Earning a Physical Therapist Assistant Degree

Earning a Physical Therapist Assistant Degree: What You Should Know

Physical therapy involves an exercise and equipment treatment plan, designed by a licensed physical therapist (PT), to help individuals overcome movement difficulties that interfere with their daily activities. Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) work under the management and direction of the PT, directly helping patients regain movement capabilities and manage pain after suffering an injury or an illness. 

Physical Therapist Assisting Education and Training

Physical therapist assistants must complete an associate degree program from a university accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association. Generally, the PTA associate degree combines lectures, hands-on training experiences, and working in the field. Curriculum requirements typically include classes in:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Kinesiology
  • Patient Care
  • Rehabilitation Techniques
  • Exercise Therapies

Students learn how to use heat, ice, massage, traction, ultrasound, and electrical stimulus to remedy pain, and increase movement function, strength, and coordination. Graduates of a CAPTE university are eligible to take the national certification examination required for licensure.

Personality Traits of a Physical Therapist Assistant

PTAs work with a wide range of people, from every age group. This is a challenging field as recovery is often a slow process, and patients may find the therapy arduous and painful. Successful PTAs often possess the following traits:

  • Firm Composure
    Firm composure is necessary to motivate and encourage tired, frustrated patients who want to give up. PTAs need to persevere through patient discouragement. 
  • Empathy
    Patients may be at their most vulnerable or lowest point in recovery when beginning the recuperative process of physical therapy. Empathy allows therapists to understand what outcomes the patient has in mind, including their values, barriers, and difficulties. 
  • Thick skin
    PTAs may experience patient anger and aggression, possibly even directed at them during the recovery process. Therapists must not allow the resulting stress to impair their knowledge, good judgement, and treatment completion.
  • Physical stamina
    PTAs demonstrate and help patients with movement practices. A physical job, therapists often need to bend, kneel, stoop, turn, lift patients, and support their weight during movements. PTAs often assist patients during exercise by providing manual resistance to arms, legs, or torsos. 
  • Interpersonal skill
    PTAs work and interact with individuals of every age, culture, and social level. They also communicate with the patient’s family, as well as other medical professionals involved in treatment. 
  • Detail oriented
    Attention to detail promotes accurate and effective communication between the physical therapist, patient, and PTA, which enhances consistent and reliable treatment. Job descriptions for PTAs include precise record keeping and the ability to meticulously follow verbal and written instructions.

Physical Therapy Assistant Opportunities

In 2012, 44% of employed PTAs worked in offices of other health practitioners, and 20% worked in hospitals, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. PTAs can be found in a variety of settings, including: 

  • Sports training
  • Rehabilitation
  • Extended care
  • Outpatient
  • Fitness Centers
  • Occupational settings
  • Homes
  • Schools

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at ECPI University’s College of Health Sciences can help you get started. What’s more, you could earn an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assisting in as little as 1.5 years through the University’s accelerated, year-round program. 

Upon completion, you are eligible to take the national licensure exam, and can then begin seeking employment working under the management and direction of a licensed physical therapist. To learn more, contact ECPI University today for more information. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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