1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI • Private
In-State Tuition
$15,262
Enrollment
30,079
What is a Physical Therapy Aide?
Physical therapy aides are part of physical therapy teams. They provide support to physical therapists and physical therapy assistants. Their responsibilities include preparing the treatment area for physical therapy, cleaning and setting up equipment, preparing patients for therapy, and providing any assistance needed by the therapist. They also perform several other tasks such as scheduling treatment sessions, monitoring inventory, ordering supplies, and filling out insurance forms. You will also be expected to maintain the equipment and must be able to assemble and disassemble parts when necessary, especially for patient's adaptive equipment or wheelchairs.
You will usually work with occupational therapists, physical therapists, audiologists, hospitals, and residential and nursing facilities. Skills such as patient care, customer service, front office, ultrasound, direct supervision, and good communication skills are required for this position. The most commonly required educational qualification is a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, physical therapy, or other related fields. An average physical therapy aide earns $27,000 annually or $13.09 an hour.
What Does a Physical Therapy Aide Do
Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain. Physical therapist assistants are involved in the direct care of patients. Physical therapist aides often do tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients, and performing clerical duties.
How To Become a Physical Therapy Aide
Physical therapist assistants entering the profession need an associate’s degree from an accredited program. All states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed or certified. Physical therapist aides usually have a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training.
Physical Therapy Aide Career Paths
In addition to switching up your job search, it might prove helpful to look at a career path for your specific job. Now, what's a career path you ask? Well, it's practically a map that shows how you might advance from one job title to another. Our career paths are especially detailed with salary changes. So, for example, if you started out with the role of physical therapist you might progress to a role such as outpatient physical therapist eventually. Later on in your career, you could end up with the title patient care manager.
Physical Therapy Aide
Patient Care Manager
5 Years
Account Manager
5 Years
Nursing Director
9 Years
Director Of Social Services
6 Years
Clinical Director
9 Years
Clinical Manager
8 Years
Show More
Average Salary for a Physical Therapy Aide
Physical Therapy Aides in America make an average salary of $31,160 per year or $15 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $118,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $8,000 per year.
Average Physical Therapy Aide Salary
$31,160 Yearly$14.98 hourly
What Am I Worth?
Roles and Types of Physical Therapy Aide
The role of a physical therapy aide includes a wide range of responsibilities. These responsibilities can vary based on an individual's specific job, company, or industry.Here are some general physical therapy aide responsibilities:
- Assists physical therapists in their treatment of patients. Prepares patients for treatment, as directed. Transports patients to
- Preparation/restoration of treatment areas and equipment; maintaining adequate supply levels through inventory monitoring
- Performs patient related tasks safely and effectively under the continuous
There are several types of physical therapy aide, including:
Aide
Role:
Aides make it possible for patients to stay at home with less severe conditions, instead of staying in hospitals or retirement homes. They monitor the patients' condition, keep them company, and help practicing hygiene and with chores around the house. Aides perform basic health care as well and help with transportation, if necessary.
Home health aides are the fastest-growing occupation in the U.S., with an increase in demand of 70% from 2010 to 2020. This tendency is likely to continue in rapid growth up to 2030, as the Baby Boomer generation reaches seniority.
Aides make $18 per hour, on average, and generally work 40 hours a week, sometimes taking night shifts and working on weekends, too. Part-time and live-in arrangements are both common as well, so you have a lot of options to figure out what works best for you.
Home health aides are the fastest-growing occupation in the U.S., with an increase in demand of 70% from 2010 to 2020. This tendency is likely to continue in rapid growth up to 2030, as the Baby Boomer generation reaches seniority.
Aides make $18 per hour, on average, and generally work 40 hours a week, sometimes taking night shifts and working on weekends, too. Part-time and live-in arrangements are both common as well, so you have a lot of options to figure out what works best for you.
- Average Salary: $27,793
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Physical Therapy Technician
Role:
Physical Therapy Technician supports the Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants to plan and implement patient care. Physical therapy technicians provide administrative support and assist with assessing patients. They manage inventory and maintain equipment, and they often help receive incoming patients, record and stock inventory, and schedule appointments and treatments. Technicians are also in charge of cleaning equipment, washing linens, and performing clerical tasks.
