Career opportunities for PTAs may include clinical practice, education, and possibly management. As clinicians, PTAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools for disabled children, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, sports medicine centers, and for physical therapists in independent practice. Some PTAs interested in education have positions as lab assistants in PTA education programs. PTA educators may pursue advanced degrees so that they can become full-time faculty members who design and teach courses in PTA schools. Other PTAs become clinical instructors, supervising PTA students in clinical settings. Although opportunities for management positions are limited for PTAs, some facilities allow PTAs with experience to advance to supervisory positions, supervising new PTA staff and technical staff, and participating in in-service education.

PTA salaries vary depending upon one's experience, geographical location and the position. A recent graduate can expect to earn from $40,000 to $45,000+ in the Memphis area. Experienced PTAs may earn much higher salaries.

You may contact any facility that has an employed licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant and ask to observe.

Degree Requirements for Graduation (Academic Catalog)

Expenses incurred by a student who attends Southwest's PTA Program may include Fees and Charges (Academic Catalog)

Before graduates can practice legally as physical therapist assistants in Tennessee, they must become licensed. To qualify for licensure, candidates must:

• be graduates of accredited physical therapist assistant programs
• apply for licensure with the Board of Physical Therapy
• pass the licensure examination administered by Board

Jennifer Stevens, PTA, MS - PTA Program Director 901-333-5395 or email: jstevens@southwest.tn.edu Jeanie Jarrell, PT- PTA Program Director of Clinical Education 901-333-5794 or email: sjjarrell@southwest.tn.edu