It’s important to note that PTAs perform different duties and have greater education and licensing requirements than physical therapist aides. While both work in a physical therapy setting, PT aides typically have a high school diploma or GED or GED and are not required to get licensed. They gain experience through on-the-job training, performing indirect patient care by performing clerical duties, setting and cleaning up treatment areas, and
moving patients. On the other hand, PTAs work under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist to provide treatment, rehabilitation, or preventive care to people of all ages. They work closely with patients, monitoring and reporting their status and progress to the physical therapist over the course of their treatment. Care and treatment options may include exercises, hands-on therapy, and assistive equipment. Recovery plans range from short- to long-term care depending on the
injury or illness. All PTAs are required to obtain a high school diploma or GED and complete an associate’s degree from a PTA program accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Coursework typically includes clinical pathology, biology, anatomy, physiology, and ethics, and an average of 16 weeks of full-time supervised clinical education to obtain hands-on experience. Those interested in PTA or working as a PT aide should
demonstrate compassion, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills as they largely work one-on-one with patients. They should also have dexterity and physical stamina, as they spend most of the day on their feet, providing manual treatment or assisting patients with exercises and movement. Read on to discover how to become a PTA, including education and licensure requirements, or pursue a career as a PT aide. Select Your
Education Level: PTAs need an associate’s degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program. These two-year programs provide coursework in physical therapy, general education, and clinical education. Note that associate’s degrees are offered in both occupational and academic formats. Occupational associate’s degrees, offered as an associate of occupational
studies (AOS) or associate of applied science (AAS), are structured to provide a fast track to the workforce and typically require limited to no general education courses. On the other hand, an academic associate’s degree includes general education coursework and is designed to be transferable to an undergraduate program for completion of a bachelor’s degree. These typically include an associate of arts (AA) degree or an associate of science (AS) degree. Roughly three-fourths of PTA degree
programs take place in a lab or classroom, where students may also pursue additional certifications such as first aid skills. Physical therapy coursework may include anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, clinical pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, and ethics/values. The remaining 25 percent of study consists of supervised clinical education. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), students spend an average
of 16 weeks gaining full-time, hands-on experience. Degree programs for PTAs do not offer specializations. Accordingly, those interested in gaining experience within a certain industry, such as skilled nursing facilities or sports, will want to select a degree program with curriculum and clinical education opportunities that fit that area. While PTA programs are not ranked, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has accredited over 350
associate’s degree programs as of June 2021. Some programs may be offered partially online through a hybrid delivery option. Every state and territory in the United States requires PTAs to obtain an associate’s degree from an accredited program and get licensed. Licensure requirements vary by state, so PTAs should always check with the state licensing board for the state in which they want to practice. PT aides are required to have a high school diploma or GED and learn on the job. Admissions Requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant ProgramsAdmissions requirements are determined by individual schools, as there is no centralized application for PTA programs. Some schools may have a more selective admissions process and require a competitive, point-based process. Students typically apply to PTA programs on an annual basis. Depending on the school, the number of accepted students may range from 12 to 50 or more. Admissions requirements may include completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum cumulative GPA, as well as the ability to meet writing requirements through the evaluation of a personal statement or essay. Prerequisite courses may include biology, algebra, psychology, and English or composition. Lastly, some programs may require students to provide recommendation letters or complete a certain number of observation hours within a clinical setting. Students interested in applying to a physical therapist assistant program should check with admissions offices for further information about requirements. Physical Therapist Assistant Program AccreditationAs mentioned above, PTA programs are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), which is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited program is required to apply for state licensure to work as a physical therapist assistant. PTA programs with CAPTE accreditation have demonstrated that they meet professional standards and have adequately prepared students to enter the field. Accreditation is the process of using peer review to evaluate the educational quality of an institution or program of study at a specific institution. This system does not rank programs against one another. Instead, accreditation examines whether a program has the curriculum, instruction, and practices to set up students for success as physical therapist assistants. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is the professional board for physical therapist assistants and sponsors CAPTE, as well as provides staff support. On-Campus Physical Therapist Assistant Degree ProgramsBaker College – College of Health Science The College of Health Science at Baker College offers a dynamic associate of applied science (AAS) for those looking to take the next step in their career as a PTA. The 78-credit program provides coursework in topics such as human anatomy and physiology, psychology, communication, patient assessment, pediatric management, and more. Notably, the program also requires three clinical placements so students can gain full-time, hands-on experience. This program has limited enrollment, meaning admission is more selective than other programs offered on campus. Admission to the program is based on a point-based scale. Students are awarded points based on their grades in required prerequisite courses and their ability to pass an assessment. The top-ranked students are accepted to the program. Students must have a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, and be able to perform physical activities.
