Introduction
Physical therapy is a growing profession that offers job security and opportunities for advancement. The role of a physical therapist assistant (PTA) has become increasingly sought after, as the demand for healthcare services continues to rise. In this article, we will examine the average salaries of PTAs across the country, their education and certification requirements as well as career paths, job vacancies, and future trends of their profession.
What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
A PTA plays an essential role in the healthcare industry, working alongside physical therapists to help rehabilitate individuals who have suffered injuries or disabilities. The job mainly involves working with patients to develop treatment plans, carry out exercises, and monitor their progress. PTAs also help patients with activities of daily living and education on proper exercise and health habits. The role is both physically and emotionally demanding, dealing directly with patients suffering from intense pain and discomfort.
The vital role of PTAs has made this profession one of the fastest-growing allied health professions, with employment rates predicted to grow by 26% between 2018 and 2028.
Average Salaries Across the Country
The average salary for a PTA varies across the country, depending on such factors as level of education, experience, and type of employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for PTAs was $49,910 as of May 2020. The highest paying states for PTAs include California, Texas, and New York, with average salaries ranging from $70,000 – $80,000 per year. The lowest paying states include Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota with salaries ranging from $30,000 – $40,000 per year. Private practices and healthcare facilities offer higher salaries than hospitals and government health clinics.
The cost of living in different states also plays a significant factor in the average salary of PTAs as the salary amounts fluctuate with region-specific living expenses. It should also be noted that the salary variations within the PTA field are present for individuals with even an identical experience and education level.
Interviews with PTAs
To gain insight into the experiences of PTAs working in the healthcare field, we spoke to several practicing PTAs regarding their salary expectations and career paths. Many PTAs found their PTA position as a suitable stepping-stone to becoming a physical therapist despite pursuing diverse academic backgrounds. They all emphasize their passion for helping others keep them motivated and maintain job satisfaction in their roles, despite the job’s heavy demands.
Educational Requirements and Comparison to Other Healthcare Professions
PTAs require an associate’s degree to be eligible for their profession, which usually takes two years to complete. The PTA program’s structured coursework covers various medical topics, such as human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic exercises, massage, rehabilitation, and patient communications.
Compared to other healthcare professions that require a similar level of education, PTAs are paid a significantly lower salary. Although the profession’s cost and time commitment are much lower than pursuing careers as a physician or physical therapist.
Industry Trends and Data
The job growth outlook for PTAs is very promising, with the current demand for PTAs expected to grow by 33% in the next decade. PTAs are essential in many healthcare settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes, leading to an abundance of job openings. The COVID-19 crisis has affected the profession’s job outlook indirectly, leading to more job vacancies due to fluctuating healthcare trends hitting the current employment market.
Maximizing Earning Potential
The compensation for PTAs is usually locked in from employment to employment. However, many PTAs consider increasing their earnings by going back to school and obtaining advanced degrees or pursuing specialized certifications in their fields. Pursuing additional education may open doors to higher-paying positions or take on more challenging, specialized job requirements such as sports therapy. Additionally, professional networking can give PTAs access to resources and insights into the field, including salary negotiation techniques.
Survey or Poll of PTAs
A survey of PTAs gauged their satisfaction with their income and how it affects their lifestyle, savings habits, and professional satisfaction. Respondents prioritize job satisfaction over income in considering their career path. Though salary is important, PTA professionals also value their level of occupational fulfillment and passion for the job.
Conclusion
The role of physical therapy assistants is a reliable, high-growth occupation, which offers job security and salary advancement opportunities. Growth prospects in the field are strong, with more PTAs required in the healthcare industry to meet the high demand. Pursuing a PTA career also offers job flexibility, merit-based advancement opportunities and caters to individuals’ passion for helping others. While the profession is underpaid, the passion it offers can help maintain job satisfaction.
