Physical therapist assistants play an important role in helping patients recover from medical conditions that affect their ability to move and function independently. Working under the direction of licensed physical therapists, they help carry out treatment plans and provide much of the hands-on support patients receive throughout the rehabilitation process.
For those interested in entering this field, online physical therapist assistant programs can provide a more flexible way to complete a large part of the education required for this job.
In the article below, we will explain how to become a physical therapist assistant online and take a closer look at the profession itself. We will also cover the education and clinical training involved, the examination and licensing requirements, and the advantages and disadvantages of completing part of your PTA education online.
Understanding the Physical Therapist Assistant Profession
Physical therapist assistants are healthcare professionals who help patients improve their movement, manage their pain, and recover their physical function throughout a rehabilitation process. Their work is based on treatment plans established by a licensed physical therapist and often involves direct interaction with patients during therapy sessions.
Depending on the patient’s needs, PTAs may guide them through therapeutic exercises, assist with stretching and other treatment techniques, help them practice walking or using mobility equipment, and observe how they respond to different interventions.
In addition to hands-on work, PTAs also document patient progress and communicate their observations to the supervising physical therapist, who can then determine whether any changes to the treatment plan are necessary.
Beyond providing treatment during therapy sessions, PTAs may also help patients support their recovery outside of clinical settings by showing them how to perform exercises correctly, use assistive devices safely, and follow other instructions provided as part of their treatment.
As such, the role requires both practical clinical skills and the ability to communicate clearly with patients who may be dealing with pain, limited mobility, or other physical challenges.
As you probably already noticed, the work of PTAs is closely associated with the work performed by licensed physical therapists. For this reason, we thought it’d be a good idea to clarify exactly which responsibilities are handled by physical therapists, and which responsibilities can be carried out by PTAs under their direction and supervision.
Physical Therapist Assistants vs Physical Therapists
While physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are both involved in helping patients recover movement and physical function, these roles come with different levels of responsibility:
- Physical therapists evaluate patients, identify their rehabilitation needs, develop treatment plans, and decide how those plans should be adjusted as treatment progresses
- Physical therapist assistants carry out the treatment prescribed by the physical therapist, work directly with patients during therapy sessions, monitor their progress, and report their observations to the supervising therapist
Their difference in responsibility is also reflected in the education required for each profession. Physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, while PTAs generally qualify by completing an accredited associate degree and meeting the licensing or certification requirements of their state.
Professional Work Settings for Physical Therapy Assistants
Considering the variety of injuries, health conditions, and mobility limitations that PTAs help patients manage, the expertise of these professionals can find its way into a wide range of professional healthcare and residential settings, including:
- Outpatient clinics and private practices, where PTAs may assist patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, and musculoskeletal conditions that affect movement and physical function
- Hospitals, where they may work with patients who need rehabilitation after surgery, illness, or injury and help them regain mobility before leaving the facility
- Home healthcare services, where PTAs provide treatment to patients who have difficulty traveling to a clinic or other healthcare facility
- Skilled nursing and residential care facilities, where they commonly work with older adults and other patients who need ongoing support with mobility, strength, and physical function
- Physicians’ offices and other healthcare facilities, where physical therapy may be provided as part of a broader patient-care setting
Naturally, the work environment can influence the types of patients PTAs treat, and the rehabilitation needs they encounter. However, regardless of the setting, their role remains centered on helping patients follow the treatment plan established by the supervising physical therapist.
Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant Online: Qualifications & Requirements
Having explored the physical therapist assistant profession in some detail, we can turn our attention to outlining the qualifications that aspiring PTAs need to meet before they can enter this field in a professional capacity.
Even though completing part of the required education online can make the process more flexible, the fact of the matter is, candidates still need to satisfy the same academic, clinical, examination, and state credentialing requirements as students attending a more traditional program.
This means they need to:
- Complete high school or obtain a GED
- Earn an associate’s degree from a two-year CAPTE-accredited online PTA program
- Complete the required laboratory and supervised clinical education
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for physical therapist assistants
- Obtain the license or certification required by the state or jurisdiction where they intend to practice
These requirements are set in place to make sure that aspiring PTAs receive the academic preparation and hands-on clinical training needed to work safely with patients before entering the profession.
How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we have a better understanding of the main qualifications required for becoming a physical therapist assistant online, we can move on to the practical part of the process and walk through the complete path to becoming a PTA, from earning a high school diploma to starting work as a professional.
Finish High School or Obtain a GED Equivalent
The first step toward becoming a physical therapist assistant is to complete secondary education. Aspiring PTAs need to earn a high school diploma or obtain a GED equivalent before they can start working toward admission to a physical therapist assistant program.
