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Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

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$16

$29

$41

How much do physical therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical therapy assistant in Decatur, AL is $29.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $33.37 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.

Does physical therapy help Ehlers Danlos?

Physical therapy assistants help patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome by developing personalized exercise programs to improve joint stability, muscle strength, and flexibility. They work under the supervision of physical therapists to manage symptoms and prevent joint dislocations, often using manual therapy and assistive devices as part of treatment plans.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physical Therapy Assistant, and why are they important?

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 often encounter patients with a wide range of conditions, ages, and backgrounds, which can make communication and treatment planning challenging. Adapting exercises and motivational strategies to fit individual patient needs requires flexibility and creativity. Additionally, PTAs must be attentive to language barriers, cultural differences, and varying levels of patient engagement to ensure effective rehabilitation. Collaboration with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals is essential to deliver personalized care and achieve the best outcomes.

Is becoming a PTA difficult?

Becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) requires completing an accredited associate degree program and passing a licensing exam, which involves coursework in anatomy, physiology, and patient care. The process can be challenging due to the academic requirements and practical clinical training involved.

Where do PTAs get paid the most?

Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) tend to earn the highest salaries in metropolitan areas with a high cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services. States with strong healthcare industries and higher average wages, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts, generally offer higher pay for PTAs. Salary can also vary based on experience, certifications, and work setting, such as outpatient clinics or hospitals.

How much does a PTA make?

A Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) in Florida typically earns an average annual salary of around $55,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. PTAs often work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists and may need to obtain state licensure to practice legally.

What Do Physical Therapy Assistants Do?

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 does a Physical Therapy Assistant do?

A Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to help patients recover from injuries or manage physical conditions. PTAs assist with implementing treatment plans, guiding patients through exercises, and using therapeutic modalities such as massage or ultrasound. They also monitor patient progress, document treatments, and educate patients and their families about exercises and care techniques. Their goal is to help patients improve mobility, reduce pain, and regain function.
More about Physical Therapy Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Therapy jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Physical Therapy jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What are popular job titles related to Physical Therapy Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL? For Physical Therapy Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physical Therapy Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Physical Therapy Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Physical Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Physical Therapy Assistant job openings:
Physical Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physical Therapy Assistant job openings in Decatur, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 15% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,293 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant

Encore Rehabilitation, Inc.

Cullman, AL • On-site

$24.75 - $32.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Job Description/Summary
PRIMARY FUNCTION
The assistant is a skilled, technical worker who performs physical therapy treatments and related duties as assigned by the therapist.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited school for Physical Therapist Assistants.
EXPERIENCE: None required.
REGISTERED: Licensure by the Board of Physical Therapy in applicable State.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Stands, turns, bends, stoops, lifts, climbs, and uses a great majority of physical motion in performing day to day activities of work. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and do a great deal of walking without experiencing extreme fatigue. Lifting and carrying equipment supplies, and materials up to 50 lbs. without help; over 50 lbs. with the help of mechanical devices or other personnel. Operation of electrical equipment.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
  1. Supervises Rehab Technicians.
  2. Treats patients after the evaluation has been performed by a Registered Physical Therapist.
  3. Participates in in-service training for clinical staff.
  4. Consult with the physical therapist regarding the patients progress and plan of care.
  5. Interacts with other departments involved with individual patients regarding patient's progress.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Adheres to the code of ethics of the APTA.
  2. Reports to the staff Physical Therapists/Clinical Director concerning Physical Therapy matters.
  3. Carries out the physical therapy procedures according to the Plan of Care of the Registered Physical Therapist.
  4. Covers instructions for home treatment programs through consultation with the Registered Physical Therapist.
  5. Maintains proper equipment and supplies which might benefit the patient.
  6. Maintains proper attitude of encouragement toward the patient without giving false hope.
  7. Counsels patient and/or family on special problems with advice from the Registered Physical Therapist.
  8. Helps the patient become physically, emotionally, and socially independent.
  9. Utilizes proper procedures which will be in keeping with good patient care, but reasonable in expense to the department, such as supplies, equipment, linens, and time usage.
  10. Submit in writing to the Registered Physical Therapist/Supervisor on duty, any recorded incident or accident with patient or employee as it occurs.
  11. Documents on all patients' treatments received according to the policies and procedures of the physical therapy department.

GENERAL
SOURCE OF WORKERS: From schools and from classified ads in professional publications.
SUPERVISED BY: Staff Therapist and Clinic Director.
WORKERS SUPERVISED: Technicians/aids and students.

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