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Physical Therapist Assistants

Physical therapist assistants help patients regain physical function after illness or injury.

Physical therapist assistants must be supervised by a physical therapist. They help provide services that improve patients' mobility and reduce their pain.

Physical Therapist Assistants are in the Health Science career cluster and the Therapeutic Services pathway.

Quick Facts

Wages:

 Above the statewide median

$21.28 / hour    Read more about wages

Outlook:

 Percent Growth   34.5%

Well above statewide average    Read more about outlook

Education & Training:

 Associate degree is common.

On the Job:

 Work Activities
  • Instruct and assist patients with exercises to improve functioning and mobility.
  • Confer with physical therapists and other staff about treatment plans for patients.
  • Provide treatments such as massage or heat or cold packs.
Read more about the job

Assess your skills

Job Title Examples:

 Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA),  Physical Therapy Technican, 
See more job title examples

Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.