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

Elara Caring

Physical Therapy Assistant - PTA

Decatur, IL · On-site

$27.25 - $36/hr

Job Requirements Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Home Visits * New ambient listening technology helps save time on documentation, so you can focus on your patients! * Dedicated therapy scheduler ...

Elara Caring

Physical Therapy Assistant - PTA

Macon, IL · On-site

$27 - $35.75/hr

Job Requirements Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Home Visits * New ambient listening technology helps save time on documentation, so you can focus on your patients! * Dedicated therapy scheduler ...

Memorial Health

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT - OP

Decatur, IL · On-site

$24.04 - $37.26/hr

As a IL Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, you will be responsible for providing physical therapy treatment to patients of all ages under the direction and supervision of physical therapist. All ...

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Physical Therapy Assistant information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$17

$30

$43

How much do physical therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical therapy assistant in Decatur, IL is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.11 and $34.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.
More about Physical Therapy Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Therapy jobs in Decatur, IL?

The most popular types of Physical Therapy jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Physical Therapy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Physical Therapy Assistant job openings:

Physical Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physical Therapy Assistant job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,454 per year, or $31 per hour.

Physical Therapy Assistant - PTA

Elara Caring

Decatur, IL • On-site

$27.25 - $36/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Elara Caring rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

181st of 242 rated social care providers

Job description

Job Requirements

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Home Visits

  • New ambient listening technology helps save time on documentation, so you can focus on your patients!

  • Dedicated therapy scheduler assists in grouping visits by day and location to help save on travel time for shorter more impactful days.

  • See patient improvement in real time with one-on-one visits

At Elara Caring, we believe the best place for care is where people live. We provide high-quality care to more than 60,000 patients each day in their homes.

Work Experience

As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you'll contribute to our success in the following ways:

  • Promotes Elara Caring's philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure quality of care

  • Performs direct physical therapy services in accordance with accepted standards of practice and certified by the patient's physician to ensure quality and continuity of care.

  • Follows Plan of Care as established by Physical Therapist/being supervised by the Physical Therapist and immediate reporting of any changes in status back to Physical Therapist.

  • Adheres to the State Practice Act Guidelines.

  • Verifies the Plan of Care prior to each visit and provides care according to physician's orders, assessment data, and established standards and guidelines.

  • Incorporates patient care goals established in the Plan of Care, into therapy care.

  • Instructs patients and/or their families in the appropriate and safe use of prosthetic, orthotic and assistive devices (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.).

  • Instructs the patient and/or caregiver in the therapy home program

  • Physically demanding, high stress environment

  • Full range of body motion including handling, lifting and transfer of patients

  • Potentially work irregular hours including call hours if applicable

Requirements

  • Graduate of an accredited physical therapy assistant program approved by the American Therapy Association

  • Current, unrestricted PTA license valid for the state of work.

  • 6+ months experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant is preferred

  • Able and willing to travel within branch/office coverage area.

  • Must have a dependable vehicle, valid driver's license, and current auto insurance in accordance with state laws.

  • Must be able and willing to travel 50%

  • Ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and support up to 50 pounds, including positioning or transferring patients and moving equipment

What Elara Caring employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Elara Caring

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Elara Caring, we have an unique opportunity to play a huge role in the growth of an entire home care industry. Here, each employee has the chance to make a real difference by carrying out our mission every day. Join our elite team of healthcare professionals, providing the Right Care, at the Right Time, in the Right Place.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1994

Social media

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