Physical Therapist Assistants

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Physical Therapist Assistants does

Physical therapist assistants help patients improve mobility and reduce pain through exercise, stretching, and other therapeutic techniques. They work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists in clinical and rehabilitation settings.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a associate degree. About 2 years.

Estimated cost of that path: ~$7,500. Estimated payback: ~1 year. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• Nursing Assistants — $42,260/yr
• Medical Assistants — $45,690/yr
• Dental Assistants — $48,070/yr
• Phlebotomists — $45,230/yr
• Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers — $38,150/yr