43 Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
About a Career as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career of a Physical Therapist Assistant with John Cooper.
Guest: John Cooper has been practicing as a PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant) for 17 years, with experience in outpatient, inpatient, and nursing home settings. John spent his first 14 years practicing in a rural hospital in Valley, Alabama. He is currently working in a private practice outpatient clinic in Columbus, GA.
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How Do You Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?
A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) helps patients return to their everyday lives after injuries, surgeries, or health conditions. Unlike physical therapists (PTs), who develop treatment plans, PTAs work under their supervision to carry out those plans. This makes PTAs essential to the therapy process. It’s a career that allows you to work closely with patients, encourage progress, and see measurable improvements over time.
Many careers in healthcare require long years of training, but becoming a PTA offers a faster entry point into the field while still making a huge impact on patients’ lives. John Cooper, who has worked as a PTA for 17 years, was drawn to the field as a teenager after seeing his grandfather go through rehabilitation. Watching therapists help people regain mobility left a strong impression, and combined with John’s love for athletics and exercise, it became the foundation of his career choice.
What Education Do You Need to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?
The education path for a PTA is shorter than many other healthcare professions. PTAs earn an associate’s degree from an accredited PTA program, which typically takes about two years. Most programs require students to complete at least 40 hours of observation in a clinic before applying. John recommends that high school students start early by shadowing a PT or PTA in a hospital, nursing home, or outpatient clinic.
If you’re considering this path, here are the steps:
High school prep: Take science and health classes like biology, anatomy, and physiology. This foundation will make college-level coursework easier.
Observation hours: Spend time shadowing professionals. John suggests splitting hours across different summers or school years so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Associate’s degree: Complete a 2-year PTA program that combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience.
Licensing exam: Pass the national exam to become certified.
John’s journey looked different—he first earned a bachelor’s in exercise science before pursuing his PTA degree. Looking back, he says he would have chosen the PTA degree first to begin hands-on work earlier. This shows there’s flexibility in the path, but either way, strong science skills and a passion for helping people are key.
What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant Do Day to Day?
A PTA’s daily routine varies depending on the workplace, but in outpatient care like John’s, it’s structured around patient sessions. He usually sees 12 patients a day, split between morning and afternoon. Each session lasts about 40 minutes, during which he guides patients through exercises, tracks progress, and documents notes for insurance and doctors.
Here’s a look at what that actually means:
Exercise guidance: PTAs help patients perform stretches, strengthening moves, and mobility drills. For example, if someone is recovering from knee surgery, a PTA might guide them through leg lifts, balance training, or resistance band exercises.
Mobility training: PTAs teach patients how to safely use walkers, crutches, or prosthetics, adapting exercises to match their goals.
Documentation: After each session, PTAs record notes on progress, challenges, and next steps. These notes are critical for insurance approvals and doctor updates.
In addition to outpatient care, PTAs also work in hospitals (inpatient care), where they help patients get moving right after surgery or serious injuries. Some PTAs even work in home health, visiting patients at their homes to provide therapy in a more personal setting. This variety means PTAs can choose a work environment that fits their lifestyle and career interests.
Skills Every Physical Therapist Assistant Should Have
Being a PTA isn’t just about knowing exercises—it requires a mix of science, empathy, and people skills. John stresses that PTAs are often the ones patients spend the most time with, so how you interact matters just as much as the exercises you teach.
Some of the most important skills include:
Science knowledge: A strong understanding of anatomy and physiology is essential for helping patients safely regain mobility.
Empathy and patience: Many patients are in pain, frustrated, or discouraged. PTAs need to encourage them without pushing too hard.
Communication skills: PTAs are part of a larger rehab team that includes doctors, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Being able to clearly share progress and challenges is crucial.
Adaptability: No two patients are alike. A PTA might work with an athlete one hour and an elderly stroke survivor the next.
John describes the role as “solving a puzzle.” The physical therapist sets the goals, and the PTA helps patients put the pieces together day by day. Having both technical expertise and a positive, motivating personality makes for a successful PTA.
What Are the Challenges of Being a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Like any job, working as a PTA has its tough moments. One of the biggest challenges John mentions is documentation. Each session requires detailed notes so that doctors, insurance companies, and future therapists can understand exactly where a patient is in their recovery. This can be time-consuming, especially when balancing a full day of patients.
Another challenge is insurance limits. While some patients get many therapy sessions covered, others may only get a small number. This means PTAs sometimes have to help patients make big progress in a limited time. On top of that, working with people who are frustrated, in pain, or recovering from life-changing injuries requires patience and emotional resilience.
Despite these challenges, John says he focuses on turning every “can’t” into a “try.” It’s about reframing setbacks into opportunities for growth, for both patients and himself.
Why Being a Physical Therapist Assistant Is Rewarding
For John, the rewards of being a PTA far outweigh the challenges. The most satisfying part is seeing patients reach milestones that improve their independence and quality of life. Sometimes these moments are small but deeply meaningful, like when a patient realizes they can stand without needing support for the first time.
PTAs also enjoy variety in their work. One day might involve helping an athlete recover from an ACL tear, while another day could mean supporting a stroke survivor relearning to walk. John has found a particular passion in working with amputees, helping them adapt to prosthetics and regain mobility. He collaborates closely with prosthetists, creating a team approach that makes a huge difference in patient outcomes.
As John explains, “It’s different every day—you never get stuck in a routine. And when a patient tells you they can do something they couldn’t do before, that’s a score.”
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary and Career Outlook
The good news for anyone considering this career is that demand for PTAs is strong nationwide. With an aging population and growing need for rehab services, PTAs are increasingly valued in healthcare teams. Entry-level salaries are generally enough to live comfortably, and more experience, certifications, or travel contracts can boost earnings further.
In addition, PTAs must complete continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their license. While this may sound like a challenge, it’s also an opportunity. PTAs can specialize in areas like orthopedics, wound care, or geriatrics, setting themselves apart in the job market. For John, pursuing an orthopedic specialty allows him to expand his “toolbox” of skills and better serve patients.
With opportunities in outpatient clinics, hospitals, home health, and even travel assignments, PTAs have the flexibility to shape their career path around their personal goals.
Is a Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant Right for You?
Becoming a PTA is ideal for students who enjoy science, want to help others, and like the idea of a healthcare career that offers direct patient interaction without requiring a doctorate. John’s advice for students is simple: shadow early to see if the work excites you, focus on science and communication skills, and prepare to bring patience and empathy to every session.
“If you enjoy helping people move better and want a career that’s rewarding every single day,” John says, “then becoming a PTA is definitely worth considering.”
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career as a PTA
Education for PTAs typically involves a two-year associate's degree.
Daily responsibilities include working with patients and documentation.
Inpatient therapy involves treating patients who are hospitalized, while outpatient therapy is for those who visit clinics.
John enjoys working with amputees and finds it rewarding to help them adjust.
Documentation can be a challenging aspect of the job.
Salary expectations for new PTAs can vary, but there are opportunities for growth.
Empathy and communication skills are essential for success in this field.
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