Physical Therapy Assistant License Information and Requirements
A physical therapy assistant (PTA) is not required to hold a license. However, many states regulate physical therapy assistants by ensuring that they complete some form of certification, licensure or registration. An associate's degree in physical therapy assisting is the minimum educational requirement to enter into the profession.
License Information
Many states regulate the physical therapy assistant occupation, but a license is not required to work. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) does mention that most states regulate the profession by requiring physical therapy assistants to hold either a license, certificate or registration. While these regulations may vary from state to state, two requirements are fairly common.
First, a physical therapy assistant must have completed a degree program that is accredited. Second, graduates of an accredited physical therapy assisting degree program must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (www.fsbpt.org).
Those states that do require a license to practice also ensure that a minimum number of continuing education courses be completed to keep the license valid. State licensing boards are the best source of information on requirements governing physical therapy assistants.
Education Requirements
Many states require that would-be physical therapy assistants complete a 2-year associate's degree program in physical therapy assisting. Students should look for physical therapy assisting programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE-accredited programs are listed on the website of the American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org).
Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting
An associate's degree program in physical therapy assisting combines general education courses with classes in physical therapy assisting field experiences and theory. Students receive instruction on the major areas of physical therapy assisting but must first complete foundation courses in areas such as anatomy and physiology, sports performance and human development.
Core classes address subjects such as pathology, therapeutic exercise, orthopedics, neurological disorders and advanced physical therapy procedures. Clinical experiences are taken in the second year of enrollment, and they require students to test their knowledge of physical therapy assisting while working in a controlled, supervised environment. An internship, if offered, supplies additional practical experience that provides graduates with a stronger chance of securing a full-time position.
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Online Physical Therapy Assistant Schools and Colleges: How to Choose
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25 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must live within close proximity to school locations
- Must be graduated from high school by 2011
School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
- Florida (3 campuses)
- Georgia (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- New York (4)
- Ohio (1)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Texas (3)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Medical Assistant
- Certificate in Medical Assisting Bilingual Version (English/Spanish) Medical Assistant
- Certificate in Medical Assisting Specialist
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- Diploma in Medical Assistant
- Diploma in Medical Assistant (Weekend Spanish Version)
- Diploma in Medical Assistant Bilingual (Spanish/English)
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Public Safety Leadership
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- Bachelor
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Associate
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- AS in Medical Assisting
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- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- All programs require applicants to have graduated high school in 2008 or earlier
- Must be 22 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- Master of Science in Education - Allied Health Teaching and Leadership
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Bachelor
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- BS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (1 campus)
- Colorado (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Texas (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Master
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- MS in Health Services Management
- Bachelor
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma - Home Health Aide (Certified)
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Undergraduate Certificate in General Studies (Medical Assistants)
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Associate
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- AS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (5 campuses)
- California (25)
- Colorado (2)
- Florida (4)
- Georgia (2)
- Hawaii (2)
- Louisiana (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Nevada (2)
- Ohio (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (4)
- Virginia (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Doctorate
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Associate
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- AA in Health Care Administration
- AA in Health Care Administration - Electronic Health Records
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- Associate of Arts Foundations in Health Care Administration
- Associate of Arts Foundations in Health Care Administration/Medical Records
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- Non-Degree
