Occupations: Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical Therapist Assistants
Overview of the profession:
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process, working under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. Their primary role is implementing a patient care plan designed by the Physical Therapist, including exercises, stretches, and other therapies that support patient recovery, improve mobility, reduce pain, and manage physical conditions. Licensed PTAs complete a 2-year associate degree in Physical Therapy Assistant from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and pass two exams: the National Physical Therapy Examination and the Michigan Physical Therapy Assistant Jurisprudence Examination. PTAs work in a variety of workplace settings; they are most commonly employed in outpatient physical therapy clinics or hospitals but also work in long-term care facilities and for major and minor-league sports teams. Due to their instrumental role in tracking patient progress, PTAs are vital to ensuring the best patient recovery outcomes.
Policy Highlights
Includes recent proposed legislation
Current PTA Workforce Data
We've provided the latest data from Lightcast below. Lightcast gathers and integrates economic, labor market, demographic, education, profile, and job posting data from dozens of government and private-sector sources, creating a comprehensive and current dataset that includes both published data and detailed estimates with full United States coverage.
Click on the images to enlarge them and review them in further detail.
2025 Hourly Wages
10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$20.31 | $24.85 | $29.19 | $31.04 | $35.54 |
Top Posted Job Titles
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Physical Therapist Assistants
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Physical Therapy Assistants
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Physical Therapy Technicians
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Chiropractic Assistants
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Chiropractic Assistants/Receptionists
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Rehabilitation Technicians
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Front Desk/Chiropractic Assistants
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Physical Therapists/Physical Therapy Assistants
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Outpatient Physical Therapists
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Licensed Physical Therapist Assistants
Index Ranking
Ranked 24th (out of 36) "healthiest" profession according to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index.
Learn more here.
2025 Employment: 3,481
Projected 2035 Employment: 4,143 (+19%)
Highlighted Workforce Initiatives
Name: Bridge to Healthcare Degree Program
Prosperity Region: 10
Description:
The Bridge to Healthcare Degree program is a partnership between DESC Michigan Works! and Henry Ford College. The program's goal is to increase the number of Detroit residents who are trained and can earn a degree in healthcare. Participants in the 30-week (two-semester) program take classes both virtually and in-person at Henry Ford College's Dearborn campus to earn college credits toward an associate degree for PT assistant, radiographer, RN, respiratory therapist, and surgical tech. Additionally, participants receive resources and assistance to help them toward earning their healthcare degrees.
Name: Flint Healthcare Employment Opportunities
Prosperity Region: 6
Description: The Flint Healthcare Employment Opportunities (FHEO) Program is offered through GST Michigan Works! and the Greater Flint Health Coalition. The FHEO Program is designed to increase the number of workers in 10 high-demand healthcare jobs in Genesee County. Examples of high-demand healthcare roles include CNA, phlebotomist and respiratory therapist. Program participants receive free tuition to become trained, career advising, support services, job development assistance and work/life skills training. The FHEO Program has been around since 2002 and is funded by GST Michigan Works! and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
Name: Physical Therapy Aide Online Training Program
Prosperity Region: 9
Description: Siena Heights University recently launched online certificate and credentialing courses to help address critical healthcare skilled labor shortages throughout Michigan, Ohio, and the greater Midwest region. Relevant programs include dental assistant, EKG tech, hemodialysis tech, home health aide, medical assistant, mental health technician, PCT, pharmacy tech, phlebotomy tech, physical therapy aide, sterile processing tech, and surgical tech. The purpose of offering these online certificate and credentialing courses is to provide students with the skills and capabilities needed to fill in-demand jobs across the healthcare industry.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career Pathway
How to become a licensed physical therapist assistant (PTA) in Michigan?
First, individuals must complete a 2-year associate degree in Physical Therapy Assistant from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. After graduation, individuals must pass both the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs and the Michigan Physical Therapy Assistant Jurisprudence Examination before
applying for their license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Is a career as a physical therapist assistant (PTA) a stepping stone to a career as a PT?
No, according to the American Physical Therapy Association, PTAs have a different educational curriculum than PTs and do not meet the prerequisite requirements needed for a doctoral-level physical therapy program.
For current and comprehensive licensure requirements, please visit: www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list.
Latest Physical Therapist Assistant News
