How to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant

Becoming a physical therapy assistant (PTA) can be an incredibly rewarding career path filled with the opportunity to help people reach their full physical potential. Working closely with physical therapists, PTAs help their patients recover from injuries, diseases, and medical conditions.

If you’ve been considering a career as a PTA, here’s how you can get started.

Education and Training

To become a PTA, you need to have completed an accredited physical therapy assistant program. Most states also require that you pass the National Physical Therapy Exam and become a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant before practicing. Physical Therapy Assistant Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Depending on the program, most of the courses will involve learning about human anatomy, kinesiology, pathology, physical therapy modalities and treatments, rehabilitation exercises, communication, patient education, and professional ethics.

On-the-Job Experience

Once you’ve completed your studies, on-the-job experience as a PTA can be a great way to refine your skills in a practical setting. Most employers who hire PTAs look for at least a year of experience. Therefore, participating in an internship or professional externships with a doctor, healthcare facility, or rehabilitation clinic can be very beneficial. Additionally, it can help you build a potentially valuable network of industry contacts.

AI and the Future of Physical Therapy

While the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has been an intimidating prospect in professions such as coding, health care is no exception. As AI and robotics continue to develop, they may offer new opportunities to assist in treating and diagnosing medical conditions. For this reason, it is important for physical therapist assistants to stay up to date with the latest technology and stay ahead of coming trends. With a knowledge of AI and automation, PTAs can be well-positioned for the future of their profession.

Conclusion

Becoming a PTA may require dedication and hard work, but it can be a rewarding and challenging career. With the right education, on-the-job experience, and up-to-date knowledge of the latest technology, people interested in this profession can look forward to a fulfilling career helping people achieve their physical goals.