Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Tennessee

Tennessee PT Tech Job Market

Tennessee offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries -12% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

💼

Strong Demand

1,780+ PT Tech positions open annually across Tennessee. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

💰

Premium Pay

$31,240 average salary, -12% vs national vs national. Metro Tennessee pays even higher—up to $40,600 at top facilities.

🏆

Elite Facilities

Home to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and other leading healthcare facilities across Tennessee.

📈

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 Tennessee

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—Erlanger Health System alone has 100+ TN locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: Vanderbilt University Medical Center 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 Ascension Saint Thomas.
● 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.

⚠️

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 Tennessee

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

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Tennessee's Largest

Nashville

#16 ranked nationally

615-322-5000 View Jobs →

HCA Healthcare

Tennessee's Largest

Nashville HQ/Statewide

Largest for-profit system in US

615-344-9551 View Jobs →

Ascension Saint Thomas

Regional System

Nashville/Middle TN

Major regional system

615-222-2111 View Jobs →

Erlanger Health System

Growing Network

Chattanooga

SE Tennessee leader

423-778-7000 View Jobs →

Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation

Rehab Leader

Nashville

Top rehab hospital

615-963-4051 View Jobs →

Ballad Health

Rural Tennessee

Rural areas

East Tennessee health leader

423-431-6111 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Tennessee

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

Metro Tennessee

Major metro areas

$35K-$39K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Tennessee

Suburban counties

$31K-$35K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Tennessee

Central regions

$28K-$32K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Tennessee

Rural areas

$26K-$29K

Lower COL, community focus

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

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

📋

1. Get Certified

Complete PT Tech training and earn your CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification significantly improves your competitiveness, especially at top facilities like Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

🎯

2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare, and Ascension Saint Thomas have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

🤝

3. Network Locally

Attend TN 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

PT Techs in Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

Major PT Tech employers in Tennessee include Vanderbilt University Medical Center (#4 ranked nationally), HCA Healthcare (TN's largest system), Ascension Saint Thomas, Erlanger Health System (largest private PT practice in tristate), Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation, and Ballad Health. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Tennessee?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Tennessee earn an average of $31,240 per year (-12% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $22,200, experienced PT Techs earn $36,200+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $40,600+. Metro Tennessee generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

Tennessee 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 Vanderbilt University Medical Center and major health systems.