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To get a PTA degree takes two years and to become a PT takes four years of school then a PHD (also have to be accepted into program).

To get a PTA degree takes two years and to become a PT takes four years of school then a PHD (also have to be accepted into program).

It's almost best to choose one or the other as it doesn't transition as well as nursing programs. Check out link below from American physical therapy association it is an actual "bridging program" pta to dpt. I think it is difficult to get accepted but can be done!

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=CAPTE3&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=49543

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12y ago
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11y ago

Its very hard to get into. I am a double major (bachelor of exercise science and bachelor of nutrition) with a minor in nutrition for exercise and sport. I have over a 3.4 and my GRE scores were exactly at 300 (I hated taking the GRE). I applied to six schools and got into two. I was one of the lucky ones. I have a friend that applied to 14 schools and had a 3.3 GPA in a really hard undergrad major and didn't get in anywhere. I think one of the main problems is NO ONE is real with students on what you actually need to get in. I go to UConn and was told by my advisor how to get into UConn's program and I did everything she said and still didnt get in. So I will tell you what to do if you really want to get in. FIRST make sure you are on your way to getting a B.S. NOT a B.A.! Make sure your GPA is over a 3.4 more than likely around a 3.5 or over. Make sure your prerequisite GPA is at least a 3.3. Have around 100 hours of shadowing at at least 2 PT locations. Lastly make sure you are active and are in a lot of clubs and extra curriculars Also its good to note they will check your facebook. If you dont match up to this go for OT. Being an OT is still an awesome job and its less demanding to get into.

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15y ago

Physical therapists need a master's degree from an accredited physical therapy program and a State license, requiring passing scores on national and State examinations. Education and training. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 209 accredited physical therapist education programs in 2007. Of the accredited programs, 43 offered master's degrees and 166 offered doctoral degrees. Only master's degree and doctoral degree programs are accredited, in accordance with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. In the future, a doctoral degree might be the required entry-level degree. Master's degree programs typically last 2 years, and doctoral degree programs last 3 years. This particular program of study is highly competitive. Selection committees look at the entire individual and not just the parts. Some criteria will include: * Grade point average particular to undergraduate work * Completion of required prerequisites * Rigor of undergraduate work * Application essay * Extracurricular activities * Talent/Ability * Volunteer Work * Work Experience * Letters of recommendation For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below this answer box.

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14y ago

I would have to say no. There are many types of jobs available in physical therapy. you can work in hospitals, rehab hospitals, nursing homes, traveling and going to peoples' homes, outpatient clinics, pediatrics, geriatrics, veterans returning from war. Each type requires a different set of skills and the pay will vary too. Great field to be in and the job is fun and rewarding.

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14y ago

If you have a passion for the field, you should not think of it in terms of difficulty, but in terms of meeting the challenges ahead, the required determination and commitment, etc. Passion will be your key to success. It's your attitude, and attitude is everything.

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16y ago

It really depends on your passion and reason for pursuing the degree. In any case, a doctorate in any field is going to be somewhat taxing. It demands 100% commitment, dedication, organization, and perseverance to achieve successful outcomes.

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14y ago

It really depends on your attitude. If you have a true passion for what you want to do, you will not think of it in terms of difficulty. As with any career path, you will certainly be challenged, but that is all it is, a challenge. Passion coupled with attitude will be key to your success.

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Q: Is it hard to transition from a physical therapy assistant to a physical therapist?
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Related questions

What professions require a license?

Athletic Trainer, Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Physical Therapy Facility Mental Health Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Rehabilitation Counselor, Educational Psychologist Architect


Do you have to have a degree to be a physical therapy assistant?

Yes, you need to have a degree to be a physical therapy assistant. The only other alternative would be to shadow a physical therapist on your path to earning your own degree.


What Therapist classes are offered an community colleges?

Some would include, a respiratory therapist, and a physical therapy assistant.


Can you become a occupational therapist with an associate degree?

