Why Become a Physical Therapist Assistant? Career Guide
If you are exploring healthcare careers that combine patient interaction, movement science, and hands-on care, becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) may be worth considering.
Physical Therapist Assistants work directly with patients under the supervision of licensed physical therapists to help individuals improve mobility, manage pain, and recover from injuries or medical conditions.¹
Students researching PTA careers often want to understand:
- What does a Physical Therapist Assistant do?
- What personality traits fit the profession?
- What is the salary and job outlook?
- What are the educational requirements?
- What long-term opportunities exist in the field?
This guide explains what PTAs do, career outlook information, important personality traits, and how PTA programs may prepare you for healthcare careers.
What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant Do?
Physical Therapist Assistants work with patients who have experienced injuries, surgeries, illnesses, and mobility limitations.¹
Under the direction of a physical therapist, PTAs may:
- Guide patients through therapeutic exercises
- Assist with mobility and balance activities
- Monitor patient progress
- Use therapeutic equipment and treatment techniques
- Educate patients about recovery plans and exercises
PTAs commonly work in healthcare environments such as:
- Physical therapy clinics
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Sports medicine settings
The role often combines patient interaction, movement science, and hands-on care.
Who Might Be a Good Fit for a PTA Career?
Students considering PTA careers may benefit from evaluating whether their interests, communication style, and work habits align with the profession.
People interested in physical therapy assisting often enjoy:
- Working directly with people
- Active, movement-based environments
- Team-oriented healthcare settings
- Problem-solving and patient support
- Encouraging and motivating others
Strong communication skills, patience, adaptability, and professionalism are often important in healthcare environments.
Why Do Students Choose PTA Careers?
Students pursue PTA careers for different reasons depending on their interests and goals.
Common reasons may include:
- Interest in healthcare and rehabilitation
- Hands-on patient interaction
- Collaborative healthcare environments
- Opportunities to work in different clinical settings
- Interest in movement science and recovery support
Healthcare careers vary by setting, employer, and patient population.
PTA Salary and Job Outlook
According to the California Employment Development Department, the hourly mean wage for Physical Therapist Assistants is approximately $40.95.¹ Compensation varies by experience, industry, and geographic location.
Employment of Physical Therapist Assistants is projected to grow 27.6% between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.¹
Demand for rehabilitation and mobility-related healthcare services continues to grow due to factors such as aging populations and increased interest in recovery and physical rehabilitation services.
What Education Is Required to Become a PTA?
Physical Therapist Assistants typically complete an accredited PTA program and must meet state licensure requirements.²
PTA education programs commonly include:
- Anatomy and kinesiology coursework
- Clinical skills laboratories
- Therapeutic exercise training
- Clinical education experiences
- Patient care techniques
Graduates may become eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs to be licensed in California.²
What Is Long-Term Growth Like for PTAs?
Some Physical Therapist Assistants continue developing skills and experience in specialized rehabilitation settings such as:
- Sports rehabilitation
- Orthopedic care
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Pediatric therapy
- Geriatric care
Career responsibilities and advancement opportunities vary based on experience, employer needs, continuing education, and state regulations.
Exploring the Stanbridge University PTA Program
Students interested in physical therapy education pathways can review the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Stanbridge University.
The Stanbridge University PTA program includes:
- Hands-on clinical skills training
- Clinical education experiences
- Simulation-based learning opportunities
- Small-group learning environments
- Student support resources
This full-time program is designed to prepare students for physical therapy assistant practice and licensure pathways.
Recent NPTE for PTA licensure pass rates for the Orange County and Los Angeles campuses were reported as 100% for 2023–2024.4 These figures reflect reported first-time licensure pass rate data within one year of graduation.
The PTA program is 122 quarter credit hours and takes approximately 20–21 months to complete.5
Students interested in learning more about admissions requirements, program timelines, and healthcare education pathways can also contact us.
How Can Students Decide if a PTA Career Is Right for Them?
If you are exploring PTA careers, you may benefit from asking:
- Do I enjoy working directly with people?
- Am I comfortable in active healthcare environments?
- Do I enjoy teamwork and patient interaction?
- Am I interested in rehabilitation and movement science?
- Do I want a healthcare role that combines physical activity and patient support?
Researching healthcare programs, speaking with admissions representatives, and learning about clinical environments may help students make more informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Physical Therapist Assistant helps patients improve mobility, strength, balance, and physical function under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.¹
PTA careers are appealing to people interested in healthcare, rehabilitation, patient interaction, and movement science. Career goals and preferences vary by individual.
If you are interested in PTA careers, you may value communication, teamwork, patience, adaptability, and hands-on patient interaction. ¹
According to the California Employment Development Department, employment of Physical Therapist Assistants is projected to grow 27.6% between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The hourly mean wage for Physical Therapist Assistants is approximately $40.95.¹ Compensation varies by experience, industry, and geographic location.
Program length varies by institution and curriculum structure. The Stanbridge PTA program is 122 quarter credit hours and takes approximately 20–21 months to complete.5
Physical Therapist Assistants may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and sports medicine settings.¹
Footnotes
¹ California Employment Development Department, “Physical Therapist Assistants,” Labor Market Information Division, https://labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/occExplorerQSDetails.asp?searchCriteria=Physical+Therapist+Assistant&careerID=&menuChoice=occexplorer&geogArea=0601000000&soccode=312021&search=Explore+Occupation
² Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), https://www.fsbpt.org/.
³ Stanbridge University, “Physical Therapist Assistant Program,” https://www.stanbridge.edu/program/pta
4 NPTE for PTA Ultimate and First Time Pass Rate for graduates, 2023/2024, Orange County and Los Angeles campuses; The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy; Basic Pass Rate Report. As viewed on April 25, 2025.
5 Program duration subject to change. Completion times vary depending upon the start and end dates of a cohort and any individual circumstances that may impact progression.