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Common Ground News

Are PTAS in high demand?

Author

Matthew Cannon

Updated on February 21, 2026

Are PTAS in high demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the PTA profession is expected to grow by 41% over the next 10 years (or until the year 2022).

Regarding this, are PTAs in demand?

The change in the dynamics of disease burden in the United States is fueling the growth prospect of physical therapy services. Sources from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that the employment opportunities for PTAs are projected to grow at a rate of 40% for the period between 2014 stretching to 2024.

Furthermore, is PTA a growing field? Being a PTA is an incredible career in a fast-growing field. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, PTA jobs are some of the fastest growing in the nation—averaging 40% annually. This is much faster than the 7% average growth rate for all occupations.

Also Know, is physical therapy assistant a good career choice?

Job Satisfaction

A job with a low stress level, good work-life balance and solid prospects to improve, get promoted and earn a higher salary would make many employees happy. Here's how Physical Therapist Assistants job satisfaction is rated in terms of upward mobility, stress level and flexibility.

Where do physical therapist assistants make the most money?

Based on cost of living Houston, Texas is the best paying city for physical therapist assistants.

Is PTA a stressful job?

Being a physical therapist assistant is emotionally demanding sometimes. Many patients are in pain and facing uncertainty about their health. The job comes with frequent physical demands, as well. A PTA must be comfortable in physical contact with others, supporting patients as they complete exercises.

Will PTAs be phased out?

Thereof, are PTAs being phased out? PTAs will never go away in out patient settings. They're a vital part of high volume clinics, especially independently owned clinics. Hiring only DPTs is not cost efficient and doesn't provide better treatment.

Which is better PTA or OTA?

A PTA knows how to help you recover from injuries, regain mobility, or relieve pain. For OTAs, it's much more – it's about any of the things that “occupy” your life. As you'll learn in an occupational therapy assistant program, the origin of the challenge is developmental, emotional, sensory, mental, or physical.

Should I become a PTA or PT?

It's far easier and less competitive to get into a PTA program than it is to get into a Physical Therapy program. PTA positions aren't as well-known as their PT counterparts. If you enter a PTA program, you don't have to worry about first attaining a Bachelor's degree that may or may not lead to another degree.

How can a PTA make more money?

Five Ways to Increase Your PTA Salary
  1. Education is Key: Specialization in areas like pediatrics, orthopeadics or geriatrics can translate into significantly higher wages.
  2. Choose the Right Environment: All workplaces are not created equal – especially when it comes to pay.

How much do PTA make starting out?

What is the Pay by Experience Level for Physical Therapist Assistants? An entry-level Physical Therapist Assistant with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $22.87 based on 756 salaries.

What does PDPM mean for PTAs?

Patient-Driven Payment Model

Can you go from a PTA to a PT?

Becoming a physical therapist assistant is not a steppingstone to becoming a physical therapist. However, approximately 10% of PTAs pursue careers at PTs. Traditionally, PTAs remain with their first career choice within physical therapy.

Is being a PTA hard on your body?

PTA is very hard on your body physically and mentally. If you get hurt like I did you will not be able to do the work. I had to leave at age 48 due to a knee injury after a fall and two surgeries. This career is for the young.

What can a PTA not do?

PTAs are not permitted to perform evaluations, assessment procedures, or certain complex procedures; nor do they design plans of care or develop treatment plans. Accordingly, PTAs do not possess an independent “scope of practice” as do PTs.

Can you work as a PTA without a license?

Licensure is required in order to practice as a PT or work as a PTA in the United States. You must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam, which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Is PTA School Competitive?

I know that the PTA program is very competitive in its admissions. The PTA admissions information notes that a "C" or better is required for all prerequisite courses. The reality is that most students that are accepted into the program have much higher grades.

What can PTAs specialize in?

Once achieved, Advanced Proficiency Pathway program recognition is good for 10 years.

PTAs gain advanced proficiency knowledge and skill in one of the following areas:

  • Acute care.
  • Cardiovascular/pulmonary.
  • Geriatrics.
  • Oncology.
  • Orthopaedics.
  • Pediatrics.
  • Wound management.

Is physical therapy a dying profession?

PT is a dying pseudo profession that is controlled by everyone other than PT's. We do all the work, but share little in the financial rewards. I would not encourage any young person to pursue a life as a PT."

Can a PTA work for a sports team?

Athletic physical therapist assistants, working under the guidance and supervision of licensed physical therapists, provide evaluation and treatment services for athletes with sports injuries. Physical therapist assistants may work with athletes whose injuries resulted from any number of factors, such as: Accidents.

What do PTA wear to work?

Hospital Uniforms

Most PTAs who work in hospitals wear traditional surgical scrubs or nursing uniforms. These clothes are designed to be easily cleaned and disinfected after the PTA's shift. This can be especially important if the PTA is working with patients who are suffering from infectious diseases.

How much do PRN PTAS make?

PRN Physical Therapist Assistant Salaries
Job TitleSalary
HCR ManorCare PRN Physical Therapist salaries - 1 salaries reported$43/hr
Intermountain Healthcare PRN Physical Therapist salaries - 1 salaries reported$35/hr
SSM Health PRN Physical Therapist salaries - 1 salaries reported$51/hr

How much does a PTA make in a hospital?

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Wages*Low (5th percentile)Average
Starting$15.00$20.85
Overall$17.00$25.61
Top$19.10$29.23

Who is the highest paid physical therapist?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying environments for physical therapists to work in are nursing and residential care facilities followed closely by home healthcare services.