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Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapy Assistant

Dover, DE · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

The Physical Therapist Assistant's primary responsibilities include preparing patients and equipment for treatment and assisting the Physical Therapist with selected procedures. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Physical Therapy Assistant

Dover, DE · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

The Physical Therapist Assistant's primary responsibilities include preparing patients and equipment for treatment and assisting the Physical Therapist with selected procedures. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

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Physical Therapy Assistant information

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$18

$31

$44

How much do physical therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 the difference between Physical Therapy Assistant vs Physical Therapist?

AspectPhysical Therapy AssistantPhysical Therapist
CredentialsAssociate's degree in Physical Therapy Assisting, licensure or certificationBachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in Physical Therapy, state licensure
Work EnvironmentAssist in patient care under supervision, clinics, hospitals, rehab centersEvaluate patients, develop treatment plans, oversee assistants
Employer & IndustryHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab facilitiesHospitals, private practices, clinics, research settings

The main difference is that Physical Therapy Assistants support Physical Therapists by providing hands-on care under supervision, while Physical Therapists evaluate patients and create treatment plans. Both roles work closely in similar settings, but the Physical Therapist has a broader scope of practice and advanced credentials.

Is becoming a physical therapy assistant difficult?

Becoming a physical therapy assistant requires completing an accredited associate degree program and passing a licensing exam, which involves coursework in anatomy, physiology, and patient care. The program can be challenging due to the technical knowledge and clinical skills needed, but with dedication and proper training, it is achievable for many students.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physical therapy assistant?

To thrive as a Physical Therapy Assistant, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, therapeutic exercise techniques, and must hold an associate degree from an accredited PTA program along with state licensure. Familiarity with rehabilitation equipment, documentation software, and understanding of HIPAA regulations are typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to motivate patients are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure effective patient care, compliance with regulations, and successful rehabilitation outcomes.

What are some common challenges physical therapy assistants face when working with diverse patient populations?

Physical Therapy Assistants help patients during rehabilitation from injury, surgery, or a chronic condition. They work under the direction of a Primary Physical Therapist. As a Physical Therapy Assistant, you work with patients on exercises, stretches, and therapies prescribed by their doctor and physical therapist. Before they start workouts, you may set up heat or cold therapy for the patients to enable them to relax their muscles and reduce pain. You then instruct the patients on how to perform the treatments prescribed by their doctor and the physical therapist. Examples of exercises used during physical therapy include arm lifts on a weight machine, pedaling on a stationary bike, or forward lunges. You move with the patient from station to station, ensuring they have proper form, and document their progress.

What cities are hiring for Physical Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Physical Therapy Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Physical Therapy jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Physical Therapy Assistant jobs? The top employers for Physical Therapy Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Physical Therapy Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Physical Therapy Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Physical Therapy Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Temporary. 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

Maspeth, NY • On-site

$31 - $34/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Physical Therapy Assistant

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