Medical Assistant vs. Physical Therapist Assistant
Learn the Differences in Duties, Responsibilities, Schooling, Requirements, Certifications, Salary, and Job Outlook
There are so many great careers options available to those who are looking to work within the medical field. Two of the most vital supporting healthcare roles are Medical Assistants (MAs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). Although MAs and PTAs both fill irreplaceable roles on a medical team, they each have their own unique responsibilities, day-to-day responsibilities, job outlook, and earning potential.
If you’re interested in becoming an MA or PTA but need more information regarding these careers, continue reading to learn about the key differences between these vital roles.
(Click here to read our comprehensive guide on how to become a Medical Assistant)
Medical Assistant vs. Physical Therapist Assistant: Definition
What is a Medical Assistant?
Medical Assistants are multi-competent healthcare professionals involved in administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices, clinics, and laboratories of physicians running smoothly. For example, depending on the state, some Medical Assistants may telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, collect and prepare laboratory specimens, sterilize medical instruments, and prep patients for X-rays. They may even take electrocardiograms and remove sutures or change dressings.
What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physician Therapist Assistants work under the direction of physical therapists. They are involved in the direct care of patients and aid those who are recovering from injury or illness. Their goal is to help patients regain movement and manage pain.
Medical Assistant vs. Physical Therapist Assistant: Job Description
What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
Medical Assistants often measure vital signs, help physicians during exams, and prep laboratory samples for tests. They also schedule appointments and enter patient information into medical records. Honestly, MAs fill a very versatile role.
What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant Do?
Physical Therapist Assistants provide direct support to the physical therapist. They will oftentimes help patients perform exercises prescribed by the physical therapist. Like Medical Assistants, PTAs offer support and keep medical facilities running smoothly.
Medical Assistant vs. Physical Therapist Assistant: Duties
Medical Assistant Responsibilities
The daily responsibilities of a Medical Assistant may include:
- Measuring vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, temperature, etc.)
- Assisting physicians during examinations
- Giving patients injections or medications as directed by physicians
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Preparing blood samples for lab tests
- Entering patient information into medical records
Physical Therapist Assistant Responsibilities
The daily responsibilities of a Physical Therapist Assistant may include:
- Observing patients before, during, and after therapy, noting the patient’s status and reporting it to a physical therapist
- Helping patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care
- Treating patients using a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching
- Using devices and equipment, such as walkers, to help patients
- Educating patients and family members about what to do after treatment
Where Do Medical Assistants Work?
Medical Assistants can find employment in a number of healthcare settings. Some examples include physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, offices of chiropractors, private healthcare facilities, laboratories, independent clinics, and more.
Where Do Physical Therapist Assistants Work?
The majority of Physical Therapist Assistants find work in offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists. They may also find work with audiologists, who treat hearing or balance issues. In addition, they can also be employed by hospitals, nursing care facilities, home healthcare services, doctors’ offices, and more.
Medical Assistant vs. Physical Therapist Assistant
Educational Requirements for Medical Assistants
While many employers do not have formal educational requirements for becoming a Medical Assistant, aspiring MAs often enroll in postsecondary education programs to hone in their skills and increase their chances of being hired. Employers usually prefer to hire candidates who have completed these programs and are formally prepared to enter the field.
Educational Requirements for Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical Therapist Assistants are usually required to earn an associates degree from an accredited program as well earn their license or certification. These associates degree programs typically last about two years and include coursework in subjects like anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?
If you’re looking to enter the field as quickly as possible, then you might want to consider Medical Assisting. These programs typically allow you to do so in a year or less. At Unitek College, you can even complete a Medical Assisting program in as little as 9 months.
The Unitek MA curriculum emphasizes both administrative and clinical tasks. These courses include dynamic instruction in medical terminology, medical office procedures, medical and clinical procedures, basic anatomy and physiology, and more.
As you plan for your educational needs, remember to consider each school’s admissions requirements, program curriculums, financial costs, and course lengths.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical Therapist Assistants need an associate degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. This degree usually requires two years or more of full-time postgraduate study. PTA curriculum consists of classes in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. PTAs also gain hands-on experience during supervised clinical work.
In addition, Physical Therapist Assistants must have a license or certification. This means that graduates from an accredited program need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs. The exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Medical Assistant vs. Physical Therapist Assistant: Salary
How Much Do Medical Assistants Make?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average hourly wage for a Medical Assistant is around $18.00 an hour, and their average salary is about $37,000 per year. However, MAs who earn salaries in the top 10th percentile can make up to $51,000 (or more) per year.