While most high school students are still figuring out their future careers, those who already know they want to become PTAs can use this phase of their education to build a stronger foundation in subjects such as biology, mathematics, and, where available, anatomy or other health-related sciences.
Early preparation in these subjects can be quite useful, as it can make some of the more advanced concepts covered later in PTA training easier to understand.
Once they have completed high school or obtained an equivalent credential, prospective students can begin reviewing the admission requirements of accredited online PTA programs and preparing for the next stage of the process.
Gain Admission to a CAPTE-Accredited Online PTA Program
After completing their secondary education, prospective PTAs can begin looking for an online physical therapist assistant program and working toward its admission requirements.
One of the first things to check when choosing a program is whether it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), as only these programs can qualify graduates for the state-administered national exam.
At the moment of writing, there are more than 390 CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant programs across the US.
Considering that individual colleges set their own requirements, they can vary from one program to another. Depending on the school, applicants may need to complete college-level prerequisite courses in subjects such as anatomy and physiology, English, mathematics, psychology, or other general education areas before entering the professional PTA curriculum.
Furthermore, programs may also consider factors such as GPA, observation or volunteer experience in a physical therapy setting, entrance testing, or recommendations, so prospective students should review these criteria carefully before applying.
Earn Your Physical Therapist Assistant Degree
Once they’re admitted to an accredited online physical therapy assistant program, students can begin the formal education required to become physical therapist assistants.
Physical therapist assistant education is offered at the associate-degree level, and these programs typically take about two years, or roughly five semesters, to complete. In an online format, much of the academic coursework can be completed remotely, however, laboratory instruction still requires students to participate in hands-on training.
According to CAPTE, approximately 75% of the PTA curriculum consists of classroom and laboratory study, while the remaining 25% is devoted to clinical experience.
Throughout the program, aspiring PTAs study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, exercise physiology, clinical pathology, communication, and professional practice. This coursework helps them develop the knowledge needed to understand movement, injury, rehabilitation, and the therapeutic exercise techniques used in physical therapy.
At the same time, laboratory training gives students an opportunity to practice the practical skills they will later use with patients.
Complete the Required Supervised Clinical Education
As part of completing their associate degree, PTA students also need to undergo supervised clinical education in real patient-care settings. This stage gives them an opportunity to apply the knowledge and practical skills developed during their coursework and laboratory training while working under the guidance of qualified clinical instructors.
Depending on the program and the placements available, clinical education for PTAs may take place in outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, or other settings where physical therapy services are provided.
For students enrolled in online educational programs, the location and arrangement of these placements can vary considerably, so it is important to find out how the chosen school coordinates clinical education before enrolling. On average, PTA students spend about 16 weeks completing full-time clinical education.
During these experiences, students learn how to assist with therapeutic interventions, communicate with patients, observe and document their progress, and work effectively as part of a physical therapy team. Just as importantly, they receive feedback from experienced professionals and become more familiar with the responsibilities involved in providing care to real patients.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination
With their academic and clinical training complete, PTA graduates can move on to the examination stage of the qualification process.
The main exam they need to pass is the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants, which is developed and administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The examination is designed to determine whether candidates have the knowledge and abilities required for entry-level PTA practice.
In addition to the NPTE, most states also require passing a state-specific exam, typically focused on the local laws, rules, and regulations that govern the physical therapy field in their jurisdictions.
In the states where such exams are administered, they are also considered a mandatory requirement for qualification for licensure and a vital part of the PTA qualification process.
Secure Your State Credential and Start Working as a PTA
Candidates who passed the NPTE and satisfied all of the other applicable requirements can finally take the last step of the qualification process and apply for their professional PTA credential.
To apply, candidates generally need to submit proof of their education and examination results to the appropriate licensing authority. Depending on the state, they may also need to complete additional requirements such as go through a criminal background check, pay the applicable application fees, etc.
Once the licensing authority reviews their application and confirms that they satisfy all the applicable requirements, candidates can receive their physical therapist assistant license or certification and become legally authorized to practice in that jurisdiction.
The moment a candidate receives their state credential marks the end of the formal qualification process of becoming a PTA, and from that point onward, they can begin applying for jobs and start working in professional clinical settings.
Online vs Traditional Physical Therapy Assistant Education
Even though both online and traditional PTA programs are designed to prepare students for the same profession, the way the educational experience is delivered can be quite different.
Online programs can offer greater flexibility when it comes to completing academic coursework, while traditional programs usually involve more regular in-person attendance and face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates.
At the same time, the online format also comes with certain limitations, particularly because laboratory training and supervised clinical education still require students to participate in hands-on, in-person experiences. For this reason, it is worth considering both the advantages and disadvantages of online PTA education before deciding which format is the better fit.
