what course do i need to become a physical therapist assistant

What education is needed to become a physical therapy assistant?

• Applicants are required to:
• Pass a criminal background check and drug screen prior to attending courses.
• Submit a Physical Therapy Assistant essay.
• Carry health care insurance while taking clinical coursework.
• Obtain an Associate’s Degree in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program from an accredited school. ...

More items...

What are the requirements to become a physical therapy assistant?

The primary steps required to become a PTA are:

• completing the coursework for your physical therapist assistant associate’s degree
• completing the required clinical experience at your accredited program
• passing the national license or certification exam
• applying for state licensure
• finding your PTA job

How can I become a physical therapy assistant?

We wrote a step by step guide to become a PTA:

• Obtain a high school diploma or GED
• Apply to a CAPTE accredited PTA program
• Complete your PTA Associates degree
• Complete 16 weeks of clinical practicum training (During Degree Program)
• Pass NPTAE Exam and Apply for State License

How to become a physical therapy assistant?

How to become a physical therapy assistant

1. Earn a high school diploma. You will need a high school diploma or the global equivalent before applying to a program to become a physical therapy assistant.
2. Obtain an associate degree. Seek out and attend an accredited physical therapy program through a technical school or a community college.
3. Pass the licensing exam. ...

More items...

What is a physical therapist?

The physical therapist is responsible for the services provided by the PTA. A PT will examine each individual and develop a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. PTAs can have a profound effect on people’s lives.

What is PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways?

Physical therapist assistants have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills through APTA’s PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways program. Content areas are acute care, cardiovascular/pulmonary, geriatrics, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and wound management. Participants receive guidance from a self-designated clinical mentor who has expertise in the content area. The program is voluntary; PTAs are not required to participate in order to work in a specific area.

How long does a PTA student spend in clinical school?

PTA students spend on average 16 weeks in full-time clinical education experiences.

Where do PTAs work?

The vast majority of PTAs, approximately 72%, work in hospitals or privately-owned physical therapy practices. Others work in home health, schools, and rehab units. Approximately 28% of PTAs work part-time.

Does APTA rank PTA?

APTA does not rank PTA education programs. Programs are accredited by CAPTE, which assures quality in physical therapist assistant education. Among the factors you should keep in mind when choosing your program: Cost and financial aid opportunities. Many PTA students graduate with student loans.

What is a good physical therapy assistant program?

While a great physical therapy assistant program is designed to equip you with the necessary technical skills, a little extra proficiency in these skill areas will help your resume stand out to employers. You might also consider getting involved in extracurricular activities to polish your skills.

What is a physical therapist assistant?

Physical therapist assistants are part of a team that works with patients who have injuries or medical conditions that limit their mobility or make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and activities , according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). PTAs typically observe patients before, during and after therapy.

What is a PTA in healthcare?

If you have a passion for being active and a heart for helping others, then it’s no surprise you’re considering becoming a physical therapist assistant (PTA). Not only do these healthcare pros have the rewarding opportunity to help improve the quality of life of others, but they are also desperately needed in today’s healthcare system.

How many times can you take the NPTE?

It’s important to thoroughly prepare for the NPTE before taking it. Though retakes are available, you may only take the exam three times in one year or six times total. More details on the NPTE can be found at The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website.

How long does it take to become a PTA?

Earning a degree may sound daunting, but some PTA training can be completed in as few as 18 months. 2 This formal education consists of courses, lab work and clinical training.

Can I become a PTA after a degree?

After earning your Associate’s degree and passing the NPTE, you’re nearly ready to begin your career as a PTA. But before rushing into the career search process, it’s helpful to know what exactly employers are looking for so you can come prepared to put your best foot forward.

What exam do you need to take to become a physical therapist assistant?

After you have graduated from a PTA program, you will sit for the National Licensing Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Employers require you to pass this exam before you can practice as a PTA.

How to become a PTA?

Get certified. Advance your career. 1. Enroll in a PTA program. To become a PTA, you’ll need to earn an associate degree from a physical therapist assistant program.

What can a PTA student do?