Cerritos College The competitive PTA program at Cerritos College only accepts 32 applicants every year and is known for diverse clinical education opportunities. Students accepted into this program are placed in clinics and hospitals as early as the second semester of their first year, providing students the opportunity to work in a variety of settings with a wide array of patient populations. The program is 44 credits and includes coursework in kinesiology, pathology, neurology, aging, and more. Notably, Cerritos College offers a course focusing on licensure examination preparation so students are set up for success. Over two-thirds of students pass their licensure exam on the first try. Admission to this academic associate’s program is by application only and is through a point-based system. Competitive applicants have excellent grades in science and math prerequisite coursework and general education coursework, as well as work experience in physical therapy settings. Furthermore, prospective students must be able to demonstrate acceptable scores on college placement tests for writing, mathematics, and reading. Students must have a high school diploma or GED to apply, as well as proof or ability to obtain required immunizations and health screenings.
St. Catherine University St. Catherine University offers a two-year PTA program for students looking to start a career in this field. Graduates will know how to assist patients of all ages recover mobility, improve fitness, or live with physical limitations. This program awards an associate’s degree, which makes graduates eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). The PTA program at this school is housed in the same department as the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. This allows for collaborative learning opportunities across the programs as well as insights into how the two roles can work together and support each other. All students start in a pre-PTA major where they must complete general education classes and prerequisites. Once requirements have been met, students can then apply for admission to the PTA program. Completion of the pre-PTA program does not guarantee admission into the competitive PTA degree.
California University of Pennsylvania Learn how to implement and monitor comprehensive physical therapy plans through the PTA program at the California University of Pennsylvania. Other topics covered include how to apply patient interventions, make clinical judgments, and collect data through physical therapy. Ninety-three percent of graduates of this program passed the NPTE exam and secured a PTA license. Only 26 students are admitted to this program each year. Admissions are competitive, and applicants are evaluated on their GPA from their first-semester pre-technical courses. Other admission requirements include at least 10 hours of shadowing in a physical therapy office and a basic CPR certification. Admitted students must pass a background check, drug screening, and TB test as well as provide proof of current immunizations.
Missouri Western State University – School of Nursing and Health Professions Housed in Missouri Western’s School of Nursing and Health Professions, the PTA degree program is a rigorous two year program. In addition to classroom coursework, students complete three practicums in physical therapy offices to gain hands-on experience and help prepare them to enter the workforce. Each practicum is three weeks long and is full time, allowing students to really immerse themselves in the office and patient care. This program requires 15 semeter credit hours of general education studies and 54 credits in required coursework. Classes students must complete include Clinical Neurology, Diseases and Dysfunctions, Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Therapy, and patient care skills. Typical employers for graduates include outpatient clinics, inpatient care facilities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Online or Hybrid Physical Therapist Assistant Degree ProgramsWhile there are no fully online PTA degree programs due to the need for in-person labs and clinical experiences, there are a number of hybrid options available. A hybrid program enables students to take certain courses online, allowing greater flexibility while ensuring students are able to access on-campus lab and clinical education components. The programs profiled below offer a hybrid delivery for those looking to pursue a career as a PTA. Clark State Community College – Health, Human and Public Services Division With an emphasis on flexibility for working professionals and parents, Clark State Community College provides a hybrid degree program for those wishing to dive into a new career as a PTA. Students are able to maximize their education experience by taking courses online and then participating in on-site labs at Clark State’s campuses in Columbus or Springfield. The 65-credit program results in an associate of applied science (AAS) in PTA. Highlighted coursework includes medical terminology, rehabilitation, anatomy and physiology, lifespan human growth and development, and psychology. Clinical education work takes place in the summer after the first year. These clinicals consist of three full-time rotations that are four, five, and seven weeks respectively. Admission to this program is competitive, so students are ranked based on the strength of their application. At a minimum, students must get an adequate score through the ACCUPLACER assessment to demonstrate college writing, reading, and mathematical readiness. They must also complete prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics with a grade of “C” or better, as well as have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Finally, students should complete 60 hours of observation, volunteer, or work experience in three different clinical settings under the supervision of a physical therapist or PTA. Note that a high school diploma or GED, as well as the ability to pass a background check, are required to apply.
