How do I become a physical therapy assistant?
A physical therapy assistant, or PTA, is a licensed healthcare professional with special training in the field of physical therapy. A two-year Associates Degree is necessary to become a physical therapy assistant. Education must be obtained by an accredited school. An accredited school has a program which has undergone extensive review by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, also known as CAPTE accreditation. This accreditation ensures the quality of educational courses and that of the instructors. A physical therapy assistant essentially assists the physical therapist in carrying out therapy treatments. The PTA can perform the same duties as a physical therapist with the exception of initial evaluations, reevaluations and treatment modifications, and discharge evaluations and plans. Some states require direct supervision. In other words, a PT must be on-site for a PTA to work. Other states require only that the PT must be available through telecommunication.
