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Healthcare

Physical Therapist Aides

Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.

Median salary (BLS)

$35,240

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$25k – $48k

Job outlook

+3% (about average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$200–$1,150

Time to qualify

8 mo

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    High school diploma or GED

    Course

    Expected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.

    $0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    On-the-job training

    Experience

    Employer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.

    Cost varies · 3 months source

  3. 3

    National & state licensure

    License

    A national board/registry exam plus a state license application (the NCLEX pattern). Exact exam and fees depend on the role and state.

    $200–$1,000 · 2 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Physical Therapist Aides" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Physical Therapist Aides

    Entry / Junior

    $25,360

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Physical Therapist Aides

    Established

    $35,240

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Physical Therapist Aides

    Senior

    $41,510

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
  • •Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
  • •Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
  • •Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
  • •Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.