Get Hired Today: Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs Near Me
Exploring Physical Therapy Jobs
Demand for Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are in hot demand these days. Why? Well, our aging population, especially the baby boomers, needs more help getting back on their feet. According to Rasmussen University, jobs for PTAs are expected to jump by 24% through 2031. That’s four times faster than most other jobs!
Take the outpatient rehab program at CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, for example. They offer rehab services right at home, helping folks hit their recovery goals without needing to stay in a hospital. This is just one way physical therapy is evolving to meet the growing demand.
| Year | Projected Job Growth (%) | Number of Job Openings |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2032 | 19% | 26,300 |
Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Growth Opportunities in the Field
PTAs have plenty of room to grow. With the rising need for physical therapy, job prospects are looking bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the field will grow by 19% from 2022 to 2032, with around 26,300 new jobs popping up (Forbes).
Talking money, PTAs made a median salary of $62,770 in May 2022. By May 2023, that number went up to $64,080 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The top 10% of PTAs are raking in over $85,230, showing there’s good money to be made.
| Year | Median Annual Salary ($) | Top 10% Salary ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 62,770 | 85,230 |
| 2023 | 64,080 | N/A |
Data from Forbes and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
If you want to specialize, there are plenty of niches to explore. Think pediatric physical therapy, sports physical therapy, or outpatient physical therapy. These specializations can boost your career and your paycheck. Plus, you can choose between part-time and full-time gigs for better work-life balance.
For more on job opportunities and perks, check out our articles on physical therapy jobs near me and physical therapy jobs with benefits.
Career Path for Physical Therapists
Education and Training Requirements
So, you want to be a physical therapist? Buckle up, because it’s a journey. First off, you’ll need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program that’s got the thumbs-up from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These programs usually take about 3 years and you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in something like anatomy, chemistry, or physics to get in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you’ll dive into subjects like biomechanics, neuroscience, and pharmacology. Plus, you’ll get some real-world experience through clinical training.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) |
| Program Length | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | Bachelor’s degree in related fields (anatomy, chemistry, physics) |
| Accreditation | CAPTE |
Specializations and Advancements
Once you’ve got that DPT degree, you can level up by specializing in areas like orthopedics, sports, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, and women’s health (USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy). These specializations can make you a go-to expert and open doors to more job opportunities.
| Specialization | Field |
|---|---|
| Orthopedics | Musculoskeletal issues |
| Sports | Sports injuries and performance |
| Neurology | Nervous system disorders |
| Pediatrics | Children’s health |
| Geriatrics | Elderly care |
| Cardiovascular and Pulmonary | Heart and lung conditions |
| Clinical Electrophysiology | Electrical activity in the body |
| Women’s Health | Gender-specific health issues |
Getting certified in a specialty can bump up your paycheck and give you more career options. If you’re into working with kids or athletes, check out pediatric physical therapy jobs near me or sports physical therapy jobs near me.
To find your perfect gig, explore different physical therapy jobs near me, including part-time physical therapy jobs near me and full-time physical therapy jobs near me. If you’re looking for extra perks, look into physical therapy jobs with benefits and physical therapy jobs with sign-on bonus.