Advantages of Online Physical Therapy Education
The main advantage of online PTA education is the additional flexibility it can provide during the academic portion of the program. While online students still need to complete laboratory and clinical training in person, they may be able to handle lectures, assignments, and other coursework remotely.
Some of the main advantages to enrolling in an online program include:
- Greater scheduling flexibility, which can make it easier to balance coursework with work, family responsibilities, or other commitments
- Less frequent commuting, particularly during portions of the program that can be completed entirely online
- More convenient access to coursework, since students can complete much of the academic material from home
- Greater independence when studying, which may suit students who prefer organizing their own study schedule and working through theoretical material at their own pace
That said, the amount of flexibility available depends on the individual program, particularly when it comes to laboratory sessions, clinical placements, and any other in-person requirements.
Disadvantages of Online Physical Therapy Education
While online PTA education offers several practical advantages, it can also introduce certain challenges that students should consider before choosing this format of learning.
Some of the main disadvantages associated with online degrees include:
- Required in-person training, since laboratory instruction and supervised clinical education still need to be completed in person
- Possible travel requirements, particularly when students need to attend campus for practical sessions or travel to assigned clinical placements
- Less face-to-face interaction, which may make it more difficult for some students to communicate with instructors or collaborate with classmates
- Greater responsibility for time management, as online coursework often requires students to organize their own schedules and remain consistent without the structure of regular classroom attendance
As such, students considering enrolling in an online PTA program should make sure they understand both the flexibility it can provide and the practical commitments they will still need to meet throughout their education.
Important Considerations When Choosing an Online PTA Program
Having outlined the entire education, training, and licensing process involved in becoming a PTA online, we thought it’d be a good idea to also point out several practical factors prospective students need to consider when choosing a program.
Before settling on a program, prospective students should make sure to:
- Choose a CAPTE-accredited program, as completing an approved course of study is necessary to qualify for the professional licensing process
- Check how much of the program can actually be completed online, since the amount of remote coursework can vary from one school to another
- Review the in-person laboratory requirements to find out how often you will need to attend campus and where these practical sessions take place
- Find out how clinical placements are arranged, particularly whether the program helps students secure suitable training sites close to where they live
- Make sure the program accepts students from your state, since enrollment eligibility and licensing considerations may depend on where you reside
- Compare the program schedule and length to determine whether it can realistically fit around work, family responsibilities, or other commitments
- Consider the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, books, travel, and any expenses associated with required campus visits or clinical training
Taking the time to compare these factors can help prospective PTAs choose an online program that not only fits their circumstances, but also allows them to complete all of the academic and practical preparation needed to enter the profession.
Final Words
Physical therapist assistants play an important role in helping patients recover movement, regain strength, and make progress throughout rehabilitation. For those interested in entering the profession, completing part of the required education online can make the pathway more flexible without changing the standards they need to meet before practicing.
That said, becoming a PTA online still requires completing a PTA associate degree program, gaining supervised clinical experience, passing the NPTE, and securing the appropriate state credential. Once these stages are complete, newly qualified PTAs can begin working professionally and applying the knowledge and practical skills they developed throughout their education and training.
FAQs
What is the average salary of PTAs?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist assistants earned an average annual salary of $65,860, or $31.66 per hour. The median annual wage was slightly lower at $64,080, which means meaning half of PTAs earned more than this amount and half earned less.
The statistics also reveal that PTA salaries can vary considerably depending on factors such as location and work setting. For example, PTAs working in home healthcare services earned an average of $79,000 annually, compared with $60,340 for those working in offices of other health practitioners. (BLS)
How long does it take to become a physical therapist assistant online?
The time it takes to become a physical therapist assistant online is typically around two years from the point of entering an accredited PTA program. However, the overall timeline can be longer depending on the admission requirements and how quickly a student completes the licensing process.
The PTA associate degree itself generally takes about two years, or roughly five semesters, and includes both academic coursework and supervised clinical education. Any prerequisite college courses required before admission can add extra time, while the NPTE and state credentialing process take place after graduation.
What is the difference between PTAs and physical therapy aides?
The main difference between PTAs and physical therapy aides is the level of involvement they have in patient care. Physical therapist assistants complete formal education and work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists to help carry out established treatment plans, which can include guiding patients through exercises and other therapeutic activities.
A physical therapy aide, on the other hand, generally handles nonclinical support tasks such as preparing treatment areas, organizing equipment, helping patients move around the facility, and performing certain administrative duties. Unlike PTAs, aides typically do not need an associate degree or professional license and receive most of their training on the job.