# Physical Therapist Assistant jobs and career guide

Category: Technicians & Therapy
Page: https://medroles.com/roles/physical-therapist-assistant/
Also called: PTA, Physical Therapy Assistant, Outpatient PTA, Rehab Assistant

Physical therapist assistants help patients recover movement after injury or surgery, working under physical therapists in outpatient clinics, hospitals and home health.

## Typical US pay
$55k–$75k per year (approximate, entry level to experienced).

## What they do
- Guide patients through exercises and therapy plans
- Use modalities such as heat, ice and electrical stimulation
- Track and document patient progress
- Teach patients and families home exercise programs

## Key skills
- Therapeutic exercise
- Gait training
- Documentation
- Patient motivation
- Body mechanics

## Training
An associate degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program.

## Licensing & certifications
Nearly all states require PTAs to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs and hold a state license or certification.

## Open jobs (0)
None posted right now.