Physical therapy assistants are often licensed by the state in which they work and are required to have at least an associate's degree from a school approved by The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Physical therapy assistants should check with their state's licensing board for specific license requirements.
Physical therapy assistants are required to complete courses in medical sciences. The required courses include anatomy, physiology, pathology and medical terminology. To earn an associates degree, students also complete liberal arts courses, such as humanities, computer science and language arts.
According to the APTA, students must complete a clinical practicum. During the practicum, students gain essential hands-on skills.
Highly motivated, well-organized and disciplined physical therapy students may enroll in online, CAPTE-accredited degree programs. Online learning offers students flexibility and accessibility.
Students in online education programs are required to learn much of the curriculum on their own. Applicants should inquire about the school's student learning support resources before enrolling.
Prospective physical therapy assistant students are advised to carefully investigate prospective schools before enrolling. Be sure that the school is accredited and provides the curriculum required by the APTA and CAPTE.