What Does It Take To Become A Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is one among a sea of career paths that stands out in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the demand for physical therapist assistants will grow 41% between 2014 and 2024. It’s worth mentioning that the average growth in an industry is 7%. With all indicators (aging population and increase in chronic conditions) only showing an upward trajectory, the demand of PTA services is not predicted to stagnate or drop off any time soon.
Let’s take a look at what it means to be a physical therapist assistant and see if this expanding career field is right for you!
The Making of Physical Therapist Assistant
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) describes a PTA as an integral team member who works directly under a physical therapist to restore physical body functionalities, prevent permanent incapacitation, and improve the general well-being of patients. Sounds a mammoth of a job description that nevertheless, has a sense of gratification upon patient recovery.
Aptly observed by Lao Tzu that, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." For PTA, it begins with a high school diploma or GED. An inclination towards life sciences and anatomy units is a step towards the right direction towards laying a solid foundation for a career in PTA practice.
Regulating Bodies in the PTA Field
CAPTE is the regulating body entrusted with overseeing that the quality and teaching standards of PTA is upheld by all institutions that offer Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Physical Therapist Assisting.
Seek only to enroll in institutions that are accredited by CAPTE. For starters, graduates of non-CAPTE accredited institutions aren’t allowed to sit for the PTA licensure exams according to the APTA. Without the PTA practice licensure, you will only ply your trade in the states of Hawaii and Colorado. A seriously limitation for anyone hoping to work in other states.
Curriculum for Physical Therapist Assistants
Contrary to other medical profession training, PTA program takes on average two years to complete. Although this time can be less if completed in an accelerated degree program. The training is split into two: clinical training and coursework.
The PTA training lays a solid foundation for competent graduates who are ready to work as a team with other health experts in the field of patient rehabilitation. Other than the aforementioned, the PTA training set the ground for national licensure examination which is proctored by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
It Helps To Dig Deeper About Your PTA School of Choice
A quick but thorough website review will give you vital statistics worth your consideration before enrolling to any given CAPTE accredited institute. This exercise not only gives you a clear picture of the institution admission requirements but also an insight of where you are headed to. Take for instance the FSBPT exam passing rates as well as the number of graduates landing employment immediately after graduating offer an approximate quality yardstick of the school PTA training program. If you have questions, be sure to discuss them with an admissions counselor.
Room for Career Advancement
For uninterrupted PTA practice, you will be required to take continuing education credits. Other than that, the APTA has developed educational guidelines that lead towards advancement in a certain area of physical therapy assistants practice domain when a licensed PTA undertakes them to completion. The Physical Therapist Assistant Advanced Proficiency Pathways (PTA APPs) will guide you on how to do just that.
Are you interested in a career in physical therapist assisting? If you want to learn more about earning an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assisting, connect with a friendly ECPI University admissions representative today for more information about our accelerated degree program.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Physical Therapy Assisting - Associate’s
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