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The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for a physical therapist assistant.

Most physical therapist assistants earn an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. Some States require licensing for physical therapist assistants.

In many States, physical therapist assistants are required by law to hold at least an associate degree. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 233 accredited physical therapist assistant programs in the United States as of 2006. Accredited programs usually last 2 years, or 4 semesters, and culminate in an associate degree.
Programs are divided into academic study and hands-on clinical experience. Academic course work includes algebra, anatomy and physiology, Biology, chemistry, and psychology. Clinical work includes certifications in CPR and other first aid and field experience in treatment centers. Both educators and prospective employers view clinical experience as essential to ensuring that students understand the responsibilities of a physical therapist assistant.


Licensure. Licensing is not required to practice as a physical therapist aide. However, some States require licensure or registration in order to work as a physical therapist assistant. States that require licensure stipulate specific educational and examination criteria. Additional requirements may include certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid and a minimum number of hours of clinical experience. Complete information on regulations can be obtained from State licensing boards.


Other qualifications. Physical therapist assistants and aides should be well-organized, detail oriented, and caring. They usually have strong interpersonal skills and a desire to help people in need.


Advancement. Some physical therapist aides advance to become therapist assistants after gaining experience and, often, additional education. Sometimes, this education is required by law.
Some physical therapist assistants advance by specializing in a clinical area. They gain expertise in treating a certain type of patient, such as geriatric or pediatric, or a type of ailment, such as sports injuries. Many physical therapist assistants advance to administration positions. These positions might include organizing all the assistants in a large physical therapy organization or acting as the director for a specific department such as sports medicine. Other assistants go on to teach in an accredited physical therapist assistant academic program, lead health risk reduction classes for the elderly, or organize community activities related to fitness and risk reduction.



For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

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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 enroll in a PTA program to become a PTA or could you go to a regular college to get your degree?

Most physical therapist assistants earn an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. Some States require licensing for physical therapist assistants. There are a number of community colleges that offer the associate of applied science degree (AAS) as a physical therapy assistant. Remember, the AAS degree in this field is basically a terminal degree.


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.


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.


How long do you have to go to college to be a physical therapist aid?

Employers typically require physical therapist aides to have a high school diploma. They are trained on the job, and most employers provide clinical on-the-job training. Remember, there is a difference between an aide and an assistant. There are a number of colleges (mostly community colleges) that offer a two year associates of applied science degree as a physical therapy assistant.


What training does a physical therapist assistant need?

To be a PA, you do need to have a degree. A PA degree usually runs 4 years, which is still a lot of schooling, but does not require an internship or residency


How long you go to school for physical therapist aid?

It depends on the state, so should you check your state's specific requirements. However, most states require you to pass an accredited physical therapist's assistant program in which you earn an associate's degree. Depending on the state, this should take 1-2 years. Some states also require you to apply for and receive a license or to take an exam.


What is the best school for a physical therapist asst?

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for physical therapist assistants.Most physical therapy aides are trained on the job, while almost all physical therapist assistants earn an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. Most States require licensing for physical therapist assistants.Education and training. Employers typically require physical therapy aides to have a high school diploma. They are trained on the job, and most employers provide clinical on-the-job training.In most States, physical therapist assistants are required by law to hold an associate degree. The American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits postsecondary physical therapy assistant programs. In 2009, there were 223 accredited programs, which usually last 2 years and culminate in an associate degree.Programs are divided into academic coursework and hands-on clinical experience. Academic coursework includes algebra, English, anatomy and physiology, and psychology. Clinical work includes certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid, and field experience in treatment centers. Both educators and prospective employers view clinical experience as essential to ensuring that students understand the responsibilities of a physical therapist assistant.Licensure. Licensing is not required to practice as a physical therapy aide. However, most States regulate physical therapist assistants through licensure, registration, or certification. Most States require physical therapist assistants to graduate from an accredited education program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. Some States may require physical therapy assistants to pass State exams. Many States also require continuing education credits for physical therapist assistants to maintain licensure. Complete information on regulations can be obtained from State licensing boards.Other qualifications. Physical therapist assistants and aides should be well-organized, detail oriented, and caring. They should be able to take direction and work well in a team situation. They usually have strong interpersonal skills and a desire to help people in need.Advancement. Some physical therapist aides advance to become therapist assistants after gaining experience and completing an accredited education program.Some physical therapist assistants advance their knowledge and skills in a variety of clinical areas after graduation. The American Physical Therapy Association recognizes physical therapist assistants who have gained additional skills in geriatric, pediatric, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy. Physical therapist assistants may also advance in non-clinical areas, like administrative positions. These positions might include organizing all the assistants in a large physical therapy organization or acting as the director for a specific department such as aquatic therapy. Physical therapist assistants may also pursue a career in teaching at an accredited physical therapist assistant academic program.For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.


