Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Virginia

Virginia PT Tech Job Market

Virginia offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries -0% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

1,980+ PT Tech positions open annually across Virginia. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$35,280 average salary, -0% vs national vs national. Metro Virginia pays even higher—up to $45,900 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to Inova Health System and other leading healthcare facilities across Virginia.

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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 Virginia

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—UVA Health alone has 100+ VA locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: Inova Health System 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 VCU 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 Virginia

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

Inova Health System

Major System

Northern Virginia

NoVA's dominant system

703-289-2000 View Jobs →

Sentara Healthcare

Healthcare Leader

Hampton Roads

Tidewater region leader

757-455-7000 View Jobs →

VCU Health

Academic

Richmond

State's academic medical center

804-828-9000 View Jobs →

UVA Health

Academic

Charlottesville

Second academic center

434-924-0000 View Jobs →

Carilion Clinic

Established Provider

Roanoke

Western VA leader

540-981-7000 View Jobs →

Sentara Healthcare

Rural Virginia

Rural areas

Hampton Roads health leader

800-736-8272 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Virginia

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

Metro Virginia

Major metro areas

$40K-$44K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Virginia

Suburban counties

$35K-$40K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Virginia

Central regions

$31K-$37K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Virginia

Rural areas

$29K-$33K

Lower COL, community focus

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

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Virginia'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 Inova Health System.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. Inova Health System, Sentara Healthcare, and VCU Health have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend VA 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 Virginia 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 Virginia?

PT Techs in Virginia 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 Virginia?

Major PT Tech employers in Virginia include Inova Health System (#4 ranked nationally), Sentara Healthcare (VA's largest system), VCU Health, UVA Health (largest private PT practice in tristate), Carilion Clinic, and Sentara Healthcare. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Virginia?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Virginia earn an average of $35,280 per year (-0% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $25,000, experienced PT Techs earn $40,900+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $45,900+. Metro Virginia generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Virginia 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 Virginia?

Virginia 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 Inova Health System and major health systems.