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Aquatic Physical Therapy Assistant information

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How much do aquatic physical therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for aquatic physical therapy assistant in the United States is $31.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.92 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aquatic physical therapy assistant?

An Aquatic Physical Therapy Assistant is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist to help patients perform therapeutic exercises in a water environment. These assistants use the properties of water, such as buoyancy and resistance, to help individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, or improve mobility. They assist with treatment plans, monitor patient progress, and ensure safety during aquatic therapy sessions. Their role is crucial in providing support and encouragement to patients as they work toward their rehabilitation goals.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an aquatic physical therapy assistant?

To thrive as an Aquatic Physical Therapy Assistant, you need a solid understanding of therapeutic exercise, human anatomy, and injury rehabilitation, usually backed by a physical therapist assistant (PTA) degree and state licensure. Familiarity with aquatic therapy equipment, safety protocols, and documentation software is typically required. Exceptional communication, patience, and motivational skills help you engage and support patients through their recovery process. These abilities ensure safe, effective therapy sessions and promote optimal patient outcomes in aquatic environments.

What are common challenges faced by aquatic physical therapy assistants when working with patients in a pool setting?

Aquatic Physical Therapy Assistants often encounter challenges such as ensuring patient safety in a slippery environment, managing varying water temperatures, and effectively communicating with patients who may feel anxious or unfamiliar with aquatic therapy. Additionally, adapting therapeutic exercises to different water depths and supporting patients with limited mobility can require creativity and patience. Collaborating closely with physical therapists and other team members is essential to address these challenges and provide the best patient care.

What is the difference between Aquatic Physical Therapy Assistant vs Physical Therapy Assistant?

AspectAquatic Physical Therapy AssistantPhysical Therapy Assistant
CredentialsLicensed or certified in aquatic therapy, often requires additional aquatic-specific trainingLicensed or certified in general physical therapy assisting
Work EnvironmentTherapy pools, aquatic centers, rehabilitation facilities with aquatic therapy programsHospitals, clinics, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers
Employer & IndustrySpecialized in aquatic therapy within healthcare and rehab industriesBroader healthcare settings providing various physical therapy services

The main difference between an Aquatic Physical Therapy Assistant and a Physical Therapy Assistant is the work environment and specialized training. Aquatic Physical Therapy Assistants focus on aquatic therapy in pools and aquatic centers, often requiring additional aquatic-specific certifications. Physical Therapy Assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings without the need for aquatic-specific training. Both roles support patient rehabilitation but in different environments.

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What states have the most Aquatic Physical Therapy Assistant jobs?

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Aquatic Physical Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aquatic Physical Therapy Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 74% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,449 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Physical Therapy Assistant

Polaris Physical Therapy PLLC

Maspeth, NY

$31 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) will help Physical Therapists provide physical therapy treatments and procedures. The PTA may, in accordance with New York State Laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by the physical therapist

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • None

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Instruct, motivate. safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercise or functional activities. Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provides results to the physical therapist in person or through progress notes
  • Confer with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment. Communicate with and instruct caregivers and family members on patient therapeutic activities and treatment plans
  • Transport patients to and from treatment areas, when required, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements
  • Secure patient onto or into therapy equipment
  • Administer active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, and heat, light, sound, and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound
  • Measures patients range-of-motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations
  • Monitors operation of equipment and records use of equipment and administration of treatment
  • Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices such as crutches

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

  • Excellent customer service and patient care skills
  • Basic understanding of physical therapy and medical terminology

EDUCATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Associate degree or certification from physical therapy program that included course study in anatomy and physiology, and relevant clinical experience
  • MUST be licensed in New York State to practice as a physical therapy assistant

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Fit to stand for prolonged periods of time when required
  • Fit to perform patient lifting, pushing, transferring to/from one area to the other
  • Fit to perform frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching

JOB TYPE

  • Full-time and Part-time

SALARY

  • $31.00-34.00 per hour

BENEFITS

  • 401K
  • Dental insurance
  • Medical insurance
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Paid Time Off
  • CEUs

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