Physical therapist skills include both soft and hard skills. This includes the ability to communicate information, listen actively, communicate verbally and in writing, and explain things with ease. Physical therapists must establish and foster relationships with patients as they help patients move through tough exercises. They must also be able to empathize with their patients to know how they are feeling and reacting to treatments. The educational requirement of a physical therapist technician is an associate's or bachelor's degree in physical therapy or kinesiology. Physical therapy technician makes an average salary of $69,890 per year.
Physical therapist skills include both soft and hard skills. This includes the ability to communicate information, listen actively, communicate verbally and in writing, and explain things with ease. Physical therapists must establish and foster relationships with patients as they help patients move through tough exercises. They must also be able to empathize with their patients to know how they are feeling and reacting to treatments. The educational requirement of a physical therapist technician is an associate's or bachelor's degree in physical therapy or kinesiology. Physical therapy technician makes an average salary of $69,890 per year.
- Average Salary: $35,161
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Rehab Technician
Role:
Rehab technicians assist therapists and other medical personnel in their daily activities and therapy sessions. The technician's duty is to assist with patient intake, maintain patient records, and keep the facility and equipment clean. They also assist patients in reaching the examination and treatment room and conducting the initial assessments and basic diagnostic tests. Plus, they supervise physical therapy exercises, do paperwork and make an appointment, assist in basic life and advanced support techniques, perform EKGs, blood withdrawal, and computer order entry.
To be successful as a rehab technician, you should know therapeutic techniques, and you must also be a team player with exceptional interpersonal skills. A rehab technician must also be skilled with their hand when it comes to physical activities, and you must be able to communicate your ideas, thoughts, and opinions to those around you. To become a rehab technician, you must complete your high school education or GED, enroll in a nationally certified rehabilitation technician school, and pass the national exam through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy ( NABCOT). A rehab technician's salary on average per year is $27,557.
To be successful as a rehab technician, you should know therapeutic techniques, and you must also be a team player with exceptional interpersonal skills. A rehab technician must also be skilled with their hand when it comes to physical activities, and you must be able to communicate your ideas, thoughts, and opinions to those around you. To become a rehab technician, you must complete your high school education or GED, enroll in a nationally certified rehabilitation technician school, and pass the national exam through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy ( NABCOT). A rehab technician's salary on average per year is $27,557.
- Average Salary: $28,505
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree
States With The Most Physical Therapy Aide Jobs
Mouse over a state to see the number of active physical therapy aide jobs in each state. The darker areas on the map show where physical therapy aides earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Average Salary: Job Openings:
Number Of Physical Therapy Aide Jobs By State
| Rank | State | Number of Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 2,492 | $35,243 |
| 2 | Texas | 2,406 | $26,038 |
| 3 | New York | 1,904 | $44,171 |
| 4 | Florida | 1,672 | $23,076 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 1,538 | $36,654 |
| 6 | Illinois | 1,468 | $28,662 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 1,399 | $39,227 |
| 8 | Indiana | 1,286 | $26,379 |
| 9 | Michigan | 1,255 | $30,065 |
| 10 | Georgia | 1,192 | $24,792 |
| 11 | North Carolina | 1,135 | $27,426 |
| 12 | Ohio | 1,116 | $36,262 |
| 13 | New Jersey | 1,073 | $42,675 |
| 14 | Virginia | 948 | $39,495 |
| 15 | Maryland | 770 | $37,023 |
| 16 | Missouri | 754 | $24,862 |
| 17 | Minnesota | 717 | $23,626 |
| 18 | Tennessee | 701 | $25,292 |
| 19 | Washington | 699 | $29,054 |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 659 | $28,004 |
| 21 | South Carolina | 636 | $25,146 |
| 22 | Arizona | 633 | $29,930 |
| 23 | Iowa | 588 | $24,190 |
| 24 | Kansas | 578 | $24,021 |
| 25 | Colorado | 560 | $28,184 |
| 26 | Kentucky | 505 | $32,041 |
| 27 | Connecticut | 460 | $41,989 |
