Physical Therapy Technician: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for individuals seeking a foundational role in rehabilitative healthcare, this program equips students with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills to support physical therapists in clinical and therapeutic settings. Graduates are prepared to contribute effectively to patient recovery processes by performing routine, supervised tasks that enhance treatment outcomes.
- Applied kinesiology: Focuses on the study of human movement and muscle function, enabling technicians to understand biomechanics and support therapeutic exercises.
- Human body systems and function: Provides a comprehensive overview of anatomical and physiological principles critical to understanding patient conditions and treatment needs.
- Communication skills: Develops effective interpersonal and professional communication techniques for interacting with patients, therapists, and healthcare teams.
- Principles and procedures of physical therapy: Covers the core methodologies and standardized practices used in rehabilitation, including exercise prescription and patient assessment protocols.
- Physical therapy modalities: Introduces the use of therapeutic equipment and techniques such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat/cold therapy.
- Professional ethics and standards: Emphasizes accountability, confidentiality, and ethical conduct within the healthcare environment to ensure patient safety and trust.
Physical Therapy Technician Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Physical Therapy Technician Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Physical Therapy Technician degrees, including Physical Therapist Aides. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 44,010 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Physical Therapist Aides 31-2022 | $34,520 | $24,960 - $46,930 | 44,010 | $16.59 |
Physical Therapy Technician Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $21,600 in Louisiana to $44,340 in Minnesota—a 105% difference. The highest-paying states include Minnesota, Alaska, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 44,010 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Physical Therapy Technician by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Physical Therapy Technician programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Physical Therapy Technician is found at Southern California Health Institute (SOCHi) (20 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 20 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Southern California Health Institute (SOCHi) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
20 | North Hollywood, California | Private | sochi.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Physical Therapy Technician programs
How much can I earn with a Physical Therapy Technician degree?
Salaries for Physical Therapy Technician graduates vary by role and location. Physical Therapist Aides earn a median of $34,520 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Minnesota average $44,340 compared to $21,600 in Louisiana. Approximately 44,010 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Physical Therapy Technician programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Physical Therapy Technician degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Southern California Health Institute (SOCHi) (20 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Physical Therapy Technician degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Physical Therapist Aides. Related occupations employ approximately 44,010 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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