Whatcom Community College Whatcom Community College provides a rigorous, hybrid PTA program that prepares students for a competitive job market. Courses are taken entirely online and students are required to come to campus for on-site labs just one weekend a month, making this program ideal for part-time students balancing other responsibilities. Notably, students may attend lab sections at a number of locations throughout the Puget Sound region. The 84-credit program offers coursework including clinical neurology, ethical issues in physical therapy, anatomy and pathophysiology, and applied anatomy and clinical kinesiology. Clinical experience starts in the second year, where students take four internship courses that provide a combined 720 hours of clinical experience. Admission to this program is competitive and consideration of applicants for admission is ranked by a committee and based on points. Students must submit a personal statement; undergo a background check; pass an online assessment demonstrating readiness for online or hybrid learning; submit a recommendation; complete 25 hours of work, volunteer, or observational experience in a physical therapy facility; and complete prerequisite and general education coursework with a minimum grade of “C+” or better. However, applicants with a cumulative 3.3 GPA or higher are considered competitive. A high school diploma or GED is required to apply.
Rasmussen University With both on-campus and online courses, the PTA program at Rasmussen University offers students flexible options to complete the required coursework. Rasmussen offers a Flex Choice option, where students can pay $99 to test on a given subject. Should they pass the test, they are awarded credit for that class. This helps accelerate students’ timeline to complete the program as well as helps drastically reduce the costs of earning this degree. Most lecture-based classes are offered in an online format. However, students must travel to campus a few times a week for concentrated lab time, often several days in a row. This flexibility allows students to continue working or care for a family while still completing their degree.
Mendocino College Mendocino College offers a flexible associate of science in physical therapist assisting. All theory courses are offered online and lab courses are on campus. Students are only required to come to campus for approximately two days each week, and only during the fall and spring semesters. The goal of this program is to produce competent entry-level PTAs and to provide an inclusive learning environment. Upon competition of a pre-requisite semester of coursework, students can be admitted to the full PTA program. Only 24 students are admitted to the full program for the spring semester each year. All qualified applicants are placed in a lottery and are awarded a spot based on a random drawing. Prior to enrolling in the program, admitted students must have a CPR certification, a health clearance, pass a background check, and complete a drug screening.