A physical therapy assistant is typically at the associate degree level. At present the minimum degree requirement for a physical therapist is a master's degree, and soon to become a doctorate.


Are any classes transferable to physical therapy from a education degree?

It depends on which level you are referring to (physical therapy assistant or physical therapist). The general education courses required for a physical therapy assistant should be usable. However, the minimum educational requirement for a physical therapist at present is a master's degree in physical therapy, and that may soon change to a doctorate for entry level. This means you must complete a bachelor's degree with all prerequisite coursework satisfied.


Are any classes transferable to physical therapy from an education degree?

It depends on which level you are referring to (physical therapy assistant or physical therapist). The general education courses required for a physical therapy assistant should be usable. However, the minimum educational requirement for a physical therapist at present is a master's degree in physical therapy, and that may soon change to a doctorate for entry level. This means you must complete a bachelor's degree with all prerequisite coursework satisfied.


Physical Therapist Assistant?

A physical therapist assistant, also known as a PTA, provide various services to patients during rehabilitation. They function under the close supervision of a physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant will assist and instruct patients during physical rehabilitative or therapeutic exercises, monitor and assess a patient’s recuperative progress, perform therapeutic massage and even fit or modify specifications on crutches or leg braces. Some physical therapist assistants are also responsible for various clerical duties related to their rehabilitation center’s office. Physical Therapist Assistant Education To provide services as a physical therapist assistant, one must obtain an associate’s degree in physical therapist assisting. In the U.S, over 250 schools offer accredited programs in physical therapy assisting. Curriculum will vary depending upon which school one chooses, but certain aspects must be taught in every physical therapy assisting degree program. Students will primarily learn procedures and theories related to physical therapy. They will also complete coursework in medical sciences and general education studies. During their final semester, students will get hands-on training within an internship. An associate’s degree may not be all one needs in order to practice physical therapy assisting in a professional capacity. Many states require physical therapist licensing, such as successful passing of a state-specific physical therapy assistant exam, certification in First Aid or CPR and a minimum number of hours attending on-the-job training. Physical Therapist Assistant Career Advancement Once a healthcare professional achieves education, licensing and work experience as a physical therapist assistant, career advancement within their chosen field is quite attainable. An obvious way to advance one’s physical therapy career is to become a qualified physical therapist. This will, of course, require further education in the form of a either master’s degree or doctorate. The licensure requirements for a physical therapist are also quite a bit more rigorous. Another avenue for physical therapist assistant career advancement is for the professional to become trained in a certain specialty in addition to their physical therapy assistant training. Specialties can include therapy related to pediatrics, sports, the elderly and many others. If one is considering a career in the health field, physical therapy assisting is a solid and viable choice, as the need for physical therapy assistants will always exist.


Can a physical therapy aide become a physical therapy assistant?

The correct term is physical therapist assistant and you must have a license. No such term as an assistant physical therapist. To be a p.t.a. you must earn your applied science associate degree (2 year) from an accredited college ( [http://www.apta.org www.apta.org] will show you colleges) and pass your boards. Below a p.t.a is a physical therapy aide (usually in nursing home "unskilled" on the job training), as physical therapy technicians are no longer legal due to "abusing" them (cheaper without a license). P.ta.'s work under the supervision of a physical therapist. Good pay for short amount of school however you are limited to that job specifically as it is a "technical" job and not really any easily accessible bridging programs (unless you live in Ohio or California) to become a physical therapist if you so want to later.


Is there a one year physical therapist assistant program?

Typically, physical therapist assistants are required by law to hold at least an associate degree. This is a two year program of study, which is offered by a number of community colleges. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 233 accredited physical therapist assistant programs in the United States as of 2006.


What is physical therapy?

A Physical Therapy Aide is a person who works under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant and performs only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.


What is physical therapy aide?

A Physical Therapy Aide is a person who works under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant and performs only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.


How can I earn physical therapist certification?

To earn your physical therapist certification, you must graduate from a physical therapy program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association’s Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. After graduation, you must pass the National Physical Therapist Examination.