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Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

Median salary (BLS)

$68,380

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$48k – $90k

Job outlook

+22% (much faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $93,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Physical Therapist Assistants

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Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$8,200–$23,000

Time to qualify

2.2 yr

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    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 Assistants" — 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 Assistants

    Entry / Junior

    $47,750

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Physical Therapist Assistants

    Established

    $68,380

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Physical Therapist Assistants

    Senior

    $78,945

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
  • •Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
  • •Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
  • •Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
  • •Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.

Fields of study

Any field

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