New York Physical Therapy Assistant Training Programs and Schools

Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) and aides are charged with helping patients recover from various illnesses and injuries. PTAs work directly with patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Using a variety of exercises and treatments, physical therapy assistants help patients regain strength and movement throughout their body. They also assist patients with managing pain.

New York physical therapy assistant programs help students obtain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as a PTA. Through a combination of classroom preparation and hands-on learning experiences, students are prepared to take their licensing exams and gain entry-level employment as a physical therapy assistant. Students seeking to become physical therapy assistants in New York will find a variety of schools throughout the state that offer high quality PTA training programs.

New York Physical Therapy Assistant Schools

Physical therapy assistant programs in New York can prepare students for their licensing exams, as well as provide the practical skills to gain entry-level employment as PTAs. In addition to the schools listed below, aspiring PTAs will find a number of other training programs located throughout the state of New York.

• LaGuardia Community College: Located in Long Island City, this school has been serving students from around the world for more than 40 years. It offers financial aid, continuing education, and a variety of student services. The physical therapy program itself is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and leads to an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.
• SUNY Orange: Founded in 1950, this Middletown school serves the residents of Orange County and the surrounding area. Students have access to a variety of clubs and activities, as well as academic advising and professional development guidance. PTA students may also be eligible to receive scholarships provided by the department.
• Nassau Community College: Situated in the heart of Long Island, NCC offers more than 70 fields of study to students located in Garden City and the surrounding areas. The physical therapy assistant program, founded in 1969, continues to serve aspiring physical therapy assistants in New York to this day. Students will experience a small student-to-faculty ratio and may complete the program in just five semesters.
• Kingsborough Community College: KCC is located in Brooklyn and is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Their physical therapy assistant program was founded in 1999. PTA courses are held during the day, and students may complete their studies in 5 semesters. Although part-time study is available for most of the program, students must complete their final semester on a full-time basis.
• Suffolk County Community College: This community college has campuses in Selden, Brentwood, and Riverhead. The school offers professional certificates and associate degrees in more than 100 fields of study -- including physical therapy. The five-semester physical therapy assistant program prepares students to sit for their board exams and offers hands-on training through clinical practical experiences. Students may also take advantage of workforce programs.

New York Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

Physical therapy assistants must be technically skilled while serving as excellent communicators in order to provide the best possible treatment to their patients. New York requires all physical therapy assistants to be licensed. Therefore, physical therapy programs in New York generally offer courses in:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Intro to Physical Therapy
• Kinesiology
• Therapeutic Procedures
• Psychology

PTAs work in a variety of locations, including hospitals, nursing homes, and private physical therapy offices. They should exhibit high levels of compassion and must possess the physical stamina to work on their feet and in bent or stooped positions.

More Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistants in New York

Physical therapy assistants in New York are required to earn an associate degree and pass the national board exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Students must also satisfy the state board's "moral character" requirements. PTAs in New York are also required to earn continuing education credits to remain licensed.

Sources:

1. Physical Therapist Assistant / A.A.S. Degree, Suffolk County Community College, https://www.sunysuffolk.edu/Curricula/PHTA-AAS.asp
2. Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Kingsborough Community College, http://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/academicdepartments/bio/kingsborough%20pta/Pages/Blank%20Page%201.aspx
3. Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2015-16 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm
4. Physical Therapy Assistant, Nassau Community College, http://www.ncc.edu/programsandcourses/academic_departments/alliedhealthsciences/physicaltherapy/
5. Physical Therapy Assistant Program, LaGuardia Community College, https://www.laguardia.edu/pta/
6. Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), SUNY Orange, http://www.sunyorange.edu/pta/pta_info.shtml