Pta how many years

Do you like interacting with people in a fast-paced environment? Are you a collaborator willing to pitch in? Here are some skills and traits that can play a role in the success of a physical therapy assistant. The roles may sound similar, but they are separated by education , responsibilities, and salary, as this chart shows.

Many community colleges and universities have associate degree programs for physical therapy assistants. While location and tuition costs may be primary reasons for choosing a school, here are some other factors to consider.

In addition to a high school diploma or GED, some colleges and universities also require prerequisite classes like anatomy, introduction to physical therapy, and medical terminology. This can vary by school, so you should do your research to determine requirements. PTA programs focus on coursework related to the human body. Some of the courses you can expect include:. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete.

This includes an average of 16 weeks of full-time clinical experience. Because of this, PTA programs usually are not offered part time. Most programs include about 16 weeks of clinical experience, and students are expected to work full time during these internships.

While some programs will let you get all your clinical experience in one type of workplace, others will place you in several healthcare settings—such as a hospital, nursing home, or rehab clinic—for a wider variety of work experience. Most programs include about 16 weeks of clinical work, and students are expected to work full time during their internship.

A PTA program may have some coursework online, but internships and lab classes are in person. You may be able to find institutions that are willing to let students take prerequisites and a limited amount of coursework online. Physical therapy assistants must be licensed to work. If you work in a sports orthopedic office, you may want to take an orthopedic taping course. A physical therapy assistant can specialize in one of these areas:.

There are a few prerequisites for this certification program. They will also need to complete a few courses covering topics such as ethics and professionalism. Many physical therapy programs require applicants to have previous healthcare experience. Working as a PTA can help cover the mandated 1,, hours that PA programs look for in an applicant.

Physical therapists face a much lengthier process to attain their degrees. The schooling is different in both subject and length. The demand for physical therapist assistants is increasing due to an aging population baby-boom generation. Many baby boomers are entering the age for heart attacks, strokes and mobility-related injuries that require physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Speaking of…. Getting into PTA school is therefore much easier to get into than PT school, which is a notoriously difficult nut to crack given the fierce competitiveness, requirements and the incredibly strict limits that colleges place on the number of students they can take per class. Nebraska Methodist College recently unveiled a state-of-the-art lab for physical therapist assistant and occupational therapy students.

PTAs interact regularly with clients. It takes a special kind of individual to be a PTA , someone who can talk freely with just about everyone and really listen when clients express their hopes, frustrations and doubts. That compassion component is critical for PTAs to put into practice on a daily basis while following the plan of care prescribed by the Physical Therapist. While a PT will speak with a client near the start of the process and check in at certain key points to monitor progress, patient interaction time is actually far below that of a PTA.

If working with people is what drives you to this industry, then becoming a PTA might be your best choice. You may not be making all of the decisions about therapy, but you will often be the one putting that therapy into practice. PTs, on the other hand, trade a longer time in school, including much heftier student loans, for a higher salary, and getting into that school is tougher. What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

So, it is best to ask what the next step is or should be to become an autonomous practitioner. Why did you choose to become a PTA? If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

My desire drives me to continue to love what I do. Healthcare Careers Sports Medicine. Recreational Therapist. Radiation Therapist.

Dental Hygienist. Pharmacy Technician. Physical Therapy Assistant. Veterinary Technician. Medical Assistant. Surgical Technologist. Occupational Therapy Assistant. Certified Nursing Assistant.

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