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Physical therapist assistants help care for patients under the direction of a physical therapist. They may help patients through a variety of therapeutic methods, including ultrasound, electrical stimulation and massage. They offer exercise and instruction in areas such as balance and walking with or without the use of adaptive equipment. Because physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists, they often document patient responses and report treatment results to the physical therapist.
Physical Therapy Assistant Education Requirements: Prerequisites
While there are no formal prerequisite requirements for physical therapy assistants, if you're interested in working in physical therapy you should take related classes in high school, such as English, psychology and anatomy. These classes can give you a solid science and social science background.
Physical Therapy Assistant Education Requirements: Degrees and Coursework
An associate's degree from a community college or university is the first step you'll need to complete to become a physical therapy assistant. Earning an associate degree in physical therapy assisting requires theoretical coursework and hands-on training. Typically, classes in a physical therapy assistant program include:
In addition to completing classroom education, it is necessary for physical therapy assistants to get clinical training and experience. The American Physical Therapy Association reports that physical therapy assistant students spend an average of sixteen weeks in full-time clinical education, which is typically a total of about 25 percent of a physical therapy assistant program.
Associate degree programs in physical therapy assisting typically last about two years, and they must be accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. There are no physical therapy assistant programs offered completely online, though there are programs that offer several of the required classes via distance education. Once you've graduated from an accredited physical therapy assistant program, most states will require you to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam and, depending on where you intend to work, you may also need to pass a state exam.
Physical Therapy Assistant Education Requirements: Licensure
Most states require that physical therapy assistants be licensed, registered or certified. You can find out about these requirements and regulations from your state licensing board. As a physical therapy assistant, you'll also need to get continuing education units to remain licensed. Once you've earned an associate degree for physical therapy assisting, it's important you stay in relatively good shape, since physical therapy assistant jobs often require some strength for lifting, kneeling and standing.
Once you're working as a physical therapist assistant, you can pursue additional skills from the American Physical Therapy Association in a variety of physical therapy specializations, including the following:
After years of physical therapy practice, you could also advance to administrative positions or become an instructor in a physical therapy assistant program.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to grow by 33 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than the average. In May 2009, the median annual salary for physical therapist assistants was $48,290, but salaries ranged from $30,400 for those in the 10th percentile to $66,460 for those in the 90th percentile.
More Information about Physical Therapy Assistant Education Requirements
If you're interested in learning more about becoming a physical therapist assistant, visit the American Physical Therapy Association website, which offers career and education information. If you're wondering about physical therapy specialties, visit the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Your state may also have its own physical therapy association, which could offer additional information about education, career training and specialties.
Resources for Physical Therapy Assistants:
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| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Mackie College | AZ, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, MO, NM, OH, OK, SC | Associate | |
| Carrington College | AZ | Certificate | |
| Everest College | ON | Diploma | |
| Hesser College | NH | Associate | |
| Kaplan Career Institute | PA | Associate | |
| Kaplan College KHE | CA | Diploma | |
| Keiser University Campus | FL | Associate | |
| Medical Careers Institute | VA | Associate | |
| New England Institute of Technology | RI | Associate | |
| Sanford Brown College | MO | Associate | |
| South University Campus | AL, FL, GA | Associate | |
| Stratford Career Institute | Online | Diploma |
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