Provo College In just 21 months, students can complete the online PTA program at Provo College. Although all coursework is offered online, supervised in-person clinical experiences are also a required part of this program. The clinical experiences are scattered all over Utah, allowing students to complete this part of the program at a location near them. The goal of this program is to produce graduates that are well prepared for entry-level work as PTAs. For the past two years, over 95 percent of graduates have passed the NPTE exam on the first try. Topics covered in this program include Therapeutic exercise, Kinesiology, Pharmacology, Musculoskeletal orthopedics, and Rehabilitation activities.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant or PT Aide?Those working to become a PT assistant who already have a high school diploma or GED typically take an average of two to three years to complete an associate’s degree program, successfully pass the National Physical Therapy Assistants Exam, and apply for their license. Those without a high school diploma or GED may take six to seven years to receive their diploma, complete an associate’s degree program, and complete exam and licensure requirements. On the other hand, it typically takes an average of several months to become a PT aide for those who already have a high school diploma or GED. This includes the time to apply for jobs and receive any on-the-job training. There are no licensing or certification requirements. How To Become a Physical Therapist Assistant or PT Aide – Step-by-Step GuideThose interested in becoming a physical therapist assistant will need to obtain an associate’s degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program, pass an exam, and apply for a license. State licensing boards may include additional requirements for licensure. PT aides are not required to obtain a post-secondary degree, take additional examinations, or get licensed. Note that allowed job functions for PT aides may vary by state. Generally, those pursuing a career as a physical therapist assistant or PT aide will need to do the following: Step 1: Obtain Your High School Diploma or GED (Four Years)Both PTAs and PT aides are required to obtain a high school diploma or GED. After completing high school, the next step for those interested in becoming a PTA is to apply for an associate’s degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program. Those interested in becoming a PT aide can skip the remaining steps and dive into applying for jobs. Step 2: Apply to a CAPTE-Accredited PTA Program (Three to Four Years)Admissions requirements for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) vary by school. However, most require the completion of prerequisite coursework in science, math, and English. Some schools may also require students to provide recommendations or observe a clinical setting for a certain number of hours. Step 3: Complete a CAPTE-Accredited PTA Program (Two Years)Once admitted, students will likely take coursework in physical therapy and general education. Coursework may include anatomy, clinical pathology, biomechanics, and more. Students are also required to complete supervised clinical education, which typically consists of 16 weeks of full-time, hands-on experience in a clinical setting. Obtaining an associate’s degree from a PTA program typically takes two years to complete. Step 4: Take the National Physical Therapy Assistants Examination (Less Than One Year)Licensure requirements vary state-by-state. However, all states require passage of the National Physical Therapy Assistants Examination for physical therapist assistants. This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Step 5: Apply for PTA Licensure (Less Than One Year)Ready to apply for licensure? Future PTAs applying should check with the licensing board for the state they want to work in. Additional requirements may apply, such as passing a jurisprudence exam that tests knowledge of state-specific laws and regulations or obtaining first aid certifications like basic life support (BLS). Step 6: Maintain PTA Licensure Requirements (Timeline Varies by Jurisdiction)Congratulations! Those who passed their NPTE exam and successfully received their license may now work as PTAs. Note that most states require licensed PTAs to stay current on state laws and regulations, new trends, and treatments by completing a certain number of continuing education courses. License renewal is commonly conditioned on demonstrating the completion of these courses. Maintain licensure by meeting all continuing education requirements, as well as additional requirements that may be imposed by individual state licensing boards. What Do Physical Therapist Assistants and PT Aides Do?PTAs work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists to provide patient care and treatment. They commonly work with patients to help them recover from injuries and illnesses that affect their movement and mobility. Unlike PT aides, they are involved in the direct treatment of patients. Treatment options may include “exercise, massage, gait and balance training, and other therapeutic interventions.” Alternatively, PT aides may perform clerical work, help move patients, and prepare and clean up treatment areas. Both PTAs and PT aides spend a lot of time on their feet, as they set up equipment and work with patients. They may also have to lift or help patients move. While most PTAs and PT aides work typical business hours, others may work nights and businesses depending on the office setting. For example, skilled nursing facilities may require them to work nights and weekends to support older patients who require long-term, chronic care as part of their day-to-day life. While a PTA’s daily activities can vary by industry, an average day may include:
A typical day for a PT aide may consist of:
