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Become a physical therapy assistant

Becoming a physical therapist assistant

Physical therapy assistant Schools: Search the Best Online physical therapy assistant Schools

These degree and training programs will prepare you for a career as a physical therapist assistant.

• Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting: Get a well-rounded introductory education in general academics and the fundamentals of physical therapy in an AS program. These physical therapist assistant training programs may last around two years and will teach you about pain management, mobility, working with patients who suffer from diseases or who are recovering from accidents, and working with physical therapy equipment.
• Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health: To build up a solid foundation of general health care systems and practices, an allied health degree can be beneficial. These 12-24 month programs will prepare you for entry-level work in a medical facility and provide a base for more focused study as a physical therapist assistant.
• Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Health: If you have already earned a degree and worked as a physical therapist assistant, going back to school to get a graduate certificate in a niche area of the industry can open up new opportunities. A geriatric health certificate will train you to work with senior patients more effectively.
• Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant: OTA schools train students to work with patients who have cognitive and physical impairments. You will gain a broader range of skills than if you had attended a physical therapy assistant school and will qualify for entry-level OTA work.

Below you will find examples of education and online physical therapy assistant schools that prepare students for work as PTAs.

1. Grand Canyon University: Online

   Physical Therapy Assistant to Bachelor of Science in Biology: Pre-Physical Therapy

   : Physical therapy assistants who want to pursue a bachelor of science in biology in order to advance their careers can complete this online physical therapist assistant degree program. Students take classes in chemistry, physics, genetics, medical ethics, physiology, biomechanics and science communication, which can also prepare students for graduate level education in physical therapy.

2. Herzing College: Online

   Associate of Science in Medical Assisting

   : This online physical therapist assistant degree program introduces students to the basics of health care, while providing them with a foundation for more advanced and more focused study. Students who wish to pursue a physical therapy assistant career can begin their training with this 65-credit online program, which includes general education courses and teaches skills in managing patient records, filling out insurance forms, taking vital signs, sterilizing medical equipment, and more.

3. Argosy University: Twin Cities, MN

   Associate of Applied Sciences, Medical Assisting

   : Students learn a variety of medical and health care management skills in this program, including limited x-ray systems, office management, patient care and patient safety, and more. Those wanting to become physical therapy assistants will gain valuable skills in assisting physicians and managing patients, as well as learning about medical ethics and medical terminology. This program can be completed between 12-24 months, depending on a student's full- or part-time enrollment.

4. A.T. Still University: Online

   Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Health

   : If you would like to work primarily with seniors and older patients who need physical therapy, this graduate certificate can introduce you to the specifics of geriatric health. A.T. Still's program requires the completion of five courses including Health Services in the U.S.: A Lifespan Approach, and Managing Long-Term Care Organizations. This certificate can be completed as a fully online student.

5. Penn Foster Career School: Online

   Physical Therapy Aide

   : Penn Foster's PTA program trains students to practically and theoretically understand the PTA's role in recovery; identify and treat physical disorders; help patients with exercise and mobility improvement; and understand pain management. Students can expect to graduate with an online physical therapist degree in as little as six months.

6. Independence University: Online

   Associate of Science in Allied Health

   : Build upon your physical therapist assistant training or begin your health care education with an AS degree in Allied Health. This versatile program from Independence University combines general education classes in science, language arts and the social sciences, as well as health care-specific courses.

7. Keiser University Online: Online

   Associate of Science in Medical Assisting

   : Keiser's AS Medical Assisting program teaches students skills in administrative and clinical medical assisting, so they develop skills in giving injections, performing venipuncture, assisting during minor surgical procedures, taking vital signs, scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and working with insurance companies, all of which is helpful if you want to become a physical therapist assistant. The program requires students to complete 60.5 credit hours, including major courses in anatomy, radiography, medical terminology and lab procedures.

8. Pima Medical Institute: Albuquerque, NM; Denver, CO; Mesa, Tucson, AZ; Seattle WA

   Physical Therapy Assistant Program

   : PMI's Physical Therapy Assistant Program prepares students to identify diseases and physical disorders, work with children and seniors, assist with treatment procedures like paraffin baths, massage and ice massages, therapeutic exercise, hot and cold therapy, ultrasounds, and more. Other courses cover topics in medical terminology, anatomy, communications, medical administrative duties, and wheelchair management.

9. Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences: Orlando

   Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant

   : This OTA program at the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences trains students to work with patients with physical and cognitive impairments and who need help integrating themselves into everyday life. Major courses OT in Pediatrics, Physical Dysfunction Practicum, Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology, and Professional Issues in OT.

10. South University: Montgomery, AL; Savannah, GA; Tampa, West Palm Beach, FL

    Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assisting

    : South University's PTA program trains students to help their patients prevent physical disabilities, improve mobility, and sensitively work with accident victims, and patients suffering from head injuries, cerebral palsy, arthritis, and more. The program involves general education courses and theory- and practice-based PTA courses.

A qualified, educated professional who has attended physical therapist assistant school can expect to make a salary between $33,840 and $49,010. The salary of a physical therapist assistant who works in a home health care services environment can make an average of $46,390, while those who work in nursing care facilities can make $44,460, and PTAs employed in general medical hospitals earn around $40,670.

Continue learning about what it takes to become a physical therapist assistant by reviewing these resources.

• Physical Therapist Assistants and Aids: Learn about the training you need to become a physical therapist assistant in this overview from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The guide also publishes statistics for job outlook, salary averages and the nature of the job.
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): Visit the APTA website to learn about physical therapy assistant schools, the nature of the industry, salary information, and more. The site also features a job bank, resources for professionals, and a career planning center.
• Physical Therapy: Get a history of physical therapy and learn all about the different concentrations in the field by reading this guide. Before enrolling in a physical therapist assistant degree program, make sure you are completely committed to the field and are comfortable working with patients who suffer from painful conditions and diseases.
• Pima Medical Institute Physical Therapist Assistant: Besides sharing information about their physical therapist school, PMI's page gives a thorough overview of the kinds of skills you'll need to become a PTA; the classes you'll take in a training program; and the kind of work you'll be prepared for after graduating from a similar program.

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