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Physical Therapy Assistant

Program Description

Just the Facts

Physical Therapy Assistant. A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of a physical therapist, to implement physical therapy treatment care plans, train patients, conduct treatment interventions, use equipment, and observe and record patient progress. Includes instruction in applied anatomy and physiology, behavioral sciences, biomechanics, clinical documentation, clinical pathology, communication, exercise physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, and professional standards and ethics.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


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Related Programs

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Additional Information

Physical therapy assistant programs train students to do the hands-on work in helping a client to heal. Grads of these programs work with patients under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Training programs are often run in conjunction with occupational therapist or rehabilitation assistant programs. During these programs, which vary in length from 14 to 22 months, students commonly take part in practica or clinical affiliations. This gives them practical experience helping clients in need of therapy.

In the U.S., programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). These programs award an associate of science degree.

Elizabeth Chape is an instructor at Sacramento City College. "Graduation from an accredited program is typically the standard used to determine if students are able to take the examination for licensure," she says.

Students can generally expect to take a combination of general courses and courses specifically related to the field.

"Students can expect to take English, math, psychology, speech science and physical therapy classes that are lecture or lecture-lab combinations with hands-on experience," says Cindy Mihelich. She is an instructor at Pueblo Community College in Colorado.

Chape says typical courses include communication, ethics, kinesiology, physical therapy modalities and procedures, medical disorders, therapeutic exercise, and functional activities and gait.

Mihelich adds that students will acquire skills that include assessment, massage, modalities such as hot packs and ultrasound, therapeutic exercises, proper use of crutches and more.

In high school, work on developing a strong science, biology and anatomy background, says Ken Lee. He is an instructor at Miami-Dade Community College.

Most programs look for good marks in biology and English. Some require completion of college-level anatomy and physiology. Be sure to check the enrollment requirements at the school you're interested in as early as you can.

Volunteer work in a related area will help.

"Volunteer or observational experience in a physical therapy practice (outpatient clinic, skilled nursing facility, hospital, or rehabilitation setting) is recommended in order to assist students in making a career decision," says Chape. "Much can be learned from volunteer experience, or work as a physical therapy aide."

Besides tuition and books, you may have to buy a lab coat, name tag and uniform. There are also costs associated with moving somewhere for a clinical placement.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field, see Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides

American Physical Therapy Association
Find current news, publications and more on the physical therapy industry

PT Magazine
For people working in physical therapy

PhysicalTherapist.com
Find out what's new in the profession