To become a physical therapist assistant how long do you have to go to college?

It depends on the state, so should you check your state's specific requirements. However, most states require you to pass an accredited physical therapist's assistant program in which you earn an associate's degree. Depending on the state, this should take 1-2 years. Some states also require you to apply for and receive a license or to take an exam.


What education and training is needed to be a physical therapist assistants?

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for a physical therapy assistant.Most physical therapist aides are trained on the job, but most physical therapist assistants earn an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. Some States require licensing for physical therapist assistants.Education and training. Employers typically require physical therapist aides to have a high school diploma. They are trained on the job, and most employers provide clinical on-the-job training.In many States, physical therapist assistants are required by law to hold at least an associate degree. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 233 accredited physical therapist assistant programs in the United States as of 2006. Accredited programs usually last 2 years, or 4 semesters, and culminate in an associate degree.Programs are divided into academic study and hands-on clinical experience. Academic course work includes algebra, anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and psychology. Clinical work includes certifications in CPR and other first aid and field experience in treatment centers. Both educators and prospective employers view clinical experience as essential to ensuring that students understand the responsibilities of a physical therapist assistant.Licensure. Licensing is not required to practice as a physical therapist aide. However, some States require licensure or registration in order to work as a physical therapist assistant. States that require licensure stipulate specific educational and examination criteria. Additional requirements may include certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid and a minimum number of hours of clinical experience. Complete information on regulations can be obtained from State licensing boards.Other qualifications. Physical therapist assistants and aides should be well-organized, detail oriented, and caring. They usually have strong interpersonal skills and a desire to help people in need.Advancement. Some physical therapist aides advance to become therapist assistants after gaining experience and, often, additional education. Sometimes, this education is required by law.Some physical therapist assistants advance by specializing in a clinical area. They gain expertise in treating a certain type of patient, such as geriatric or pediatric, or a type of ailment, such as sports injuries. Many physical therapist assistants advance to administration positions. These positions might include organizing all the assistants in a large physical therapy organization or acting as the director for a specific department such as sports medicine. Other assistants go on to teach in an accredited physical therapist assistant academic program, lead health risk reduction classes for the elderly, or organize community activities related to fitness and risk reduction.For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.


What do you have to do to be a physical therapist assistant?

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for physical therapy assistants.Most physical therapy aides are trained on the job, while almost all physical therapist assistants earn an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. Most States require licensing for physical therapist assistants.Education and training. Employers typically require physical therapy aides to have a high school diploma. They are trained on the job, and most employers provide clinical on-the-job training.In most States, physical therapist assistants are required by law to hold an associate degree. The American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education accredits postsecondary physical therapy assistant programs. In 2009, there were 223 accredited programs, which usually last 2 years and culminate in an associate degree.Programs are divided into academic coursework and hands-on clinical experience. Academic coursework includes algebra, English, anatomy and physiology, and psychology. Clinical work includes certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid, and field experience in treatment centers. Both educators and prospective employers view clinical experience as essential to ensuring that students understand the responsibilities of a physical therapist assistant.Licensure. Licensing is not required to practice as a physical therapy aide. However, most States regulate physical therapist assistants through licensure, registration, or certification. Most States require physical therapist assistants to graduate from an accredited education program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. Some States may require physical therapy assistants to pass State exams. Many States also require continuing education credits for physical therapist assistants to maintain licensure. Complete information on regulations can be obtained from State licensing boards.For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.


How many years it take to be a physical therapist?

All States require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam before they can practice, after graduating from an accredited physical therapist educational program. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there were 205 accredited physical therapist programs in 2004. Of the accredited programs, 94 offered master