Norman Said:

What needs to be done to become a physical therapy assistant?

We Answered:

You need to earn an AAS in PTA before being eligible to take the test. visit the national PT website for more info under the education section

www.apta.org

Marilyn Said:

Is there a difference between a Physical Therapy Assistant and a Physical Therapy Technician?

We Answered:

No

An aide or a tech are the same thing. They do not have a degree. Basically they can do nothing legally but clean, count reps and secretarial work.

A PTA is a person with a 2 year degree in physical therapy. They take an exam and get liscenced in the state they practice. They assist the physical therapist. They can treat patients under the direction of a PT. They can not evaluated, set goals, set treatment plans or treat unsupervised (by a PT). Here is a list of schools that are accredited to offer PTA.

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

Here is a website by the PT and PTA national professional organization

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

Hoped this help. Email me if you have further questions.

William Said:

How long does it take to become a physical therapy assistant?

We Answered:

It usually takes two years, an associate's degree. Just fyi, a person usually has had to have taken a certain physics course as a prereq, but please check with the individual program(s) and for other prereq's and requirements. It can be quite a physically as well as emotionally draining job as a cousin worked as a pta albeit very rewarding too. Please do make sure that the program is accredited within the industry.

For more info: http://www.bls.gov/oco and search 'physical therapist assistants' or such.

For US colleges: http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ

Barbara Said:

What kind of job can I get in physical therapy without being a certified Physical Therapy Assistant?

We Answered:

You can become a PT technician/aide without any previous training or experience. Many future PTs are employed as techs before going to grad school. It doesn't pay much, but is a good experience.

Start with the HR department at your local hospital.

Barry Said:

How can I become a physical therapy assistant?

We Answered:

Unfortanuately it is a two year program. There is no shorter way to do it. I put in a link of all of the accredited schools and links about PT/PTA schooling.

If you already have a BA degree with a minor in health and kinesio, I would recommend you go directly to PT schools. Email me if you have further questions.



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

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

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

Tamara Said:

Which i a better degree to have, physical therapy assistant or medical assistant?

We Answered:

Average salary for a medical assistant (not to be confused with a physician assistant) is about $26,000...average salary for a PTA is about $10-15,000 more.

Medical assistants provide a combination of clerical and basic medical tasks such as taking blood pressure and vital signs.

The education for MAs is by no means strenuous...usually about a year. Yet, it is a career that is expected to grow rapidly.

PTAs require at least an associates degree. They are directly involved in patient career for physical therapy services typically under "on site" supervision by a PT. This job is also expected to grow rapidly.

I would really see no benefit of becoming an MA if you plan to go to PTA school, unless you need to get a decent job while going to PTA school.

Alma Said:

Can I be hired as a physical therapy assistant while my associates degree is still in progress?

We Answered:

you can work as an aide but not as a PTA.