Physical Therapy Assistants
Description OES Code: 66017
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.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $14.53
25th Percentile $17.19
50th Percentile $20.19
75th Percentile $23.65

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $16.55
25th Percentile $18.86
50th Percentile $21.49
75th Percentile $24.80

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Almost all employers offer paid vacation, sick leave, medical and life insurance, retirement plans, and dental and vision insurance.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 6,800
Projected Employment 2008 10,000
Percent Change 1998-2008 47.1%
Separations 1998-2008 2,100

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 160
Projected Employment 2006 200
Percent Change 1999-2006 25%
Separations 1999-2006 30

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Physical Therapy Aides and Assistants work on health teams with doctors, nurses, and occupational and physical therapists. They work in public and private hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, physical therapists' offices, and schools for the physically challenged. The buildings are well lighted, air conditioned, and nice to work in. Physical therapy work requires varying degrees of physical exertion, since it involves lifting and positioning patients.

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 a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

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 Training and Education Providers (CTEP)