A career as a physical therapy assistant or physical therapy aide are two growing fields in a job market that has been hit hard by tough economic times. Careers in health care are secure because there will always be ill individuals that require health care services. This article examines the educational requirements to pursue a career in these fields. Physical therapy assistants are required by most states to obtain licensing. This is achieved by completing an accredited educational program in physical therapy assisting, applying to a state licensing agency, and passing an examination. Some states require that candidates pass a state and a national examination. The licensing agency you are interested in obtaining licensing from should be contacted for specific requirements.
The American Physical Therapy Association recognizes 234 physical therapy assisting programs across the nation. These programs are offered by colleges, universities, and technical colleges. They require two years of full-time study to complete. Many programs are competitive for entry. Admission may be based on academic performance and aptitude. Courses required to complete a degree vary among individual programs but may include human anatomy and physiology, college math, human growth and development, psychology, sociology, or English composition. Courses focusing on physical therapy practice are also part of the curriculum. Clinical experiences are built into the coursework as well.
There are several areas you will want to consider when selecting a physical therapy assisting program. How far from home are you willing to be or willing to travel to attend college? How many of the program’s graduates pass the licensing exam on the first attempt? What is the experience level of the faculty teaching in the program? Does the college offer physical therapy or physical therapy assisting club or other department activities? Are you comfortable with the size of the university or college? Is the educational institution affordable for your budget? It may be helpful to talk with recent graduates to find out about their satisfaction with a physical therapy assisting program you are interested in attending.
There are opportunities available on the internet to pursue a degree in physical therapy or complete some of the coursework associated with this degree. On-site attendance will likely be required for the clinical component of the degree but the availability of online courses will save time and offer convenience. Students must be able to stay motivated and work independently if they choose this educational option, however. There are some colleges and universities that offer home-study courses in this specialty as well. The website of the American Physical Therapy Association offers resources about accredited physical therapy assisting educational programs.
One way to offset the costs associated with obtaining a degree in physical therapy assisting is to allow an employer to pay for the cost of tuition and books. This is a common arrangement in the health care setting. Students commonly agree to work for the facility after graduation for a period of time to repay the money they “borrowed.” Some employers may allow students to repay the money through payroll deductions if they don’t cover the entire amount. Federal and state grants, student loans, and scholarships are additional options available to pay educational costs. The costs associated with earning a degree can be considered an investment. A licensed physical therapy assistant will likely earn enough throughout their career to easily repay the costs associated with obtaining their degree.
The educational requirements for physical therapy aides are very basic. Aides are not required to be licensed so the completion of a high school education or GED is the only prerequisite most employers look for in a potential applicant. Experience as a certified nursing assistant or home health aide could be valuable when pursuing a job as a physical therapy aide. Certification in first aid or CPR could also be helpful in securing a job.