As a PTA student, you’ll also participate in clinical and laboratory experiences that will provide a hands-on approach to classroom learning. Many students enjoy their clinical externships and welcome the opportunity to practice their patient care skills and apply their knowledge in a real-world environment.

How To Become A Physical Therapist Assistant: A Step-By-Step Guide

You can become a physical therapist assistant by following a few steps to reach your goal. Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are in high demand in the field of physical therapy. Once you become a certified PTA, you may be able to find a job in the field.

1. Apply to an accredited PTA program

Before you can begin working as a PTA, you have to complete the required education and training. You will need to apply to a physical therapist assistant program that meets the licensing requirements.

2. Complete a PTA program and graduate

Next, you’ll need to complete the PTA program and successfully graduate. You will take 76 credit hours at SABER College for the physical therapist assistant program. The curriculum is designed to cover the required knowledge and skills for passing the national licensing exam. You’ll also get hands-on experience to be successful in the field.

3. Take and pass the PTA licensing exam

After you graduate from the PTA program from SABER College, you can sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTA. Passing this exam means that you become a licensed PTA and can begin looking for work!

How many hours do you need to become a physical therapy assistant?

To earn a specialization, you'll need to gain at least 2,000 hours of relevant work experience and go through 60 hours of additional education courses. Physical therapy assistants can seek certification ...

What are the exercises that a physical therapist assistant can perform?

A physical therapist assistant may perform the following exercises and techniques to help patients recover and maintain physical wellness: Therapeutic massage. Stretching techniques.

What is the job of a physical therapy assistant in 2021?

February 22, 2021. Working as a physical therapy assistant to provide rehabilitative care for patients is a growing healthcare occupation. This position requires less formal schooling than it takes to become a physical therapist, and in many cases, physical therapy assistants provide much of the needed care for patients suffering ...

What is a geriatric physical therapist?

Geriatrics: A physical therapy assistant specializing in geriatrics works with adults of an advanced age to help bring relief from the effects of mobility-limiting conditions such as balance disorders, osteoporosis and arthritis.

How much does a physical therapist assistant make?

A physical therapy assistant makes an average salary of $46,925 per year. However, earning potential for a physical therapist assistant is higher in certain areas. Texas and Florida are among the highest paying states for physical therapist assistants. Experience and training will also affect your opportunities to earn a higher income.

What states require a physical therapy license?

All states except Hawaii and Colorado require you to earn an accredited degree before you can even qualify for the certification examination. Once you prepare for and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), you'll automatically earn your state license to practice as a certified physical therapist assistant.

Do physical therapist assistants need continuing education?

Depending on the state where you practice, there are varying requirements for physical therapy assistants to earn continuing education credits. The American Physical Therapy Association hosts courses and offers guidelines on how physical therapist assistants should train for next-level skills and increased knowledge.

How many years of school do you need to become a physical therapist assistant?

Some programs even require you get a B or higher in most, if not all, classes. Given the tight, fast-paced 2-year curriculum required to become a physical therapist assistant, every course counts and there really is no room for error or circling back. So, make sure you do things right the first time around!

What are the courses required for PT assist?

Your course work will likely include study in anatomy and physiology, human development, kinesiology (the study of human motion), math (often college algebra), pathology (the study of disease), psychology, rehabilitative exercise, and therapeutic techniques and procedures. Contents. 1 Intro to PT Assisting.

What is CAPTE in physical therapy?

CAPTE (the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) accredits two-year Associate of Science (A.S.) and Applied Science (A.A.S.) programs that balance lecture and discussion with hands-on learning. These programs also include supervised clinical practicums in settings where physical therapy takes place.

How many credits does a PTA have?

This typically equates to 5 semesters at 15 credits per semester on average – 74 to 75 credits overall .

What is clinical training for a physical therapist?

Clinical training basically involves practicing what you’ve learned from class and lab in real-world settings such as regional hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and nursing care facilities.

How many hours of observation do you need to be a physical therapist?

Most schools require an experience form which chronicles between 10-50 hours of volunteering/observing first-hand, treatment on patients administered by a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant. Some programs may require your observation take place in a minimum of 2 different locations.

