Explore This Path

Physical Therapist Aide

💰 Earn $36K-$46K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 Month Training

📈 4% Job Growth

Help patients on their journey to recovery and improve their quality of life.
Support physical therapists in delivering effective and personalized care.
Engage in hands-on work that makes a real difference in patients' lives.

What Physical Therapist Aides DoUnder close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.

Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
Record treatment given and equipment used.
Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.

Physical Therapist Aides Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED

Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time6 months to 1 year

Job Openings6,400 Annually

Median earnings

California Median

$38,330

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$36K25th percentile

$46K75th percentile

National Median

$35,240

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$30K25th percentile

$39K75th percentile

Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Relating with or serving others
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Having support
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Social Perceptiveness

Go Deeper: Physical Therapist Aides Explained

Physical Therapist AideExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in Less than a year

Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months

Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

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What Is the Healthcare Industry?