Highest Paying Industries for Medical Assistants
According to the BLS, the following industries offer the highest wages and salaries to Medical Assistants:
| Industry | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $20.35 | $42,330 |
| General Hospitals | $18.37 | $38,200 |
| Physicians’ Offices | $17.59 | $36,580 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $15.97 | $33,210 |
| Senior Homes & Assisted Living Facilities | $14.84 | $30,870 |
Highest Paying States for Medical Assistants
Medical Assistants earn the highest average wages in the following states:
| State | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| Alaska | $22.41 | $46,610 |
| Washington | $21.97 | $45,700 |
| Washington D.C. | $21.80 | $45,340 |
| Massachusetts | $20.72 | $43,090 |
| Minnesota | $20.72 | $43,090 |
Highest Paying Cities for Medical Assistants
Medical Assistants earn the highest average wages in the following cities:
| City | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| San Francisco, CA | $25.94 | $53,960 |
| Vallejo, CA | $25.80 | $53,660 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $25.25 | $52,520 |
| Seattle, WA | $23.59 | $49,070 |
| San Jose, CA | $23.57 | $49,020 |
| Sacramento, CA | $23.37 | $48,600 |
| Olympia, WA | $22.85 | $47,530 |
| Anchorage, AK | $22.02 | $45,790 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $21.63 | $44,980 |
| Longview, WA | $21.53 | $44,780 |
How Much Do Physical Therapist Assistants Make?
According to the BLS, the average hourly wage for a Physical Therapist Assistant is around $30.00, with an annual average salary of about $60,000. However, Physical Therapist Assistants in the top 10 percent can earn more than $82,000 per year.
Highest Paying Industries for Physical Therapist Assistants
Recently, the BLS reported that these industries are where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for PTAs:
| Industry | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| Home Health Care Services | $32.15 | $66,860 |
| Nursing Care Facilities | $32.03 | $66,620 |
| Retirement Communities | $31.73 | $66,000 |
| General Hospitals | $27.59 | $57,380 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $27.55 | $57,300 |
Highest Paying States for Physical Therapist Assistants
According to the BLS, PTAs earn the highest average wages in these states:
| State | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| California | $33.93 | $70,570 |
| Connecticut | $33.62 | $69,940 |
| Texas | $33.61 | $69,900 |
| New Jersey | $33.32 | $69,310 |
| Rhode Island | $32.36 | $67,300 |
Highest Paying Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
The BLS reports that PTAs earn the highest average annual wages in these cities:
| City | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| Houston, TX | $39.19 | $81,510 |
| Sacramento, CA | $37.68 | $78,370 |
| Visalia, CA | $37.62 | $78,240 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $36.54 | $76,010 |
| Salinas, CA | $36.42 | $75,760 |
| McAllen, TX | $36.32 | $75,540 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $36.04 | $74,960 |
| Hartford, CT | $36.03 | $74,950 |
| Laredo, TX | $35.39 | $73,610 |
| San Jose, CA | $35.36 | $73,540 |
Medical Assistant vs. Physical Therapist Assistant: Job Outlook
Medical Assistant Job Outlook
According to the BLS, Medical Assisting has a stellar job outlook. Their overall employment is expected to grow 19 percent by 2029! Some of this growth can be attributed to the aging baby-boomer population, who will continue to need preventive medical services.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Outlook
Due to the growing and aging population, the job outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants is excellent. The BLS reports that overall employment for Physical Therapist Assistants is expected to grow 33% by 2029, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations.
Why Is a Physical Therapist Assistant a Great Alternative Career Path for Medical Assistants?
If you enjoy the physical aspect of being a Medical Assistant, then a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant could be a great choice for you. Build on your MA knowledge while entering a PTA program and earn an associates degree. On the job, you’ll get to alleviate pain and help others.
Advance Your Career by Earning a Medical Assistant Diploma
With a Medical Assistant diploma, you can gain experience and start your career in an excellent field. Some Medical Assistants even use their education to help them pursue other paths in healthcare. While many enjoy careers as MAs, others use this experience to advance their careers.
If you’re ready to take the next step, start by earning your Medical Assistant diploma in as little as 9 months at Unitek College.
Click here to learn more about our Medical Assistant program.
