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

vTech Solution

Physical Therapist Assistant

Decatur, IL

$27.25 - $36/hr

The Outpatient Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides physical therapy services to patients in an outpatient clinic setting. This role involves assisting patients with neurological and orthopedic ...

vTech Solution

Physical Therapist Assistant

Decatur, IL

$27.25 - $36/hr

The Outpatient Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides physical therapy services to patients in an outpatient clinic setting. This role involves assisting patients with neurological and orthopedic ...

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How much do physical therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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 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.

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.

What kind of PTAs make the most money?

Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or experience in high-demand settings such as outpatient clinics, sports medicine, or skilled nursing facilities tend to earn higher salaries. PTAs working in regions with a higher cost of living or in private practices may also earn more than those in public or rural settings.

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.

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 job categories do people searching Physical Therapy Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Physical Therapy Assistant 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
Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

Reliant Rehabilitation

Sullivan, IL

$26.50 - $34.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Reliant Rehabilitation rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

628th of 864 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview

#LI-EF1

When you join Reliant's therapy team, you join a team that makes a very real impact in the lives of the patients and residents we serve. As a leading rehab therapy provider for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), Reliant therapists provide necessary rehabilitation services for our most vulnerable population.As a Reliant therapist, you also have the opportunity to advance your career through our continuing education platform, climbing our clinical ladder and utilizing the opportunity to serve with others who are working at the top of their discipline. Our executive team started their own careers as therapists working with patients, and we take great pride in promoting from within the company.We also have a team of clinicians who provide continuing training, as well as systems and proven protocols to help ensure everyone is providing therapy in the most effective way for the patients and the most compliant way to help ensure our SNF partners are covered.Why Reliant:

  • Reliant is the largest independent rehab therapy provider to skilled nursing facilities and long-term acute hospitals (LTACHs)
  • Great Corporate Support
  • Therapy company ran by Therapists with decades of experience
  • A company that desires for you to grow as a therapist and as a leader in our industry
  • Currently in 38+ states in approximately 850 buildings with plenty of opportunities that fit any therapists needs in location, schedule, or development

Reliant Benefits May Include:

  • Competitive Pay Packages
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and company-paid life insurance
  • 401(k) savings plan with employer match
  • PTO Share Program
  • PTO Buy-Back Program
  • Annual Performance Reviews
  • Maternity Support Program
  • Company-sponsored continuing education courses
  • Clinical Leadership Support
  • Tuition Loan Repayment Program
  • Flexible Schedules

Education/Experience:

  • A graduate of an APTA accredited school of physical therapy.

Computer Skills:

  • Computer literate and proficient in clinical documentation
  • Basic Internet navigation skills

Certificates and Licenses:

  • Valid Physical Therapy Assistant state license
  • Please note rate range is an estimate and may vary based on skill set and location(s).  
Responsibilities

Physical Therapist Assistant

Summary: Provide Physical Therapy and related services for patients under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) while maintaining positive levels of interaction with facilities and clients in accordance with the principles and practices of physical therapy and within Reliant Rehabilitation guidelines.  Provide quality patient care including ongoing treatment per a plan of care, supervision of Rehab Techs (where required), and case management responsibilities.  Maintain professional conduct that represents Reliant Rehabilitation's commitment to quality and service in all interactions with clients, including positive levels of interaction and rapport with facilities and clients.  Adhere to all state and federal regulations regarding physical therapy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Under the direction of the licensed physical therapist, optimize the functional abilities and skills of patients.
  • Build a strong physical therapy program.
  • Enhance clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities.
  • Maintain a valid state license.  Maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of physical therapy and the health care environment.
  • Understands various relevant payment models related to billing and treatment guidelines, as well as clinically appropriate means/modes of delivery.  Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines.
  • Be compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a facility.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend in English: instructions, correspondence, charts, memos, and reports
Qualifications
  •  

Interested in learning about us or other opportunities? Please visit our website.*complete job description available upon request

Employment Type: OTHER

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