Admission to most physical therapy assistant programs requires an associate's degree. While some employers simply provide on-the-job training, those that require an associate's degree are likely to expect a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
Most associate degree programs in this field are offered through community colleges and other schools that offer various vocational programs. A perusal of several physical therapy assistant programs reveals that admission requirements vary little.
For instance, admission to Ohlone College in Newark, California, requires that students have a high school diploma and be admitted to the college first. Students complete prerequisite courses in college English, reading comprehension and anatomy and physiology. Students must also carry a high school GPA of 2.5 or better and pass an introductory physical therapy course.
Other colleges like Capital Community College (CCC) in Hartford, Connecticut, simply require admission to the college which is based on an admission committee's determination. The same is true at Herzing University, a college known for its specialization in health care vocational programs.
As with admissions, curriculum among physical therapy assistant programs varies little. Most programs require the completion of 65-75 credit hours for the associate's degree. Herzing University requires 73, while CCC and Ohlone College both require 67 credit hours. Students take a variety of courses, some of which include basic general education courses in areas like psychology and math.
Courses in physical therapy run the gamut from the very basic to the slightly more advanced aspect of providing care to patients. Areas of study include courses in pathology, orthopedics, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, pathophysiology for physical therapy assistants, therapeutic modalities, neurological patient care and professional issue in physical therapy.
Although most states require no licensing exams for physical therapist assistants, it is important to know if your state does and whether or not the degree program prepares you adequately for the exam. For instance, Capital Community College offers an associate's degree program that is geared towards passing the state's licensing exam.
Other functions the physical therapy assistant should be able to perform upon graduating from the program include directing exercises, performing supervised interventions, helping move immobile patients, complete physical therapy paper work and performing massage and other therapeutic techniques as directed.