When do you start clinical training for PTA?

Clinical Training. The clinical part of your training to become a PTA usually begins in the 3rd semester and runs through your 5th or final semester (you’ll still be taking classroom-based courses during this time).

What is clinical education for a physical therapist assistant?

Physical therapist assistant clinical education. Another critical component of a physical therapist assistant’s training is clinical education (or clinicals). This is when PTA students get to apply—under supervision—what they’ve learned throughout their training at real healthcare facilities. For many PTA students, clinicals can be a launch pad.

What degree do I need to become a PTA?

This is important because in order to take the licensing exam needed to work as a PTA, you must complete a PTA associate’s degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

How many clinical hours does Rasmussen College PTA have?

2 Rasmussen College PTA students complete two separate full-time clinicals that result in a total of 570 clinical hours.

What to expect in PTA training?

Physical Therapist Assistant Education: What to Expect in Your PTA Training. You want to make a difference and you aren’t the type to wait around. You can see yourself as a physical therapist assistant—working with patients every day, creating personalized treatment plans and walking alongside patients in their paths toward recovery.

Why do PTAs have labs?

Because of this, many PTA-specific courses include lab work. These labs are crucial to your learning as they give you a chance to practice what you’ve learned while preparing you for clinical experiences. Labs are just a fact of life when it comes to PTA training—but how they’re conducted can vary.

How many times can you take the National Physical Therapy Exam?

Preparation is key! Though retakes are available, you may only attempt the exam three times in one year or six times total.

What are the principles of musculoskeletal physical therapy?

Principles of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy: This two-part course has students learning about the structure and function of the upper- and lower-quarter musculoskeletal system, learn the disorders that commonly occur and treat those disorders with evidence-based therapeutic exercises.

How many years of experience do you need to become a physical therapist?

You will need at least five years of work experience ...

What is a PTA?

With more and more people looking for this kind of treatment, the demand for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) is on the rise, too. The physical therapists will work with the patient to come up with a care plan that will either improve motion, restore limb function or prevent disability. A PTA assists the physical therapist deliver ...

What are the jobs of a PTA?

If you’re wondering where you might work as a PTA. Here’s where PTAs could find employment: 1 Working with physical, speech and occupational therapists 2 Hospitals and healthcare centers 3 Nursing homes 4 At physicians’ office 5 Home healthcare services 6 Orthopedic clinics and acute hospitals

What skills do physical therapy assistants need?

Communication skills. To treat their patients, physical therapy assistants must be able to effectively communicate the diagnosis and treatment plan to their clients. Additionally, they are often required to communicate with insurance companies to explain and justify a patient's treatment plan.

What is the difference between a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant?

What is the difference between a physical therapy assistant and a physical therapist aide? While physical therapy assistants have earned an associate degree and licensing, physical therapist aides, also known as PT aides, are only required to obtain a high school diploma or the global equivalent.

What is a PTA?

A physical therapy (or therapist) assistant, also known as a PTA, is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist to provide patient treatment. You often find them working in a wide range of settings, such as outpatient facilities, private homes, sports clinics, assisted living facilities and hospitals.

What is the role of a physical therapist?

Maintaining communication with the physical therapist regarding patient treatment. Verifying and correcting the proper performance of home exercises and treatments. Utilizing devices to effectively treat patients with different modalities , such as traction, muscle stimulation, ice, heat or ultrasound.

How much does a physical therapy assistant make?

However, the average salary for physical therapy assistants is $31.23 per hour.

What are the skills needed to be successful in physical therapy?

Compassion. Empathy and compassion are the primary skills to be successful in any profession in the healthcare industry. Patients attending physical therapy will likely be suffering from an uncomfortable injury or condition and may require motivation to complete their programs and exercises.

How many times can you take the NPTE exam?

You need to be thoroughly prepared before taking the exam. Candidates are only allowed to take the exam three times in one year or six times total. Once you take and pass the NPTE, you will be a licensed physical therapy assistant. Further licensing requirements vary by state.