Physical therapists generally examine a patient and prescribe a plan of care. It’s the job of the physical therapist assistant to carry out that plan. Their work can include manually maneuvering a patient’s body for different massages or stretches prescribed to relieve damages incurred by disease or injury. Or they might explain different exercises and observe the patients while they do them. They might also use different equipment or machines to help with therapy. 

Years ago, Chris Garland’s mother underwent ACL surgery. In the days that followed, Garland took her mother to physical therapy appointments. "I sat back and watched," she says. What she saw was science and problem-solving in action. She saw compassionate physical therapists and physical therapist assistants building relationships with their patients and helping them reach their fullest potential. Garland was hooked. 

After more than 15 years of working in marketing, Garland went back to school, earned an associate degree in Applied Science and became a physical therapist assistant. "I kicked myself for not doing this sooner," she says. "I wish I had done this 20 years ago." 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 26.1% employment growth for physical therapist assistants between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 26,300 jobs should open up.

Physical therapist assistants must have an associate degree from an accredited physical therapy program. These programs, of which there are about 300 in the country, include didactic coursework and a clinical component. 

All states require that physical therapist assistants become licensed. Obtaining this licensure usually requires completing an accredited physical therapist assistant program and passing the certifying board exam, offered through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Some states might additionally insist that practicing physical therapist assistants meet other requirements, such as passing a criminal background check or state-specific exams.