Physical Therapy Assistant Salary Rates
Physical therapy assistants play a vital role, assisting the
therapist in administering the treatment and putting the patient at
ease before and after the session.
They help the patient to perform rehabilitative exercises in case of accidents and will even teach people to use orthopedic aids such as crutches etc.
Although the therapist administers the treatment, the assistant helps to provide the therapeutic interventions.
They help the patient to perform rehabilitative exercises in case of accidents and will even teach people to use orthopedic aids such as crutches etc.
Although the therapist administers the treatment, the assistant helps to provide the therapeutic interventions.
| Physical Therapy Assistant Salary By Experience (Curated Data) | Per Hour | Per Annum | ||
| Low End | High End | Low End | High End | |
| Beginner (0-1 Year) | $13.62 | $25.29 | $28,330 | $52,600 |
| Intermediate (1-5 Years) | $16.38 | $27.39 | $34,070 | $56,970 |
| Senior (5-10 Years) | $18.51 | $30.18 | $38,500 | $62,770 |
| Advanced (10+ Years) | $20.41 | $32.78 | $42,460 | $68,190 |
Physical
Therapy Assistant Salary and Job Prospects
Often the disability of a patient can cause a severe hindrance in their mobility, and in these cases the physical therapy assistant will be required to physically lift or turn the patient during treatment. Their role in the entire process is so vital that almost all clinics that offer physical therapy services have at least one or two physical therapist assistants on board.
This in turn has created an unprecedented demand for qualified professionals and thousands of more jobs will be available in the future. So, if you are mulling over physical therapy assisting jobs, the duties, qualifications required and the physical therapy assistant salary, here are all the details that you will need to make an informed decision.
Job Responsibilities When Earning a Physical Therapy Assistant Salary
Physical therapist assistants are paid well and are expected to give their best to the patients who frequent clinics to rid themselves of mobility issues caused due to a chronic ailment or an accident related injury. The job responsibilities that will earn an individual physical therapy assistant salary are:
Traction administration to relieve spinal pain with the help of static and intermittent traction equipment.
Prepare the area of treatment by setting up all the required equipment including electrotherapy devices.
Clerical duties which include but are not restricted to inventory management, maintaining patient records, filling forms, ordering supplies, taking messages, answering the telephone, making appointments etc.
Assist patients with severe mobility issues; instruct, motivate and safeguard the clients when the treatment is being administered.
Administer therapeutic massage and active and passive exercises aimed at reducing pain and enhancing movement along with treatment sessions that involve the use of heat, water, sound and light modality equipment.
Perform percussion and vibrations along with postural drainage.
Teach exercises that alleviate respiratory duress.
Compile and evaluate data on patient response and progress.
Measure range of joint movement and vital signs before the therapeutic session.
Securing the patient into or onto therapy equipHome Health Care Servicesment.
Take measurements for prosthetic devices & teach patients to use such devices.
Maintaining work area hygiene and the equipment used.
Education Needed to Earn a Physical Therapist Assistant Salary
In order to work as an assistant to a therapist and earn a physical therapy assistant salary, you will need to complete a program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). In July, 2011, 276 physical therapy assisting programs were conducted with the blessings of the CAPTE which offered associate's degrees at the completion of the course.
Associate's degree curriculum: The 2 year associate's programs that prepares an individual to work as a physical therapy assistants primarily focus on rehabilitation methods. Other courses include physiology, therapeutic activities, healthcare law, medical terminology, human development and rehab procedures. Three practical tests are also included in the curricula, usually held in the final three semesters.
Appropriate clinical experience may also help the student to earn a cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification (CPR). Clinical experience plays a crucial role in enhancing the job prospects of students, so many are willing to take internship positions after completing their education; this may/may not earn them a physical therapy assistant salary.
Licensure: Certification is required to work as and earn physical therapy assistant salary in all US states except for Hawaii and Colorado. Although the licensing requirements vary from one state to another; typically the students are expected to clear a CAPTE accredited program and take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) which is administered by Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The certification often has to be renewed at regular intervals with additional educational credits. Some states may also hold their own certification exam.
Specialty certification: It is also possible to specialize in a specific area of physical therapy such as pediatric, aquatic, geriatric etc. Certification is also offered for these specializations by the APTA if the professional has completed 60 hours of continual education in the past five years and has 2000 hours of relevant work experience.
Apart from this, candidates are also required to submit reference letters from employers and offer proof of leadership. If all the requirements are met, the candidate is awarded a Certificate of Advanced Proficiency.
Employment Prospects
The outlook for physical therapy jobs is very positive with an expected growth of 35% between 2008 and 2018. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics; currently over 72% of the physical therapy assistants are employed with health practitioners (physical therapists) and other physicians.
