| Aspect | Physical Therapy Assistant | Physical Therapist |
|---|
| Credentials | Associate's degree in Physical Therapy Assisting, licensure or certification | Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in Physical Therapy, state licensure |
| Work Environment | Assist in patient care under supervision, clinics, hospitals, rehab centers | Evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, oversee assistants |
| Employer & Industry | Hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab facilities | Hospitals, 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.