Rehabilitation care is increasingly becoming more and more in demand. As our population is rapidly growing, the need for elderly care and long-term healthcare for families is becoming more prevalent. Due to this rising demand, the career outlook of physical therapist assistant jobs seems very promising, with a 19% growth rate. So, if you are considering pursuing a career in PTA jobs, there are several opportunities for growth and advancement, along with handsome financial gains. 

Career Opportunities in Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs

PTA jobs offer various career growth opportunities with a structured career path. Unlike other allied professions, Physical therapist assistants can enter the workforce rather quickly, giving them ample opportunities to grow. With a stepwise approach, professionals can maximize their earning potential and can even get placements in highly authoritative roles such as administration and management. 

As you graduate with an associate degree or a certified training program from an accredited institute, you will enter the medical industry. After that, you can gradually progress as you continue to gain experience, meet CE credit requirements, and acquire additional certifications from accredited organizations. 

Entry-Level PTA Jobs

As you complete your associate degree or certification program and pass the NPTE exam, you can start practicing in various medical settings. After that, as an entry-level physical therapist assistant, your responsibility is to assist the therapist in providing rehabilitative care to patients, including mobility training and exercise therapy. 

Mid-Level PTA Jobs

To advance further, PTAs can opt for specializations in specific areas. Going forward, they will gain experience and new skills, which will help them grasp more growth opportunities in their career paths. There are plenty of options available. The path you pick significantly depends on your previous experience, skills, and, most importantly, your interests. Some of the highest-paying specializations for a physical therapist assistant are:

• Pediatric Physical Therapy—Medical facilities often require specialized physical therapist assistants who can provide physical therapy assistance to children and young teens. Hence, they can provide support for developmental disorders or for physical abnormalities caused by injuries. 
• Sports Rehabilitation—Many sports are associated with injuries for which athletes often require medical intervention. This is where PTAs help athletes recover from injuries and help them improve their athletic performance.  
• Geriatric Therapy—Elderly people often suffer from mobility issues later in life. PTAs help them recover and regain their independence. Specializing in this direction can offer great growth opportunities due to high demand. 
• Neurological Physical Therapy—Many patients after certain medical situations or conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or spinal cord injuries have restrictive movement. PTAs can be a great help in improving their condition. 
• Home Health Therapy—Some people require rehabilitation at home for long-term conditions. Many facilities offer in-home physical therapy services to provide consistent care.

Advanced PTA Jobs

After years of experience and meeting CE credit requirements, Physical therapy assistants can move up the ladder toward advanced roles. There are plenty of opportunities for a physical therapist assistant to grow. Supervisory and administrative roles are often associated with higher education, more experience, and advanced skills. Hence, you need to complete higher degrees before you look for such roles. 

Some advanced roles are:

• Physical Therapy Supervisor or Manager—As you gradually progress in your career, you will reach the point of pursuing supervisory roles. Your responsibilities would be to manage PTAs and oversee operations in your healthcare facility.
• Clinical Educator—Another path is directed toward a teaching or training career. Here, you will train aspiring PTAs and educate patients on care guidelines for long-term results. You can also go for research to make new contributions in the field. 
• Healthcare Administrator—You can also opt for more advanced career paths within hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private clinics. However, as with other advanced career options, this calls for advanced qualification prerequisites.  
• Travel Physical Therapy Assistant jobs—Travel jobs are a great way to maximize your earning potential. Travel physical therapy assistant jobs offer more flexibility, higher pay, and many additional benefits. 

There are plenty of options to grow and advance as a physical therapy assistant. However, finding the right path that seamlessly helps you climb the career ladder can be overwhelming. You can connect with a healthcare staffing agency to find the perfect path and the right job to advance in your career. They will help you find the best job with the best physical therapist assistant salary. 

Certification & Licensing Requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs

If you are wondering how to become a physical therapist assistant, here is the complete certification and licensing requirement list

• The first step is to complete an accredited PTA program. This typically takes about 2 years, which is equivalent to an associate degree.
• Then, you need to pass the NPTE exam for physical therapist assistants offered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
• Finally, you need to acquire your state licensure. Since every state has its own requirements, you can connect with a healthcare staffing agency to get information on your state. If you are considering travel assignments, you may need multiple state licenses for every state you work in. 
• Although you will start practicing as a PTA at this point. However, many states require continuing education (CE) credits to maintain a license.
• Furthermore, you can opt for specializations to maximize your earning potential, such as in orthopedics, geriatrics, neurology, or any related field. 

How Much Can You Earn as a Physical Therapist Assistant?

As awareness spreads and the demand for rehabilitative care rises, the demand for physical therapist assistant jobs will continue to rise. The job prospects are promising with competitive salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average physical therapist assistant salary is around $64,080 per year. However, with the rapidly rising demand,  it can reach up to $92,500 per year. Several factors can impact the salary, including geographical location and the experience of the professional. 

Finding Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs Near You

Physical therapist assistant jobs are widely available across the nation. However, the number of positions in each area is determined by the demand. For instance, in urban areas, people are more concerned about rehabilitative care. Hence, the need for PTAs is greater as compared to rural areas. 

If you are searching for physical therapist jobs near me, connecting with the best healthcare agency in your area is the best way to find suitable ones. They will help you match with the best employers with competitive salaries and financial benefits. But if you plan to search for yourself, the following are some medical settings where you can easily find physical therapist assistant jobs:

• Large hospitals and rehabilitation centers
• Private clinics specializing in physical therapy
• Home healthcare service agencies providing rehabilitative care
• Skilled nursing facilities (SNFS) and adult daycare centers
• Sports medicine facilities for athletes 
• Travel physical therapist assistant jobs

Are There Travel Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs Available?

Absolutely, travel PTA jobs are a great alternative for professionals looking for flexible work opportunities. Travel jobs in the healthcare industry are rising, becoming a popular choice among allied healthcare professionals. Travel physical therapist assistant jobs offer competitive salaries, flexible work locations and schedules, and additional financial benefits. This is why travel jobs are a great alternative. Travel jobs are ideal for professionals looking for short-term contracts, gaining diverse experience, higher earning potential, and growth opportunities. 

Final Thoughts 

Physical therapist assistant jobs have a great career outlook. Unlike many allied healthcare professions, PTA jobs have a structured growth ladder. You can begin with an entry-level position and gradually progress to higher positions and better salaries as you gain experience and meet educational requirements.  

Considering a career as a physical therapist assistant can be quite rewarding. However, finding a suitable job near you can be tough. You can connect with a staffing agency that can guide you toward the best opportunities with competitive salaries.