Physical Therapist Assistant

A Physical Therapist Assistant, who implements treatment plans under the direction of a Physical Therapist, is trained in the application of therapeutic modalities, such as cold, massage and electricity; exercise; prosthetics and orthotics, and functional activities in the rehabilitation and treatment of adults and children.

A Physical Therapist Assistant must be able to manipulate and move equipment, sequence work and handle heavy work schedules, with or without accommodations, and have effective verbal and written communication skills.

Employment opportunities are found in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics,school systems and home health-care agencies. On a state-wide level, a Physical Therapist Assistant, who is required by state law to practice under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, will find entry-level annual salary ranges between $30,000 and $40,000, or $15 to $20 hourly.