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HomeFieldsPhysical TherapyPhysical Therapist Assistant

Career Profile

ExploreHealthCareers.org/physicaltherapistassistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

Overview

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) perform components of physical therapy procedures and related tasks, as directed by a supervising physical therapist (PT). PTAs help patients who have movement difficulties due to injury or disease, by assisting the PT with therapies designed to improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disability. Patients may include accident victims and individuals with short- and long-term disabling conditions, such as low back pain, fractures, head injuries, arthritis, heart disease, and cerebral palsy.

To learn more about this career, watch the video profile of "Physical Therapist Assistants."

You can download, save and print a PDF of this career profile:

Physical Therapist Assistant 14 May 2008 [pdf, 154 KB]

therapist raising patient

Average Salary: $37,000 - $0 [*]

Years in school: 2 - 0 after high school graduation

Job outlook: Excellent

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