Surpising Stats about Physical Therapist Assistants

7 Surprising Stats about Life as a Physical Therapist Assistant

There are few professions more rewarding than that of a Physical Therapist Assistant.  Physical Therapist Assistants help people with injuries and illnesses build and regain their strength and flexibility. Under the guidance of a physical therapist, they help mitigate discomfort, pain, and physical limitations.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in this fast-growing field, here are seven interesting statistics that may make your decision even easier:

1. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Physical Therapy Assistants make an annual median wage of $52,160. On a full-time schedule, this averages out to $25 an hour, roughly three times federal minimum wage. 

2. There were over 121,000 jobs for Physical Therapy Assistants in the US in 2012. That's an average of nearly 2,500 positions for each state in the country (BLS).  

3. Job growth for Physical Therapy Assistants between 2012 and 2022 is estimated to be 41%, much higher than the average for all professions. In the midst of a recession and recovery, the need for Physical Therapy Assistants didn't diminish at the rate other career paths, owing in part to a growing aging population comprised of baby boomers in need of physical therapy services.

4. More than 70% of Physical Therapy Assistants work in privately-owned practices or hospitals, according to the APTA.

5. Physical Therapy Assistants also work in home healthcare, rehabilitation units, and schools. (APTA)

6. There are more than 204,000 licensed Physical Therapists in the US, as of 2012 (BLS).  Many of them need at least one assistant.

7. Approximately 10% of PTAs continue their education and go on to become practicing Physical Therapists (APTA). With this additional career path available, Physical Therapy Assistants may choose to develop the valuable skills they learn on the job into an even more lucrative position. 

While some career paths are difficult to navigate in an uncertain economy, Physical Therapy Assistants continue to do quite well. In addition to an enviable median salary, PTAs are able to directly impact the quality of life of their clientele in a positive way. Physical Therapy Assistants make life easier and healthier for those that they serve and that's a job they can be proud of!

If you would like to explore this exciting profession, contact ECPI University’s College of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute.  Through our year-round program, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assisting in just 1.5 years. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's College of Health Science TODAY!

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