Also called: PTA
Carries out treatment plans designed by physical therapists, guiding patients through exercises.
Works on the gym floor all day: walking a post-surgery patient down the hallway, setting up balance exercises, applying heat packs, and cheering on progress. Two-year degree, solid pay.
BLS May 2024.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree from an accredited PTA program and a licensing exam.
Ways in: 2-year college, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Physical Therapist Assistant (associate).
Growing much faster than average (about 15% over 10 years). Much faster than average.
Low risk for 10 years. AI documentation tools cut paperwork; guiding patients through exercises and safe walking stays hands-on.
Classes: Anatomy & physiology, Biology, PE class, Health-science CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 31-2021.
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