Physical Therapy Assistant Requirements

Physical therapy assistants (PTA's) are health care professionals that work under the supervision of a physical therapist. They can work in many different settings. PTA's can provide hands-on care for patients, offer therapeutic massage, prescribe exercise routines, use modalities like ultrasound or estimulation, and help patients learn to use devices such as canes and walkers. To work as a PTA you need to obtain a certain level of education and training.

Degree Requirements

To become a physical therapy assistant you must graduate with an associate degree as a physical therapy assistant from an accredited PTA program. These programs are found at technical schools, community colleges or universities.

Licensing Requirements

After graduation you may need to pass a national examination to obtain licensing or certification. Each state has its own requirements in order to work as a PTA. Most states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed, registered or certified. Research the regulations in the state in which you wish to practice to find out the specific educational and examination criteria. See Resources for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Additional State Requirements

Some states also require you to have CPR and First Aid certification and complete a minimum number of hours working as a PTA.

Courses

Your training to become a physical therapy assistant will include coursework in the principals of physical therapy, medical terminology, body mechanics, transferring patients and understanding various diseases and injuries and the impairment that are caused by them. You will also take classes in biomechanics, using modalities, soft tissue manipulation and record keeping.

Internship

Many PTA schools will have a large portion of your school time spent in an internship. Here you will gain practical on-the-job skills as you work in various settings and with different types of patients.

Resources

• American Physical Therapy Association: The Physical Therapist Assistant
• Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy: Licensing Authorities