Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Kentucky

Kentucky PT Tech Job Market

Kentucky offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries -15% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

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

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Premium Pay

$30,180 average salary, -15% vs national vs national. Metro Kentucky pays even higher—up to $39,200 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to UK HealthCare and other leading healthcare facilities across Kentucky.

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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 Kentucky

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—CHI Saint Joseph Health alone has 100+ KY locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: UK HealthCare 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 Baptist Health.
● 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 Kentucky

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

UK HealthCare

Academic

Lexington

State's academic medical center

859-257-1000 View Jobs →

Norton Healthcare

Kentucky's Largest

Louisville

Louisville's largest system

502-629-8000 View Jobs →

Baptist Health

Regional Provider

Louisville/Statewide

Multi-hospital system

502-896-5000 View Jobs →

CHI Saint Joseph Health

Growing Network

Lexington

Catholic Health Initiatives

859-313-1000 View Jobs →

Frazier Rehab Institute

Top Ranked

Louisville

Top-ranked spinal cord rehab

502-582-7400 View Jobs →

Baptist Health Kentucky

Rural Kentucky

Rural areas

Kentucky's largest health system

502-896-5000 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Kentucky

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

Metro Kentucky

Major metro areas

$34K-$37K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Kentucky

Suburban counties

$30K-$34K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Kentucky

Central regions

$27K-$31K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Kentucky

Rural areas

$25K-$28K

Lower COL, community focus

Pro Tip: While Metro Kentucky pays highest, Rural Kentucky'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 Kentucky

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Kentucky'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 UK HealthCare.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. UK HealthCare, Norton Healthcare, and Baptist Health have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend KY 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 Kentucky employers are looking for.

Start Free Training Today

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 Kentucky?

PT Techs in Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

Major PT Tech employers in Kentucky include UK HealthCare (#4 ranked nationally), Norton Healthcare (KY's largest system), Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph Health (largest private PT practice in tristate), Frazier Rehab Institute, and Baptist Health Kentucky. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Kentucky?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Kentucky earn an average of $30,180 per year (-15% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $21,400, experienced PT Techs earn $35,000+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $39,200+. Metro Kentucky generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

Kentucky 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 UK HealthCare and major health systems.