Physical Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities: They help patients with their exercise. They observe a patient before and after therapy. They also help the patient and family about what to do after the treatment. Salary: $42,980 annually Education: Most are required to have an associates degree, you also need to take two years of physical therapy assistant programs. Demand or need for this particular career: Associates degree Reflection: I would like to be a physical therapy assistant because i like to help people and choose the right.