Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Iowa

Iowa PT Tech Job Market

Iowa offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries -13% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

720+ PT Tech positions open annually across Iowa. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$30,850 average salary, -13% vs national vs national. Metro Iowa pays even higher—up to $40,100 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to University of Iowa Hospitals and other leading healthcare facilities across Iowa.

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Career Growth

Major employers offer tuition reimbursement for PT Techs pursuing PTA degrees. Clear advancement pathways available.

What Physical Therapy Technicians Do

PT Techs work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists, providing essential support for patient care and clinic operations.

✓ Daily PT Tech Responsibilities

● Patient Exercise Assistance: Guide patients through therapeutic exercises prescribed by the PT, ensuring proper form and safety
● Treatment Preparation: Set up treatment areas, prepare equipment, apply hot/cold packs, and ready modalities like ultrasound
● Patient Transfers: Assist patients with mobility, transfers between surfaces, and safe ambulation with devices
● Equipment Maintenance: Clean, sanitize, and maintain therapy equipment; report any malfunctions
● Documentation Support: Record patient attendance, exercise completion, and observations for PT review
● Patient Transport: Escort patients to and from treatment areas; assist with wheelchairs and walkers

🏥 Work Settings in Iowa

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—Genesis Health System alone has 100+ IA locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: University of Iowa Hospitals and hospital rehab units. Complex cases including stroke, TBI, spinal cord injuries.
● Hospital PT Departments: Acute care settings at major systems like Hackensack Meridian and MercyOne.
● Skilled Nursing Facilities: Post-acute rehabilitation for elderly patients. Consistent schedules, growing demand.
● Sports Medicine: Athletic training facilities, sports PT clinics. Work with athletes at all levels.
● Home Health: Travel to patient homes. Higher pay, mileage reimbursement, flexible scheduling.

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PT Tech vs. Other Healthcare Roles

Physical Therapy Technicians focus specifically on PT support tasks. PT Techs do not perform clinical tasks like blood draws, EKGs, medication administration, or wound care—those are performed by nurses, PCTs, or medical assistants. PT Techs work exclusively within the physical therapy department under PT supervision.

Top PT Tech Employers in Iowa

Iowa's largest health systems and rehabilitation facilities are actively hiring PT Techs. These employers offer competitive pay, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

University of Iowa Hospitals

Academic

Iowa City

State's academic medical center

319-356-1616 View Jobs →

UnityPoint Health

Iowa's Largest

Des Moines/Statewide

Iowa's largest system

515-241-6212 View Jobs →

MercyOne

Regional Provider

Des Moines/Statewide

Major Catholic system

515-358-9600 View Jobs →

Genesis Health System

Growing Network

Davenport

Quad Cities leader

563-421-1000 View Jobs →

Broadlawns Medical Center

Established Provider

Des Moines

Safety net hospital

515-282-2200 View Jobs →

UnityPoint Health

Rural Iowa

Rural areas

Iowa's largest health system

515-241-6212 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Iowa

Salaries vary across Iowa regions. Metro Iowa typically pays highest, while Rural Iowa offers different cost-of-living dynamics.

Metro Iowa

Major metro areas

$35K-$38K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Iowa

Suburban counties

$30K-$35K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Iowa

Central regions

$27K-$32K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Iowa

Rural areas

$26K-$29K

Lower COL, community focus

Pro Tip: While Metro Iowa pays highest, Rural Iowa's lower housing costs often result in similar take-home purchasing power. Consider total compensation including benefits, commute time, and quality of life.

How to Land a PT Tech Job in Iowa

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Iowa's competitive PT Tech job market.

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1. Get Certified

Complete PT Tech training and earn your CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification significantly improves your competitiveness, especially at top facilities like University of Iowa Hospitals.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. University of Iowa Hospitals, UnityPoint Health, and MercyOne have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend IA Physical Therapy Association events. Connect with PTs during your externship. Many PT Tech positions are filled through referrals before being posted publicly.

Ready to Start Your PT Tech Career?

Complete EHired's free PT Tech training program and gain the skills Iowa employers are looking for.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Physical Therapy Technicians do on the job in Iowa?

PT Techs in Iowa prepare treatment areas and equipment, assist patients with therapeutic exercises under PT supervision, help with patient transfers and mobility, apply hot/cold packs, set up treatment modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation, transport patients, maintain equipment, and document patient progress. They work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists.

Which employers hire the most PT Techs in Iowa?

Major PT Tech employers in Iowa include University of Iowa Hospitals (#4 ranked nationally), UnityPoint Health (IA's largest system), MercyOne, Genesis Health System (largest private PT practice in tristate), Broadlawns Medical Center, and UnityPoint Health. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Iowa?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Iowa earn an average of $30,850 per year (-13% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $21,900, experienced PT Techs earn $35,800+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $40,100+. Metro Iowa generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Iowa PT Techs work in outpatient physical therapy clinics, hospital rehabilitation departments, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, sports medicine centers, home health agencies, and specialty practices like pediatric or neurological PT. Outpatient clinics are the most common setting, followed by hospital-based positions.

Do I need certification to get a PT Tech job in Iowa?

Iowa does not require state licensure for PT Techs—you work under PT supervision. However, employers strongly prefer candidates with formal training and CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification demonstrates competency and significantly improves job prospects, especially at competitive employers like University of Iowa Hospitals and major health systems.