What certifications are available for PT Techs?

While there is no mandatory national certification, PT Techs can pursue voluntary credentials such as completing accredited training programs, obtaining CPR/First Aid certification, and earning facility-specific competency certificates. Some employers prefer candidates with formal training credentials.

How much do Physical Therapy Technicians earn in Virginia?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Virginia earn an average of $35,280 per year, which is 14% above the national average. Salaries range from $25,000 to $45,900 depending on experience, location, and facility type.

What do Physical Therapy Technicians do?

PT Techs assist Physical Therapists by preparing treatment areas, helping patients with exercises, setting up equipment, maintaining supplies, and performing clerical duties. They work under direct supervision and do not perform evaluations or develop treatment plans.

Physical Therapy Technician Certification in Virginia

Virginia PT Tech Requirements

✓ State Requirements

• No state license required for PT Technicians in Virginia
• Must work under direct supervision of a licensed PT or PTA
• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED required by most employers
• Background check required for healthcare positions

Good News: You can start working as a PT Tech in VA without completing a certification exam. Many employers provide on-the-job training.

★ What Employers Prefer

• Formal training program completion (like EHired's free program)
• CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association preferred)
• First Aid certification
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Understanding of body mechanics and patient safety
• Experience with therapeutic exercises and equipment

Competitive Edge: Candidates with formal training earn 15-20% more than those with only on-the-job training.

What Physical Therapy Technicians Do

🏃

Patient Support

• Assist patients to/from treatment areas
• Help with therapeutic exercises
• Position patients for treatment
• Monitor patient comfort & safety

🔧

Equipment & Facility

• Set up treatment equipment
• Clean and maintain equipment
• Prepare hot/cold packs
• Keep treatment areas organized

📋

Administrative

• Schedule appointments
• Manage patient records
• Order supplies
• Handle front desk duties

⛔ What PT Techs Cannot Do

PT Technicians work under direct supervision and are not permitted to: perform patient evaluations, interpret referrals, develop or modify treatment plans, perform treatment techniques that require clinical decision-making, or supervise other staff. These tasks require a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant.

Your Path to Becoming a PT Tech in Virginia

Step 1: Complete Training

Enroll in EHired's free Physical Therapy Technician training program. Learn anatomy, medical terminology, therapeutic techniques, and patient care fundamentals.

⏱️ 4-8 weeks • 💰 Free enrollment

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Step 2: Get CPR Certified

Obtain BLS/CPR certification through the American Heart Association or Red Cross. Most VA employers require this before your first day.

⏱️ 1 day • 💰 $50-75

Step 3: Complete Externship

Gain hands-on experience at a PT clinic, hospital, or rehabilitation center. This is where you'll apply your training under PT supervision.

⏱️ 40-80 hours • 💰 Unpaid (typically)

Note: EHired does NOT arrange or manage externships. All externships are self-managed by the student.

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Step 4: Start Your Career!

Apply to PT clinics, outpatient rehab centers, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities across Virginia. With training credentials, you're ready to work.

💰 $25,000 - $45,900/year in VA

Start Free Training Today →

Make a one-time payment when you're ready to challenge for certification and start working

PT Tech Salaries in Virginia

Entry Level

$25,000

0-1 years exp.

Average

$35,280

All experience

Experienced

$40,900

3-5 years exp.

Top Earners

$45,900+

5+ years exp.

Salary by Region in Virginia

Metro Virginia

$40K-$44K

Major metro areas

Suburban Virginia

$35K-$40K

Suburban counties

Central Virginia

$31K-$37K

Central regions

Rural Virginia

$29K-$33K

Rural areas

Where PT Techs Work in Virginia

🏥

Outpatient PT Clinics

The most common workplace for PT Techs. Private practices and chain clinics like ATI, Athletico, and NovaCare.

~45% of PT Tech jobs

🏨

Hospitals

Acute care and inpatient rehabilitation departments. RWJBarnabas, Hackensack Meridian, and Atlantic Health.

~25% of PT Tech jobs

🏠

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Long-term care and rehabilitation centers helping patients recover after surgery or illness.

~15% of PT Tech jobs

⚽

Sports Medicine Clinics

Work with athletes and active individuals recovering from sports injuries.

~8% of PT Tech jobs

🏫

Schools

Assist school-based physical therapists working with children who have developmental needs.

~4% of PT Tech jobs

🏡

Home Health

Travel with PTs to provide in-home therapy services. (Note: Limited PT Tech roles in home health)

~3% of PT Tech jobs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Physical Therapy Technicians need certification in Virginia?

Virginia does not require mandatory state certification for Physical Therapy Technicians. PT Techs work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists or Physical Therapist Assistants. However, completing a training program and obtaining voluntary credentials (like CPR certification) can significantly improve your job prospects and earning potential.

What's the difference between a PT Tech and a PTA?

Physical Therapy Technicians (PT Techs/Aides) provide support services under direct supervision. No degree or license required. Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are licensed healthcare providers who completed an associate degree and can perform treatments with general supervision. PTAs earn significantly more but require 2+ years of education.

Can I become a PTA after working as a PT Tech?

Yes! Many PT Techs use their experience as a stepping stone to PTA programs. Working as a PT Tech gives you valuable patient care experience and helps you confirm your interest in physical therapy before committing to a 2-year degree program. Some VA employers even offer tuition assistance for PT Techs pursuing PTA education.

How long does it take to become a PT Tech in VA?

With EHired's training program, you can be job-ready in 4-8 weeks. The timeline includes: training program completion (4-8 weeks), CPR certification (1 day), and optional externship (40-80 hours). Some people start applying for jobs while still completing their externship.

Is there a certification exam for PT Techs?

Unlike some healthcare roles, there is no mandatory national certification exam for PT Techs. EHired's program includes a competency assessment to verify your knowledge, and you'll receive a certificate of completion that employers recognize. CPR/BLS certification is the main credential most VA employers require.