Physical Therapy Assistants Description OES Code: 660170 Prepare patient and/or administer physical therapy treatment, such as massages, traction, and heat, light and sound treatment. Instruct, motivate, and assist patients with learning and improving functional activities. Normally work under the direction of a Physical or Corrective Therapist. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $12.00 minimum – $20.00 New, experienced: $13.47 $6.00 – $22.00 3 yrs+ experience: $16.00 $7.50 – $25.00 Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Almost all employers offer paid vacation, sick leave, medical and life insurance, retirement plans, and dental and vision insurance. Employment Trends Employment 1996 8,250 Projected Employment 2006 15,840 Growth Rate 1996-2006 92% Openings due to Separations 2,730 Employment Trends by California County Physical Therapy Assistants and Aides are in the Top Fifty Fastest Growth Occupations in California. Most employers reports a bigger demand for Physical Therapy Aides than for Assistants, but both these jobs are expected to grow twice as fast as all other jobs. Those who are thinking of physical therapy as a career may want to start at the Aide level and get the practical experience and visibility necessary to promote to licensed Assistant jobs. Advancement Promotional opportunity for Aides is fairly low. They may promote to the level of licensed assistant through Application by Equivalency. With experience, Assistants advance to staff training and development or to supervisory positions. Some decide to earn a bachelor's degree in physical therapy and move up to be fully qualified therapists. Taking an active role in educational conventions and workshops given by physical therapy professional associations is an excellent method of career development and advancement. Getting the Job & Other Information Applying directly to hospital and clinic physical therapy departments and to private practice therapists is still the best way to find a job for both experienced and trainee Physical Therapy Aides. Graduate placement programs of accredited Physical Therapy Assisting schools provide an important link between employers and students through the on campus recruitment program. Applying directly to hospital physical therapy departments and participating in professional associations often leads to employment. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Physical Therapy Aides get on the job training from Physical Therapists. Employers hire applicants who have a high school diploma or who have a certificate of equivalency. Physical Therapy Assistants must be licensed by the California Physical Therapy Examining Board. There are two ways to qualify for the license. Graduates with an associate degree in Physical Therapy Assisting from an accredited school can apply for the examination. Physical Therapy Aides qualify if they have worked a minimum of three years as an Aide for a licensed physical therapist and have Board approved college coursework that relates to the occupation. This is an Application by Equivalency process. A list of accredited schools in California can be ordered from the California Physical Therapy Examining Board or from the California Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association. Skills & Other Requirements Employers require speaking and writing skills, readable handwriting, and the ability to read and follow instructions. Some employers hire only applicants who have completed at least a short vocational training program in physical therapy offered at some community colleges. Physical therapy work requires varying degrees of physical exertion, since it involves lifting and positioning patients. Good health and endurance are needed, and eyesight must be sharp enough to watch what the patient does during physical therapy treatments. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide Physical Therapy Aides & Assistants #451 Related Occupation: Physical Therapists #117 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.