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Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapy Assistant

Cary, NC · On-site

$24.98 - $35.91/hr

Completes department records for billing and statistics. 4. Instructs physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students. 5. Provides skilled physical therapy treatments to a wide variety of ...

Physical Therapy Assistant

Cary, NC · On-site

$24.98 - $35.91/hr

Completes department records for billing and statistics. 4. Instructs physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students. 5. Provides skilled physical therapy treatments to a wide variety of ...

Physical Therapy Assistant

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$24.98 - $35.91/hr

UNC Hospitals Rehabilitation Services is accepting applications for a full time Acute Care Physical Therapist Assistant position. Supporting our Enhanced Rehabilitation program in the acute hospital ...

Travel Physical Therapy Assistant

Durham, NC · On-site

$1.5K - $1.5K/wk

Physical Therapy Assistant Location: Durham, North Carolina Employment Type: Travel/Contract Pay: $1502 - $1581 per week Shift: 5x8 Days Start Date: ASAP Contract Length: 13-week Position: Physical ...

Physical Therapy Assistant

Durham, NC · On-site

$29.40 - $44.10/hr

As the Physical Therapist Assistant you will perform treatment and provide exercise instruction and patient education aimed at improving/enhancing the patient's well-being while following the ...

Physical Therapy Assistant

Smithfield, NC · On-site

$24.25 - $32/hr

With offices across North Carolina, the Physical/Occupational Therapist is responsible for ... Adequately supervises therapist assistants and/or aides in direct patient care and related ...

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Physical Therapy Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$17

$31

$43

How much do physical therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical therapy assistant in Raleigh, NC is $31.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.15 and $34.57 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.

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.

Can PTAs make 100k a year?

Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) typically earn salaries below $100,000 annually, with most earning between $50,000 and $70,000 depending on experience, location, and work setting. Reaching a $100,000 salary usually requires advanced experience, specialization, or working in high-demand areas or settings with higher pay scales.

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 see increased compensation. Generally, experience, specialization, and geographic location influence earning potential the most.
What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Therapy jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Physical Therapy jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Physical Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Physical Therapy Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Physical Therapy Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,594 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Physical Therapy Assistant

UNC Health Careers

Cary, NC • On-site

$24.98 - $35.91/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.

Summary:
Performs a wide variety of skilled physical therapy treatments for patients based upon the physical therapy evaluations and goals completed by the physical therapist. Advances the patient's treatment plan in response to the patient's progress. Assists with discharge planning.


Responsibilities:
1. Contributes to various interdisciplinary team meetings to plan for patient needs, discuss family education plans, and discharge plans.
2. Precepts PT technicians or other physical therapist assistants and evaluate the learner's competency per department guidelines.
3. Documents patient treatment and progress toward goals. Completes department records for billing and statistics.
4. Instructs physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students.
5. Provides skilled physical therapy treatments to a wide variety of patients. Designs and teach exercise program to meet PT goals. Fits and teaches patient to use ambulatory devices including braces, walkers, canes, crutches safely to negotiate stairs, curbs, and unlevel ground. Teaches patient airway clearance techniques and perform chest PT procedures. Instructs patient and family in home exercises, ambulation, and use of adaptive equipment for discharge.
6. Participation - Contributes to quality of clinical services through attendance and participation in departmental meetings and in-services.
7. Quality-Contributes to quality of clinical services through maintenance of valid & reliable records of patient procedures & progress. Participates in quality improvement initiatives with the clinical specialist and other healthcare professionals. Participates in continuous quality improvement efforts in conjunction with the department director


Other Information

Other information:
Education Requirements:
Graduation from an accredited two-year Physical Therapist Assistant program.
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant by the state of North Carolina.
BLS
Professional Experience Requirements:
No prior experience required.
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:


Job Details

Legal Employer: GP2

Entity: UNC Physician Group Practices

Organization Unit: CO Spine PT

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Salary Range: $24.98 - $35.91 per hour (Hiring Range)

Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: US:NC:Cary

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No


This position is employed by UNC Physicians Group Practices II, LLC, a private, for-profit subsidiary of UNC Health Care System.


Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.

Employment Type: