Franklin Said:

can a CNA work as a physical therapy or occupational therapy assistant with on the job training?

We Answered:

No, both careers require you graduate from an accredited PTA or COTA program. You CAN get a job as a tech or aide though...but you'd actually be paid better as a CNA than a rehab tech.

Jacob Said:

In some states is it possible to be a physical therapy assistant without a certificate or license?

We Answered:

It is a licensed profession in MOST states. In some states, you do not necessarily have to maintain licensure, but you MUST graduate from an accredited PTA program.

You cannot become a PTA without formal training. This is typically a two year degree.

However, you CAN become a PT technician or PT "aide" without formal training. This job typically appeals to college students or former stay at home moms looking to get into the field or earn a few bucks (typically $17,000-21,000/year)

Deborah Said:

should i take the sport medicine/ athletic training course to start physical therapy assistant program?

We Answered:

The athletic training degree is a higher degree than the PTA degree. I would use the ATC degree as a stepping stone to the physical therapy degree, but not the assistant.

Deanna Said:

Which is more competitive to get into Physical Therapy or Physician Assistant School?

We Answered:

First poster is completely wrong. I would say PA school is more competitive especially in the US. There are programs i applied to that had 1800 applicants for 60 seats.

Sandra Said:

I need to interview a PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT...?

We Answered:

I just recently graduated from PTA school in August and have just gotten my first job as a PTA. In the field of PT you work with people and their injuries. You do usually have to obtain some measurments to see how bad the injury is so that may be considered data. The thing that I like most about my job is being able to help a patient achieve their goals in getting back to their daily activities. I got started when I was looking into going into PT school but didn't want to go to school as long and found out that a PTA only has to go to school for about 2 years instead of about 6. Personaly qualities needed are definitely good communication skills, confidence, and knowledge. To become a PTA you need to enroll in a program that is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. You do not need any prior college experience for the school that I went to. During your time in school you will have regular classes as well as clinical rotation to be able to practice what you learn. The most frequent problem that I have seen thus far is misunderstanding between you and the patient or other coworkers. Technology is constantly changing in what we use although the use of our hands will always be needed. We use ultrasound(different than what is used for pregnancy), electrical stimulation(not as bad as it sounds), and even lazers are starting to be used. Word of encouragment would be to be serious about the education because this is where you will get most of your knowledge and just know that other people are putting their trust in you to get them better. As a PTA you can work in a private clinic, a hospital, a rehab unit, and nursing homes as well as companies that do home visits. I know that in the midwest that the average PTA makes $16-$18/hr depending on what setting you work in and how much experience you have. As a new grad I am working in a nursing home and my starting wage is $15/hr. The site that I have listed is the college that I attended.

Thelma Said:

Is 47 years old too old to go back to school to train to become a physical therapy assistant?

We Answered:

Not at all...this career appeals to many who are looking for a new career because it's a relatively quick degree that has lots of job availability.

Everett Said:

Looking for a Medical/Technical School In Wichita, Ks for Physical Therapy Assistant?

We Answered:

Kansas
Colby Community College (D2, F1, PU)
Kansas City Kansas Community College (A1, D2, F1, PU)
Washburn University of Topeka (D1, F1, PU)

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect…