As a physical therapy assistant, you will provide physical therapy services to clients of all ages in a variety of heathcare settings, under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. To become a physical therapy assistant, you must graduate with an associate's degree from an accredited physical therapy assistant program. Depending on your educational preferences and how far you are willing to travel, there were more than 250 entry-level programs nationwide accepting students at the time of publication.
Curriculum
Prepare for a program that typically spans two years, with four months dedicated to clinical training at an approved physical therapy facility. While working on your associate's degree, you will complete general education courses, physical therapy courses and gain clinical work experience. Required courses may include anatomy, physiology, psychology, biomechanics, communication, kinesiology, neurology, pathology and ethics.
Accredited Programs
To sit for a licensure examination, you must complete a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. You can find a current list of all accredited programs, as well as several programs in development, on the American Physical Therapy Association website.
Narrowing Options
To narrow your options for education, access the "Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education Database of Accredited Programs." This free database will provide you with specific information about each assistant program, up-to-date program contact information and a direct link to each program's website.
Admission
Admission to an accredited assistant program is fairly competitive, with the average applicant-to-acceptance ratio of approximately four to one, according to "The Top 100: The Fastest-Growing Careers for the 21st Century." Contact each educational program directly because each program has its own eligibility requirements.
Advanced Proficiency Program
After being a physical therapy assistant for five years and meeting other minimum eligibility requirements, you can apply for the "PTA Recognition of Advanced Proficiency Program." Successful completion of this program certifies that you have a more advanced education in one of six different areas of practice: aquatic, cardiovascular and pulmonary, geriatric, integumentary, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and pediatric physical therapy. You must reapply every five years to stay in this program.
References
- American Physical Therapy Association; Physical Therapist Assistant Education Overview; 2011
- "Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education Database of Accredited Programs"; Accredited Schools; American Physical Therapy Association; 2011
- American Physical Therapy Association; PTA Recognition of Advanced Proficiency; 2011
- "PT in Motion"; A Recognized Advantage; Eric Ries; December 2010
- "The Top 100: The Fastest-Growing Careers for the 21st Century"; Mary Susan Ryan-Flynn; 2008
