered at public education institutions such as Ohlone, Mendocino College, and Sacramento City College in Northern California, and Cerritos College, College of the Sequoias, East Los Angeles College, and San Diego Mesa College in Central and Southern California.
Career Advancement: PTAs can grow professionally in several ways:
- Specialize in areas such as orthopedics, pediatrics, neurology, geriatrics, or sports therapy
- Advance to clinic management or rehabilitation leadership roles
- Pursue continuing education or bridge to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program
- Teach or mentor PTA students
- Join professional organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) for ongoing development and networking
Outlook: Nationally, employment of PTAs is projected to grow 16% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average. In California, Physical Therapist Assistant jobs are expected to increase by 33% between 2023 and 2033. The median annual wage for a Physical Therapist Assistant was $60,050 nationwide in 2023, and in California, the median yearly salary in 2024 was $81,668.
