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Pta Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Announcement Position Information Position Title Skill Instructor, PTA Campus Plainfield Department Physical Therapist Assistant Full-time, Part-time, Adjunct Part Time Exempt or Non-Exempt ...

Current nationally accredited fitness certification (NASM, ACE, ACSM, AFAA, PTA Global, or NSCA ... than an instructor -- you're part of our family. We take pride in supporting our team with:

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PTA Instructor information

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$36K

$69K

$108K

How much do pta instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for pta instructor in the United States is $69,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PTA instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PTA Instructor, you need a strong background in physical therapy, relevant clinical experience, and typically a valid PTA license along with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with instructional technologies, learning management systems, and accreditation standards is essential. Outstanding communication, patience, and mentoring abilities help PTA Instructors effectively guide and inspire students. These skills and qualifications ensure that instructors can deliver high-quality education, prepare students for certification, and uphold academic and clinical standards.

What is the difference between Pta Instructor vs Pta?

AspectPta InstructorPta
CredentialsLicensed PTA, teaching certification or instructor credentialsLicensed PTA
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, classrooms, labsClinics, hospitals, outpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, colleges, technical schoolsHealthcare facilities, outpatient clinics
Primary RoleTeaching, training students, curriculum developmentProviding patient care, assisting therapists

The main difference is that a Pta Instructor focuses on teaching and training students in educational settings, while a Pta provides direct patient care in clinical environments. Both roles require a licensed PTA credential, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What is a PTA instructor?

PTA Instructors are educators responsible for teaching and training students who are pursuing a career as Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). They develop lesson plans, deliver lectures, supervise clinical practice, and assess student performance in both classroom and hands-on settings. PTA Instructors ensure that students gain the necessary knowledge and skills to assist physical therapists in patient care, therapeutic exercises, and rehabilitation techniques. They often have experience as licensed physical therapists or PTAs themselves and stay updated with current practices in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by PTA instructors when balancing classroom teaching with supervising clinical experiences?

PTA Instructors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including preparing and delivering classroom lectures, assessing student performance, and overseeing clinical placements. One common challenge is ensuring that students receive consistent, high-quality instruction both in the classroom and during hands-on clinical training. Managing time effectively and maintaining communication between clinical sites and the academic program is essential. Instructors are also responsible for supporting students as they adapt to different clinical environments and expectations.
More about PTA Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Pta Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Pta Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Pta Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Pta Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pta Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Full Time, and 68% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,006 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Instructor

Watertown School District 14-4

Watertown, SD • On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Instructor is responsible for providing high-quality instruction, student advising, curriculum development, assessment, and program support within the Physical Therapist Assistant program. The instructor prepares students for successful careers as physical therapist assistants through classroom, laboratory, and clinical education while maintaining compliance with institutional and accreditation standards. This position collaborates with faculty, staff, clinical partners, and administration to promote student success and continuous program improvement.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide high-quality classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction using evidence-based educational practices.
  • Develop, update, and maintain course syllabi, instructional materials, learning activities, and course assessments.
  • Evaluate student learning and provide timely, constructive feedback.
  • Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, and student progress.
  • Advise and mentor students regarding academic progress, professional behaviors, and career opportunities.
  • Foster a supportive learning environment that promotes student engagement and success.
  • Model professional behaviors expected within the physical therapy profession.
  • Participate in student recruitment, retention, and graduation initiatives.
  • Collaborate with faculty to develop, review, revise, and assess curriculum to ensure alignment with industry standards and accreditation requirements.
  • Assist in collecting and analyzing student learning outcomes and program assessment data.
  • Participate in program review, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement activities.
  • Support preparation of reports and documentation required for institutional effectiveness and accreditation.
  • Assist in maintaining instructional laboratories and equipment to ensure a safe learning environment.
  • Maintain familiarity with current clinical practice and integrate contemporary professional standards into instruction.
  • Maintain current South Dakota physical therapy licensure.
  • Participate in continuing education to remain current in clinical practice, instructional methodology, and educational technology.
  • Participate in professional organizations and activities that support instructional excellence and the physical therapy profession.
  • Maintain teaching credentials and professional development consistent with institutional expectations.
  • Participate in college committees, faculty meetings, commencement, recruitment activities, advisory committee meetings, and other institutional events.
  • Collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, administration, and clinical education partners.
  • Support the mission, vision, values, and strategic initiatives of Lake Area Technical College.
  • Perform other duties as assigned that support student success and institutional effectiveness.

REPORTS TO: PTA Program Director, Dean of Academics, Vice President
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of post-licensure experience, including at least three (3) years of full-time clinical practice.
  • Clinical experience working within the physical therapist/physical therapist assistant relationship.
  • Experience in classroom, laboratory, or clinical instruction.
  • Contemporary knowledge of neurologic, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, and lymphatic physical therapy.
  • Strong communication, organization, interpersonal, and student mentoring skills.
  • Current knowledge of physical therapy instructional technology and educational software.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing positively within a collaborative team environment.
  • Current member of or eligible for membership in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the APTA Academy of Education.
  • Ability to teach both didactic and laboratory courses as assigned.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with an affinity for working with students, faculty, clinical partners, and colleagues.
  • Previous teaching experience in a post-secondary environment (on-campus and/or online) a plus.
  • Professional development in educational theory, instructional design, student evaluation, and outcomes assessment.
  • Bilingual a plus.

SALARY:
$46,853.40 - $62,904.48
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
186-day contract. Salary and benefits set by the Watertown Board of Education in accordance with the state postsecondary technical instructor salary formula.
Competitive benefits package including health, dental, generous leave policy, and South Dakota Retirement System eligibility through the Watertown School District.