Physical Therapist Assistant Training Requirements
Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist and provide patients with the tools necessary to either learn or regain the ability to perform daily life skills and/ or activities. These exercises, either physical or mental, are completed in hopes of ensuring that the patient has the ability to get as close to the skill level as before the incident or impairment. Physical therapist assistants provide treatments that relieve pain and/or improve mobility for the patient.
Education and Admission Requirements
Usually, most states require that Physical therapy assistants are licensed. The minimum education required by states is an associate’s degree from an accredited institution. Most states require that students have an associate’s degree and take an exam to work as an assistant, but some require a license. Each state has different requirements and prospective students should contact local state licensing boards for more information.
The American Physical Therapy Association’s Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education handles the accreditation for physical therapy programs. Attending an accredited school is necessary to obtain licensure.
The requirement to attend an assistant program is have a high school diploma or GED. Some programs require CPR and First Aid certification and other programs include it in their curriculum.
Education Curriculum, Length, and Cost
Students should seriously consider attending training at a facility that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. In most cases, licensing is contingent upon this. Education to become a physical therapist assistant is usually taught at local universities, community colleges, and technical schools. Education usually lasts around two years and results in an associate’s degree. The program consists of one year of general education and one year of technical courses and clinical exposure, in most cases. The clinical experience ensures that students gain a realistic perception of what will be required of them once they begin working in the field.
The following courses are generally included in the physical therapist assistant education curriculum.
General classes such as:
- English, Psychology, Anatomy, Physiology, Statistics, Public Speaking, Medical Terminology, Humanities, Functional Anatomy, etc.
Specialized classes such as:
- Therapy Preparation, Therapeutic Procedures, Pathology, Electrotherapy, Rehabilitation, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Neurological Concepts, and Clinical Practice
Clinical education is supervised and provided at local rehabilitation facilities, schools orthopedic offices, and/or hospitals. Criminal background checks are usually conducted for students who will be placed with patients during clinical education.
At the end of training, students will be able to communicate effectively, provide physical therapy interventions and quality patient care, provide patient assessment, and be able to assist patients in body mechanics and therapeutic exercises.
Tuition for a two year program as a physical therapist assistant, depending on location and type of education facility, costs an average of $5,000 a year. Tuition for this program can range from $2,500 to $10,000 per year. Total program costs can range from $5,500 to $20,000, depending on type of training facility. In most cases, this does not include books, lab fees, clinical fees, etc.
Most states require certification from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The exam to become certified costs an additional $350.