Complete Guide to Physical Therapy Assistant Education Requirements

Are you interested in becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)? PTAs assist patients with medical conditions that limit mobility and hinder functional activities. However, it can be a gratifying career, helping others in improve their physical and mental health. So, what are the physical therapy assistant education requirements?

Physical Therapy Assistant Education Requirements

To become a PTA, you must meet specific educational requirements. The typical degree required to become a Physical Therapist Assistant is an associate’s degree.

Associate’s Degree in PTA

The typical educational requirement for physical therapist assistants is an associate’s degree from an accredited program. You must complete a two-year associate’s degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) , like the one at CBD College.

Our PTA program requires you to complete a series of core courses, where each course builds upon the last, laying a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. This program offers the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare you to become a physical therapist assistant. Our program includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.

Accreditation in Physical Therapy

To become a licensed physical therapy assistant, you must attend an accredited PTA program. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education is the recognized accrediting body. After graduation from CBD College, you can take the licensure examination to prepare for your PTA career.

Certification and Licensure

In California, physical therapist assistants are required to obtain licensure or certification following their education. To practice, physical therapist assistants must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).

Core Components of PTA Programs

As a physical therapist assistant, you must master important skills to successfully support patient care and collaborate with other colleagues. You will need a combination of medical knowledge and technical skills to offer improved patient health outcomes. The good news is that you will build this knowledge and develop these skills during the Physical Therapist Assistant program at CBD College.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at CBD College includes courses in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. These courses cover topics such as therapeutic exercises and the role of physical therapy in managing various health conditions. During this PTA program, you will learn about therapeutic exercises and clinical applications. Together, these courses equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to assist patients in managing their rehabilitation.

Clinical Training and Hours

Hands-on clinical experience is an integral part of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at CBD College. Clinical training includes full-time internships that provide you with real-world experience. Plus, you will complete multiple types of internships to gain hands-on experience in each medical environment. This will help you choose a specialty upon graduation.

Continuing Education Requirements

In California, you are required to participate in ongoing education to maintain your licensure and stay updated with industry standards.

Skills and Competencies Developed

Interpersonal skills are part of building rapport with patients and effectively collaborating with healthcare teams. Our PTA program emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, enabling you to adjust treatment plans according to patient progress. Plus, you will build your physical stamina during the program to perform tasks that require strength and endurance, alongside the technical skills needed to perform physical therapy duties.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are crucial for physical therapy assistants, as they help PTAs talk with patients and understand their needs. Building trust through effective communication is vital, as a PTA often spends more time with patients and family members than physical therapists. Interpersonal skills can help PTAs improve treatment outcomes and create happy patients.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Critical thinking is vital in physical therapy as it helps PTAs make informed treatment decisions. They must utilize their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess patient responses to treatment and make adjustments to advance the patient’s progress. Through careful assessment, PTAs update treatment plans to meet the needs of their patients.

Physical Stamina and Technical Skills

Physical therapist assistants are often required to lift and support patients, demanding both strength and endurance. Being a physical therapist assistant is physically demanding and requires proper technique for tasks, such as lifting and moving patients safely.

Career Outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants

The overall employment for physical therapist assistants is projected to grow by 19% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Work Environments

Physical therapist assistants primarily work in outpatient clinics and hospitals, as well as in home healthcare services. Hospitals offer a variety of roles in patient rehabilitation for PTAs to choose from. Home healthcare services enable PTAs to assist patients in their homes, requiring them to travel more and spend more time outside the office compared to traditional PTA roles.

Salary Expectations

As of May 2024, physical therapist assistants earned a median annual salary of $65,510. The lowest 10 percent of PTAs earned less than $46,020, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $87,630.

Enroll in a PTA Program

Are you ready to enroll in the PTA program at CBD College? It is important to note that the selective admissions process is competitive and often requires a strong GPA and completion of prerequisite courses. If you have that covered, you will want to gather the necessary documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a written personal statement. Financial aid options are available for those who qualify, including federal grants, scholarships, and work-study programs to help cover educational costs.

Physical Therapist Assistant Program

You’re already making a difference through the work you love. Now, take it to the next level with the Physical Therapist Assistant program from CBD College. It’s flexible, affordable, and uniquely tailored to build on the skills and experience you’ve acquired professionally.

Contact us now to learn more.