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The 10 Best Jobs with an Associate Degree

6. Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapy assistants work under the direction of physical therapists. They help create treatment plans, document the progress of patients, and aide in routine exercises. Physical therapy assistants help patients gain mobility, relieve chronic pain, and and lessen physical disabilities.

In most states, physical therapy assistants are required to have an Associate degree. There are over 200 accredited physical therapy assistant degree programs in the US, most of which take 2 years to complete. Degree programs are a mix of coursework and clinical study. Both educators and prospective employers view clinical experience as essential to ensuring that students understand the responsibilities of a physical therapist assistant.

As the demand for physical therapy increases, so will the number of physical therapy assistant job openings. Employment is expected to grow much faster than average because of the aging population and reduced cost of treatment.

Projected Need: 27,000

Projected Growth: 27%

Median Hourly Wage: $20/hr

FUN QUIZ: Would You Be a Great Physical Therapist?

Find out more about Physical Therapist Assistant careers!