Travel Physical Therapist (PT) & Assistant (PTA) 101
Interested in a travel Physical Therapist (PT) & Assistant (PTA) career? Here’s all you need to get started.
A Physical Therapist (PT) is a movement expert who collaborates with patients during their recovery from surgery, injury, or in managing physical disabilities. PTs focus on helping patients regain mobility through strength, stretching, and manual therapy techniques.
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Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) work under the direction of PTs to implement treatment plans. They play a key role in assisting patients with exercises, mobility training, and other therapeutic interventions.
Physical therapy, involving both PTs and PTAs, can be corrective and preventative. PTs start with a physical examination to assess a patient’s condition. They develop rehabilitation plans to restore functionality, while PTAs assist in executing these plans, providing hands-on therapy and guiding patients through exercises.
Everyday tasks of a physical therapy practitioner:
- Observing and assessing patient movement.
- Assisting patients with therapeutic exercises and using aids like crutches or walkers.
- Documenting medical records and progress.
- Developing and implementing individual rehabilitation plans, with PTAs providing direct therapy as per these plans.
- Educating patients and assisting them with supportive devices.
Depending on the setting a physical therapy practitioner works in, their daily interactions and duties with patients may differ. For example, a PT working solely in a hospital may only meet with patients once or twice after surgery, whereas a PT in private practice may see the same patients weekly as they assist them on their entire rehabilitation journey.
PTs and PTAs work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, private practices, and rehabilitation clinics. They cater to patients of all ages and deal with various conditions, from sports injuries to post-operative care.
PTs and PTAs commonly assist patients with:
- Soft tissue injuries.
- Neck and back pain.
- Work-related injuries.
- Muscular dystrophy.
- Joint replacements.
- Issues with range of motion and balance.
For PTs:
- Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) from a recognized DPT program, which typically takes three years post-bachelor’s degree.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for licensure.
For PTAs:
- Complete an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for assistants.
PTs can specialize by obtaining certifications in areas like orthopedics or neurology. PTAs can advance by gaining experience and pursuing specialized training or certifications in specific therapy techniques through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
To practice as a PT, a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program is required, covering extensive healthcare topics. PT students also complete significant clinical experience.
PTAs need an associate degree in physical therapy assistance, including both coursework and practical training.
Both PTs and PTAs must pass their respective National Physical Therapy Exam for licensure. Be sure to check out our state-by-state PT licensure guide so that you're ready to practice, no matter where life takes you!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a physical therapist is $97,720 per year ($46.98 per hour) and the growth rate for physical therapy is projected to increase by 15% from 2022 to 2032.
California and Nevada are the highest-paid states for PTs with annual wages averaging $114,230 and $105,880, respectively.
For PTA’s, the median annual salary is $57,240 per year, or $27.52 per hour. PTA’s are anticipated to see a growth rate that is much higher than average at 19%!
Physical therapy assistants are seeing the highest mean annual wage in New Jersey at $69,480, followed by Texas at $68,680.