| 28 | Alabama | 455 | $23,587 |
| 29 | Louisiana | 433 | $23,633 |
| 30 | Nebraska | 398 | $24,420 |
| 31 | Oregon | 389 | $27,865 |
| 32 | Oklahoma | 370 | $24,588 |
| 33 | West Virginia | 366 | $37,212 |
| 34 | New Hampshire | 365 | $36,813 |
| 35 | New Mexico | 312 | $27,087 |
| 36 | Mississippi | 284 | $24,654 |
| 37 | Maine | 235 | $35,987 |
| 38 | Arkansas | 225 | $24,449 |
| 39 | Vermont | 194 | $32,327 |
| 40 | Nevada | 191 | $30,712 |
| 41 | Montana | 191 | $24,550 |
| 42 | Rhode Island | 190 | $39,156 |
| 43 | Idaho | 188 | $28,239 |
| 44 | South Dakota | 170 | $23,465 |
| 45 | Utah | 169 | $27,194 |
| 46 | Delaware | 132 | $37,991 |
| 47 | Alaska | 131 | $26,618 |
| 48 | Hawaii | 127 | $26,626 |
| 49 | North Dakota | 110 | $26,691 |
| 50 | Wyoming | 102 | $23,567 |
Top Colleges for Physical Therapy Aides
2. Georgetown University
Washington, DC • Private
In-State Tuition
$54,104
Enrollment
7,089
3. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$59,430
Enrollment
8,216
4. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,381
Enrollment
34,564
5. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,309
Enrollment
9,142
6. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
7. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
In-State Tuition
$51,522
Enrollment
13,760
8. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,410
Enrollment
31,321
9. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN • Private
In-State Tuition
$14,760
Enrollment
31,451
10. Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • Private
In-State Tuition
$10,726
Enrollment
45,769
Top Skills For a Physical Therapy Aide
The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do. Luckily, we've found all of the skills you'll need so even if you don't have these skills yet, you know what you need to work on. Out of all the resumes we looked through, 42.2% of physical therapy aides listed patients on their resume, but soft skills such as time-management skills and dexterity are important as well.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Physical Therapy Aide Resume templates
Zippia allows you to choose from different easy-to-use Physical Therapy Aide templates, and provides you with expert advice. Using the templates, you can rest assured that the structure and format of your Physical Therapy Aide resume is top notch. Choose a template with the colors, fonts & text sizes that are appropriate for your industry.
Physical Therapy Aide Demographics
Physical Therapy Aide Gender Distribution
Female
64%
Male
36%
After extensive research and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
- Among physical therapy aides, 64.4% of them are women, while 35.6% are men.
- The most common race/ethnicity among physical therapy aides is White, which makes up 67.0% of all physical therapy aides.
- The most common foreign language among physical therapy aides is Spanish at 59.3%.
Online Courses For Physical Therapy Aide That You May Like
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Internship
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Best States For a Physical Therapy Aide
Some places are better than others when it comes to starting a career as a physical therapy aide. The best states for people in this position are New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Virginia. Physical therapy aides make the most in New York with an average salary of $44,171. Whereas in New Jersey and Connecticut, they would average $42,675 and $41,989, respectively. While physical therapy aides would only make an average of $39,495 in Virginia, you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.
1. New York
Total Physical Therapy Aide Jobs: 1,904
Highest 10% Earn:
$111,000
Location Quotient:
1.21
$44,171
Avg. Salary
2. West Virginia
Total Physical Therapy Aide Jobs: 366
Highest 10% Earn:
$87,000
Location Quotient:
1.96
$37,212
Avg. Salary
3. Maine
Total Physical Therapy Aide Jobs: 235
Highest 10% Earn:
$73,000
Location Quotient:
1.45
$35,987
Avg. Salary
How Do Physical Therapy Aide Rate Their Jobs?
Top Physical Therapy Aide Employers
Most Common Employers For Physical Therapy Aide
| Rank | Company | Average Salary | Hourly Rate | Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aya Healthcare | $197,507 | $94.96 | 51 |
| 2 | Massachusetts General Hospital | $142,799 | $68.65 | 19 |
| 3 | Encompass Health | $104,151 | $50.07 | 29 |
| 4 | Twin Boro Physical Therapy | $40,364 | $19.41 | 27 |
| 5 | California Solutions | $34,371 | $16.52 | 20 |
| 6 | Kaiser Permanente | $31,482 | $15.14 | 28 |
| 7 | Legacy Health | $31,369 | $15.08 | 25 |
| 8 | Athletico | $29,013 | $13.95 | 52 |
| 9 | Nova Medical Centers | $28,734 | $13.81 | 21 |
| 10 | Pivot | $28,243 | $13.58 | 19 |
Physical Therapy Aide Videos
What We Look for in a PT Aide