How to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant

If you're interested in physical therapy (PT), but are deterred by the extensive education required to become a licensed physical therapist, you may be interested in learning how to provide PT services as a physical therapy assistant, or PTA. This page will show you how to become a physical therapy assistant.

Physical therapists require a graduate degree, usually at the doctoral level, in order to become licensed to treat patients. Physical therapy assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist, implementing treatment plans, providing hands on care, and instructing and motivating patients, but only require two years of education after high school.

How To Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapy assistants work with physical therapists to "help people help themselves". This video describes the role of a physical therapy assis ... read more

Physical therapy assistants work with physical therapists to "help people help themselves". This video describes the role of a physical therapy assistant, as well as the personal and physical characteristics need to succeed in this field. You need to be able to follow instructions precisely, be in excellent physical shape, and be able to provide compassionate support to patients.

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Step 1: Decide if Its Right for You
1. (Creative Commons photo by Nazareth College)
2. The job of physical therapy assistant is one of the twenty most rapidly growing fields in the United States. As the population ages, there will be a greater demand for physical therapy services. Using physical therapy assistants to deliver treatment plans determined by physical therapists is an economical way for the services to be provided. The work requires patience and physical stamina PTAs generally:
3. Need to be available on evenings and weekends
4. Require good communication skills to understand the expectations of the supervising physical therapist, and communicate the details of the plan to the patient.
5. Provide massages, baths, and other treatments including electrical stimulation
6. Apply hot and cold packs
7. Teach patients how to perform any needed exercises at home
8. Instruct patients in the proper use of equipment.
9. Document patient progress and report to physical therapists
Step 2: Prepare in High School
- To best prepare for a physical therapy assist degree program, a student should:
1. Get good grades in science, particularly biology and chemistry.
2. Achieve at least a C in algebra
3. Develop your physical strength in gym class, and by participating in athletics
4. Volunteer in a physical therapist's office or hospital to explore the career
Step 3: Education and Training
- Some states license physical therapists and require specific coursework, but others have no licensing requirements and permit on the job training.
1. Investigate the requirements of your state.
2. A high school diploma is generally the minimum requirement.
3. Most states require an associate's degree from one of the 233 accredited physical therapist assistant programs in the United States.
  1. Programs include both classroom and clinical work.
  2. Courses include algebra, anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and psychology.
  3. Clinical work includes CPR and first aid training.
Conclusion
- Physical therapy assistants have an excellent job outlook in a field that only requires four semesters of post-high school education. The average salary for PTAs was $44,340 in 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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