FAQ
Physical Therapist Assistant FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a physical therapist assistant.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a physical therapist assistant: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about physical therapist assistants
What’s the difference between a PT and a PTA?
Physical therapists evaluate patients and create treatment plans, and they need a doctorate. PTAs carry out treatment under the PT’s direction with an associate degree.
How long does it take to become a PTA?
About two years for an accredited associate degree, plus the national exam.
Is a PTA the same as a physical therapy aide?
No. Aides help with setup and cleaning and train on the job, while PTAs are licensed clinicians who treat patients.
How much does a physical therapist assistant make?
The median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $68,380 ($32.88 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,750 and the highest 10% earned more than $89,510.
How long does it take to become a physical therapist assistant?
Most people need about 2 years of training. PTAs need an associate degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Programs usually take about two years, including clinical rotations, followed by the NPTE for PTAs.
Do you need a degree to be a physical therapist assistant?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
Is physical therapist assistant a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +23.0% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 18,500 openings each year. Upsides include fast job growth; a common challenge is that physically demanding lifting and guarding.
What skills does a physical therapist assistant need?
Key technical skills include therapeutic exercise, gait and transfer training, modalities application, and patient guarding and safety. Employers also value encouragement and motivation, patience, and clear instruction.
What certifications are available for physical therapist assistants?
Common credentials include State PTA license or certification, National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs, CPR/BLS, and APTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways. All states require PTAs to be licensed or certified, usually by graduating from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE for PTAs. States also set supervision rules for PTAs.
Still deciding?
Try the Physical Therapist Assistant fit quiz, compare with Medical Assistant, or explore Physical Therapist Assistant training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 31-2021 (Physical therapist assistants).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Physical therapist assistants (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.