Many professionals also work in surgical and general medical hospitals while the number of PTAs working in nursing care facilities is considerably low despite the higher physical therapy assistant salary offered by these establishments.
Often the disability of a patient can cause a severe hindrance in their mobility, and in these cases the physical therapy assistant will be required to physically lift or turn the patient during treatment. Their role in the entire process is so vital that almost all clinics that offer physical therapy services have at least one or two physical therapist assistants on board.
This in turn has created an unprecedented demand for qualified professionals and thousands of more jobs will be available in the future. So, if you are mulling over physical therapy assisting jobs, the duties, qualifications required and the physical therapy assistant salary, here are all the details that you will need to make an informed decision.
Job Responsibilities When Earning a Physical Therapy Assistant Salary
Physical therapist assistants are paid well and are expected to give their best to the patients who frequent clinics to rid themselves of mobility issues caused due to a chronic ailment or an accident related injury. The job responsibilities that will earn an individual physical therapy assistant salary are:
Traction administration to relieve spinal pain with the help of static and intermittent traction equipment.
Prepare the area of treatment by setting up all the required equipment including electrotherapy devices.
Clerical duties which include but are not restricted to inventory management, maintaining patient records, filling forms, ordering supplies, taking messages, answering the telephone, making appointments etc.
Assist patients with severe mobility issues; instruct, motivate and safeguard the clients when the treatment is being administered.
Administer therapeutic massage and active and passive exercises aimed at reducing pain and enhancing movement along with treatment sessions that involve the use of heat, water, sound and light modality equipment.
Perform percussion and vibrations along with postural drainage.
Teach exercises that alleviate respiratory duress.
Compile and evaluate data on patient response and progress.
Measure range of joint movement and vital signs before the therapeutic session.
Securing the patient into or onto therapy equipHome Health Care Servicesment.
Take measurements for prosthetic devices & teach patients to use such devices.
Maintaining work area hygiene and the equipment used.
Education Needed to Earn a Physical Therapist Assistant Salary
In order to work as an assistant to a therapist and earn a physical therapy assistant salary, you will need to complete a program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). In July, 2011, 276 physical therapy assisting programs were conducted with the blessings of the CAPTE which offered associate's degrees at the completion of the course.
Associate's degree curriculum: The 2 year associate's programs that prepares an individual to work as a physical therapy assistants primarily focus on rehabilitation methods. Other courses include physiology, therapeutic activities, healthcare law, medical terminology, human development and rehab procedures. Three practical tests are also included in the curricula, usually held in the final three semesters.
Appropriate clinical experience may also help the student to earn a cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification (CPR). Clinical experience plays a crucial role in enhancing the job prospects of students, so many are willing to take internship positions after completing their education; this may/may not earn them a physical therapy assistant salary.
Licensure: Certification is required to work as and earn physical therapy assistant salary in all US states except for Hawaii and Colorado. Although the licensing requirements vary from one state to another; typically the students are expected to clear a CAPTE accredited program and take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) which is administered by Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The certification often has to be renewed at regular intervals with additional educational credits. Some states may also hold their own certification exam.
Specialty certification: It is also possible to specialize in a specific area of physical therapy such as pediatric, aquatic, geriatric etc. Certification is also offered for these specializations by the APTA if the professional has completed 60 hours of continual education in the past five years and has 2000 hours of relevant work experience.
Apart from this, candidates are also required to submit reference letters from employers and offer proof of leadership. If all the requirements are met, the candidate is awarded a Certificate of Advanced Proficiency.
Employment Prospects
The outlook for physical therapy jobs is very positive with an expected growth of 35% between 2008 and 2018. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics; currently over 72% of the physical therapy assistants are employed with health practitioners (physical therapists) and other physicians.
Many professionals also work in surgical and general medical hospitals while the number of PTAs working in nursing care facilities is considerably low despite the higher physical therapy assistant salary offered by these establishments.
Common
Places of Employment
The most common places of employment that offer physical therapy assistant salary commensurate with industry standards include:
One of the perks of the profession is the variety and flexibility of employment prospects available for qualified individuals. A licensed PTA can choose work that befits his/her personal interests and also work hours that would be appropriate for his/her personal schedule. Although full time PTAs make the most amount of money, it is not unusual to find many experienced professionals working part time.
Opportunities are also available for what is known as split shift jobs; in these positions the PTA is expected to work for a few hours in the morning and in the early evening which leaves ample of time for people with a family to take care of. Most PTAs not only boast of fabulous physical therapy assistant salary and benefits packages but they also get most weekends off which is generally considered a luxury in the health care sector.
For those interested in traveling, it is also possible to find positions that require a moderate amount of travel (6 to 8 weeks). This is contractual work and once the contract expires the PTA has the liberty to renew it to move on to a local job.
Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary and Benefits of Jobs in the Sector
The average hourly physical therapy assistant salary is in the range of $16 to $30 while overtime can earn a professional in the range of $23 to $45 per hour. Many establishments will also offer a bonus. The total annual physical therapy assistant salary is anywhere between $28,000 and $68,000.
Physical therapy assistants generally work for 40 hours a week in 8 am to 5 pm settings. Benefits offered by the position depend on the employer but will usually include an annual paid leave and medical and dental benefits for the PTA and his family.
Job Demographics
The largest number of PTA jobs can be found in Ohio, California, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida while Texas, California, Connecticut, Florida and Nevada offer the highest median physical therapy assistant salary. Generally, people with the right qualifications, soft skills and schedule flexibility get better jobs.
Physical Therapy Assistant Salary Variations
Texas offers most on the physical therapy assistant salary range at an average $62,440, followed closely by Californa at $57,760 while Connecticut takes the third spot with a pay of $56,180.
Physical therapy assistant salary will also vary based on the experience level of a professional. For instance, PTAs with less than a year of experience usually make $30,000 to $40,000 per annum while those with 5 plus years of experience draw $40,000 to $60,000. Professionals with over 10 years of experience can easily make even more.
The employer type will also have a bearing on physical therapy assistant salary. Hospitals pay in the range of $36,000 to $56,000 while schools offer $28,000 to $43,000. Contractual work can earn a professional $44,000 to $69,000 while government jobs pay in the range of $25,000 to $48,000
There is also a slight variation in the pay package of male and female physical therapy assistants. While men make $20.16 to $27.51 per hour, women draw a lower salary of $20.02 to $27.17 per hour.
All in all physical therapy assisting positions offer an amenable work environment, flexibility and job security. This, coupled with the rise in physical therapy assistant salary due to the increase in demand for qualified professionals, makes PTA jobs among the most sought after opportunities in the health care sector.
The most common places of employment that offer physical therapy assistant salary commensurate with industry standards include:
- Outpatient clinics
- Hospitals
- Rehab centers
- Assisted living facilities
- Nursing homes
- Schools for developmentally challenged children
- Mental health inpatient clinics
- With sports teams
- Fitness centers
One of the perks of the profession is the variety and flexibility of employment prospects available for qualified individuals. A licensed PTA can choose work that befits his/her personal interests and also work hours that would be appropriate for his/her personal schedule. Although full time PTAs make the most amount of money, it is not unusual to find many experienced professionals working part time.
Opportunities are also available for what is known as split shift jobs; in these positions the PTA is expected to work for a few hours in the morning and in the early evening which leaves ample of time for people with a family to take care of. Most PTAs not only boast of fabulous physical therapy assistant salary and benefits packages but they also get most weekends off which is generally considered a luxury in the health care sector.
For those interested in traveling, it is also possible to find positions that require a moderate amount of travel (6 to 8 weeks). This is contractual work and once the contract expires the PTA has the liberty to renew it to move on to a local job.
Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary and Benefits of Jobs in the Sector
The average hourly physical therapy assistant salary is in the range of $16 to $30 while overtime can earn a professional in the range of $23 to $45 per hour. Many establishments will also offer a bonus. The total annual physical therapy assistant salary is anywhere between $28,000 and $68,000.
Physical therapy assistants generally work for 40 hours a week in 8 am to 5 pm settings. Benefits offered by the position depend on the employer but will usually include an annual paid leave and medical and dental benefits for the PTA and his family.
Job Demographics
The largest number of PTA jobs can be found in Ohio, California, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida while Texas, California, Connecticut, Florida and Nevada offer the highest median physical therapy assistant salary. Generally, people with the right qualifications, soft skills and schedule flexibility get better jobs.
Physical Therapy Assistant Salary Variations
Texas offers most on the physical therapy assistant salary range at an average $62,440, followed closely by Californa at $57,760 while Connecticut takes the third spot with a pay of $56,180.
Physical therapy assistant salary will also vary based on the experience level of a professional. For instance, PTAs with less than a year of experience usually make $30,000 to $40,000 per annum while those with 5 plus years of experience draw $40,000 to $60,000. Professionals with over 10 years of experience can easily make even more.
The employer type will also have a bearing on physical therapy assistant salary. Hospitals pay in the range of $36,000 to $56,000 while schools offer $28,000 to $43,000. Contractual work can earn a professional $44,000 to $69,000 while government jobs pay in the range of $25,000 to $48,000
There is also a slight variation in the pay package of male and female physical therapy assistants. While men make $20.16 to $27.51 per hour, women draw a lower salary of $20.02 to $27.17 per hour.
All in all physical therapy assisting positions offer an amenable work environment, flexibility and job security. This, coupled with the rise in physical therapy assistant salary due to the increase in demand for qualified professionals, makes PTA jobs among the most sought after opportunities in the health care sector.
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