Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs in Arlington, TX
Physical therapist assistants have a growing market in Arlington, driven by Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital at Arlington and a dense network of outpatient ortho and sports-rehab clinics serving a metro obsessed with athletics. With aging DFW residents needing joint-replacement and stroke rehab, plus a steady flow of sports and work injuries, Arlington PTAs find work across hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing, and home health.
Current Physical Therapist Assistant Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Physical Therapy Assistants
PTA roles in Arlington span rehab, ortho, and long-term care:
- Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital at Arlington - post-surgical ortho and spine rehab.
- Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital - inpatient and acute rehab therapy.
- Arlington outpatient PT and sports clinics - ortho and sports-injury rehab.
- Arlington skilled nursing and rehab centers - recovery and mobility therapy.
- Home health agencies - in-home rehab across Tarrant County.
- USMD Hospital at Arlington - post-surgical rehabilitation support.
Physical Therapy Assistant Salaries in Arlington
- Entry-level PTA (new graduate): about 55,000 to 63,000 dollars per year.
- Experienced PTA (3 to 7 years): about 64,000 to 75,000 dollars.
- Senior or home health PTA: about 76,000 to 88,000 dollars or more.
These are estimates that vary by setting and caseload. Home health and skilled nursing often pay PTAs on the higher end, and Arlington employers add benefits, continuing-education support, and sometimes productivity bonuses.
How to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant in Arlington
You complete an accredited associate degree PTA program, then pass the national exam and license. Tarrant County College offers a CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program near Arlington that prepares graduates for the National Physical Therapy Exam. You then license through the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners to practice.
What the Job Involves
PTAs carry out treatment plans set by a physical therapist: guiding exercises, using modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation, and helping patients rebuild strength and mobility. In Arlington's outpatient clinics that means hands-on work with a full daily caseload, while home health PTAs travel to patients across the area.
Skills Employers Look For
- Therapeutic exercise and manual technique
- Motivating and coaching patients
- Accurate documentation of progress
- PTA license from the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
- Physical stamina for hands-on care
Career Path and Advancement
Arlington PTAs can specialize in orthopedics, neuro, or geriatric rehab, and advance into lead PTA, clinic coordinator, or rehab-tech supervisor roles. Some pursue a bridge to become a licensed physical therapist, drawing on DFW-area doctoral PT programs for a major step up.
Related Careers in Arlington
PTAs in Arlington often explore these related paths:
- Patient Care Technician Jobs
- Registered Nurse Jobs
- Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs
- Behavioral Health Technician Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to work as a PTA in Texas?
Yes. You must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the National Physical Therapy Exam, and license through the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners to work as a PTA in Arlington.
How long does it take to become a physical therapy assistant in Arlington?
About two years through a CAPTE-accredited associate degree program like the one at Tarrant County College, followed by passing the licensing exam.
Which PTA setting pays the most in Arlington?
Home health and skilled nursing settings often pay PTAs the most, while outpatient ortho and sports clinics offer high volume and strong hands-on experience.
Is there strong demand for PTAs in Arlington?
Yes. An aging DFW population plus Arlington's ortho hospitals and sports-rehab clinics keep demand high, and physical therapist assistant is projected to be one of the faster-growing health roles.
Can a PTA become a physical therapist in Arlington?
Yes, though it requires returning to school for a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Several DFW-area universities offer DPT programs, and PTA experience is valuable preparation.
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