If you’re a physical therapist assistant (PTA), then you already know the joys of helping patients reach milestones that once felt impossible — walking without pain, lifting their children, or simply moving with more confidence. But maybe you’ve also felt that tug to do more: to design the plan of care yourself, to take the lead in treatment decisions, and to grow your impact.
Transitioning from a physical therapy assistant to a physical therapist isn’t just about earning a new title; it’s about stepping into a role where your expertise shapes the entire patient journey, and your career potential expands. Here’s what you need to know to grow your career from PTA to PT.
How To Grow Your Career from Physical Therapist Assistant to Physical Therapist
Educational requirements: physical therapist assistant vs physical therapist
Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants walk a similar path, but the schooling needed for each role is one thing that sets them apart.
Typically, becoming a physical therapy assistant takes about two years through an associate degree program. There, you can learn the hands-on skills you need — things like therapeutic exercise, pain management, mobility training, and how to connect with patients in meaningful ways.
The journey to becoming a physical therapist, however, is a longer one. First comes a bachelor’s degree, followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Some schools may combine the bachelor’s and DPT into a single program, and there are even a couple of specialized PTA-to-DPT bridge programs — at the University of Findlay in Ohio and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston — designed specifically for physical therapist assistants who want to advance their careers. Even better? Depending on where you studied, some of your PTA credits may carry over, helping shorten the process.
And the fun doesn’t stop with your DPT. After receiving it, future PTs must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and secure state licensure. Pro tip: look into a PT Compact License — it’ll make it easier to practice in multiple states.
At the heart of physical therapy, physical therapist assistants are trained to provide skilled, hands-on care, while physical therapists take on the evaluation, diagnosis, and leading patient care.
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Job responsibilities: physical therapist assistant vs physical therapist
PTs and PTAs work closely together, although their day-to-day responsibilities may look a little different.
Physical therapists take the lead in developing the overall plan of care. They meet with patients, evaluate their symptoms, and design treatment plans tailored to each individual’s condition or injury. PTs also set short- and long-term goals and adjust strategies as patients progress. TL;DR? PTs are mapping out the path to recovery.
Physical therapist assistants, on the other hand, are the ones carrying out care plans on a daily basis. They provide hands-on care, guide patients through prescribed exercises, and ensure movements are safe and effective.
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Together, PTs and PTAs create a balance of leadership and support that keeps patient care moving forward.
Earning potential: physical therapy assistant vs physical therapist
One of the major questions that comes up when thinking about a career from PTA to PT is what's the difference in earning potential? Both roles are rewarding and in demand, but the difference in education and responsibility is evident the paychecks.
There’s no doubt that PTAs make a solid income, often above the national average, and because the schooling is shorter, many PTAs can enter the field faster and with less student debt.
Then there’s PTs, who often see a higher earning potential. That’s because completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy program takes more time, more schooling, and usually more financial investment. And with that, comes enhanced job responsibilities, which may come with bigger salaries, plus more opportunities to advance into leadership roles.
Of course, pay can vary depending on where you work. Oftentimes, pay tends to be higher in big cities than in rural areas, partly due to cost of living but also because busy hospitals and clinics can offer more competitive wages. The type of facility matters too — home health and skilled nursing facilities may pay more than schools or smaller outpatient clinics.
And if you’re open to traveling, physical therapy travelers could out-earn traditional staff roles, since travel assignments typically come with higher hourly rates, housing stipends, and bonuses.
Frequently asked questions
Can credits from a physical therapy assistant program transfer into a bachelor's degree, and what does that process look like?
How many of your PTA credits transfer into a bachelor’s program depends on the school. Some universities have clear agreements in place with certain PTA programs, making it easier to carry credits over. Others review your transcripts course by course to see what lines up with their requirements. In many cases, classes like anatomy and physiology can transfer, but it all comes down to the specific program and how your coursework matches.
The best way to know for sure is to talk directly with an academic advisor or admissions officer at the schools you’re interested in. They can walk you through what will transfer, what won’t, and what you’ll need to move forward. Every school is a little different, so reaching out early gives you the clearest picture of your next steps.
What education is required for PTA-to-PT programs?
There's no single standardized PTA-to PT bridge program, and requirements vary by school. Many programs require a bachelor's degree, though some may accept an associate degree. Common prerequisite courses include anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology.
Programs also often look for experience in clinical rotations, letters of recommendation, and may require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), as well as an interview. Since criteria differ, it's best to research each program and speak directly with admissions for clear guidance.
What are additional benefits of going from PTA to PT?
As if helping people move, heal, and thrive wasn’t rewarding enough, a career in physical therapy comes with plenty of extra perks.
For both PTs and PTAs, some of the benefits overlap:
✨The satisfaction of truly making a difference in people’s lives
✨A variety of job opportunities, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting around 260,000 physical therapy jobs to become available by 2033
✨The flexibility to take your skills on the road
But when you look at each role individually, the benefits branch out in different ways.
For PTAs, advantages include:
✨Less schooling, which often means lower student debt
✨Flexibility in career paths and advancement opportunities
For PTs, the benefits expand:
✨Higher earning potential with a stronger average annual salary
✨Opportunities to move into leadership, management, or private practice
✨The ability to mentor PTAs and shape the growth of future therapy teams
It’s important to remember that being a PTA isn’t a steppingstone to becoming a PT. It’s a deeply valuable, in-demand profession all on its own! Both careers are vital to our healthcare system, and there’s no “right” path — just the one that fits your personal goals and lifestyle.
How much experience do I need to start traveling as physical therapy professional?
One of the exciting parts about becoming a licensed physical therapy professional — whether as a PT or PTA — is that you don’t have to wait to start exploring travel opportunities. As soon as you’re a licensed physical therapist or PTA, you can hit the road with travel assignments and work short-term contracts in different cities across the country.
Related: How Much Experience Do I Need to Apply for Allied Health Travel Jobs?
Take the chance to build experience in a variety of clinical settings and immerse yourself in new communities, meet diverse patient populations, and enjoy the adventure of traveling while still growing your career!
Why should I travel with Fusion Medical Staffing?
Choosing the right travel partner can make all the difference in your PT career, and Fusion is built to support you every step of the way. We got our start in travel therapy, connecting passionate professionals like you with opportunities across the country, and we’ve been growing ever since.
For new therapy grads, we offer optional participation in our mentorship program through Fusion mentors as well as placements with new grad-friendly facility partners, so you can ease into travel therapy with the confidence of experienced guidance and supportive environments. Add in perks like a new grad bonus program, FuseClub Rewards, licensure reimbursement, and coverage for CEUs and certifications, and find out what it feels like when someone invests in your growth.
Beyond professional support, we also take care of you. From day-one insurance coverage to a user-friendly mobile app that simplifies assignment tracking and communication, we make logistics easy so you can focus on your patients. You’ll also have access to exclusive traveler discounts, housing resources, and our free employee assistance program (EAP).
With us, it’s not about taking a job — it’s about building a career that moves with you.
PTs and PTAs are the backbone of the physical therapy world. While the path to each role may differ in education, responsibilities, and earning potential, both are essential to helping patients heal and thrive. And if you’re ready to take your career to the next level, travel therapy can open doors to new experiences, new patients, and new places. Apply for a travel therapy assignment and discover just how far your skills can take you.