PTAs and PT Aides Certifications & LicensureEach state and territory in the United States require PTAs to get licensed in the state they want to practice in. Those seeking licensure should apply and graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PTA degree program. They must also pass the National Physical Therapy Assistants Exam for PTAs, which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Additional requirements may include a background check, jurisprudence exam on state laws and practices, and proof of minimum age (typically 18). Furthermore, some states may require PTAs to take a certain number of continuing education courses or maintain certification in specific life skills, such as CPR. Always check with the appropriate state board for specific licensing requirements. PT aides are not required to get licensed or maintain any certifications. How Much Do Physical Therapist Assistants and PT Aides Make?There are over 149,300 PTAs and PT aides currently employed in the United States. As one of the country’s fastest-growing careers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2021) predicts the addition of 43,000 jobs between 2019 and 2029—a 33 percent increase, more than five times the expected growth among all occupations during the same decade (4 percent). The demand for PTAs and PT aides is expected to continue as the Baby Boomer generation ages and their risk of heart attack, stroke, and other mobility-related injuries increases. Furthermore, this generation is likely to live longer than previous generations and on average is active later in life. This makes the work of PTAs and PT aides, particularly in the areas of long-term and chronic care, essential to providing the highest quality of patient care and treatment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2020), PTAs had an average annual salary of $59,440 in 2020. Note the average annual salary differs by industry. PTAs working in skilled nursing facilities have the highest average salary at $67,120 whereas those working in physicians’ offices had the lowest average salary at $56,730. Other industries include home healthcare services ($64,700); offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists ($58,050); and local, state, and private hospitals ($58,460). Here are the national percentile wages in this occupation (BLS May 2020):
Alternatively, the BLS (May 2020) reports that PT aides had an annual average salary of $30,110. PT aides working in nursing care facilities had the highest annual salary at $34,800, followed by those working in hospitals, who had an annual salary of $30,620. Other industries include government agencies ($28,360); physicians’ offices ($29,760); and offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists ($27,080). Here are the national percentile wages in this occupation (BLS May 2020):
Physical Therapist Assistants and PT Aides Career AlternativesHere are few alternatives to a career as a physical therapist assistant and PT aide. Become a Medical AssistantOften, professionals looking to start a healthcare-related career start out as medical assistants. This entry-level job is essential to a smooth-running clinic or hospital. They divide their time between clinical responsibilities such as taking vital signs or documenting medical histories and administrative tasks such as answering the phone, booking appointments, or billing insurance.
Become a Pharmacy TechnicianPharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a pharmacist to help dispense medications to patients. They have often completed both formal education and on-the-job training in order to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to perform this job.
Become a Psychiatric Technician (Aide)Support for individuals with mental health illnesses, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse issues is often provided by psychiatric technicians or aides. Professionals in this career have completed a certificate or associate’s degree and can perform tasks such as administering prescribed medications, monitor vital signs, lead group activities, assist with admission or discharge, and provide medical care per doctor’s orders.
 Bree Nicolello Writer Bree is an urban planner and freelance writer based in Seattle, WA. She has worked on land use and housing policy issues throughout the Pacific Northwest. She previously led Run Oregon Run, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Oregonians run for office and apply to boards and commissions. When not writing, she is lovingly tending to her cast iron pans. Is PT assistant worth it?One of the top pros of being a physical therapist assistant is that you can quite literally make a pretty good living. The average annual salary for PTAs is $59,440, and you might be able to bump that number up even more by working overtime during certain times of the year.
How much does a PTA make in Florida?How much does a PTA make in Florida? As of Oct 2, 2022, the average annual pay for a PTA in Florida is $55,727 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $26.79 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,071/week or $4,643/month.
How much do PTA Make in Texas?How much does a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant make in Texas? The average Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Texas is $61,694 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $56,151 and $67,579.
What is the difference between PT and PTA?PTs are mainly concerned with diagnosing patients and developing a rehabilitation program that is tailored to the patient's prognosis. PTAs on the other hand have more focus on preparing patients to be diagnosed and assisting in executing the rehabilitation plan.
How do I become a PTA in Florida?Graduate with a Physical Therapist Assistant Degree. ... . Submit the Florida Application for Licensure by Examination. ... . Pass the Florida State and National Licensing Exams. ... . Begin a Career as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in Florida. ... . Complete 24 Hours of Continuing Education to Renew Your License Every Two Years.. What kind of PTAs make the most money?The top paying industry for PTA jobs is in nursing care facilities. There, you can expect to make, $64,030 on average. The lowest paying industry is in a physician's office, where you'll earn $52,210.
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