Recovering from an injury, surgery, or medical condition can be a gradual process that requires consistent hands-on support. While physical therapists are responsible for evaluating patients and developing treatment plans, it is the physical therapist assistants who help carry out those plans and work directly with patients throughout the rehabilitation process.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in a patient-centered healthcare field where you can help people regain movement, strength, and independence, the role of a physical therapist assistant may be worth considering.
In the article below, we will show you how to become a physical therapist assistant and explain the entire education and qualification process involved in this career path. We will also look at what PTAs do, where they work, and the career development options available after entering the profession.
Understanding the Physical Therapist Assistant Profession
Physical therapist assistants are healthcare professionals who work under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists to help patients improve movement, manage pain, and recover physical function. Their work is based on the treatment plan established by the physical therapist and often involves direct, ongoing interaction with patients throughout the rehabilitation process.
Depending on the patient’s needs, a PTA may guide the patient with their therapeutic exercises, assist them with stretching and other treatment techniques, help them practice walking or using mobility equipment, and observe how they respond to different interventions.
Additionally, PTAs may also document patient progress and communicate their observations to the supervising physical therapist, who will then determine whether changes to the treatment plan are necessary.
That said, the support physical therapist assistants provide can extend beyond the therapy session itself. In addition to providing treatment, physical therapist assistants may educate patients on how to perform exercises correctly, use assistive devices safely, and follow instructions intended to support their recovery outside of therapy sessions.
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.
We should make it clear that even though PTAs are closely involved in patient care, their responsibilities are not the same as those of physical therapists or physical therapist aides. Understanding these differences is important for anyone considering the profession, so we will take a closer look at how the three roles compare below.
Physical Therapist Assistant vs Physical Therapist
Even though physical therapists and physical therapist assistants often work with the same patients and contribute to the same rehabilitation goals, their roles differ considerably in terms of responsibility and clinical decision-making.
The role of the physical therapist is to take the lead in evaluating patients, identify their rehabilitation needs, develop the right treatment plans, and determine how those plans should change as treatment progresses.
Then, once a plan of care has been established, the physical therapist assistant helps put it into practice under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
In this capacity, they may guide patients through therapeutic exercises, assist with other prescribed interventions, monitor how patients respond to treatment, and communicate their observations to the supervising therapist.
This difference in responsibility is also reflected in the education required for each of these professions. While physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and complete the corresponding licensing process, physical therapist assistants generally qualify through an accredited associate’s degree program before meeting their own state licensing requirements.
Physical Therapist Assistant vs Physical Therapist Aide
Another role that PTAs are commonly confused with is that of the physical therapist aide. And while physical therapist assistants have less responsibility than physical therapists, they generally take on a much more direct role in patient care than aides.
If physical therapists are the professionals who develop treatment plans and PTAs are the ones who help carry them out, then aides are the support staff who help keep the treatment environment organized and functioning properly.
In practice, this usually means handling many of the routine tasks that support therapy sessions rather than providing treatment themselves. Physical therapist aides may prepare treatment areas and equipment, help patients move around the facility, clean and organize the workspace, schedule appointments, and assist with other administrative duties.
Naturally, this difference in responsibility is also reflected in the preparation required for each role. While physical therapist assistants must complete an accredited associate degree program and meet the licensing or certification requirements of their state, physical therapist aides generally need only a high school diploma or equivalent and receive most of their training on the job.
Professional Work Settings for Physical Therapist Assistants
Now that we have a better idea of what the professional role of a PTA entails, we can move on to examining the different settings where these professionals may practice.
Because physical therapist assistants work with patients who have different rehabilitation needs, they can find employment across a variety of healthcare and residential environments, including:
- Outpatient physical therapy clinics and private practices, where PTAs may work with patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or musculoskeletal conditions that affect movement and physical function
- Hospitals, where they can assist with rehabilitation for patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury and help them regain mobility before discharge
- Home healthcare services, where PTAs provide treatment to patients who may have difficulty traveling regularly to a clinic or other healthcare facility
- Skilled nursing and residential care facilities, where they often work with older adults and other patients who need ongoing rehabilitation to maintain or improve mobility and independence
- Physicians’ offices and other healthcare facilities, where they may participate in physical therapy services provided as part of a broader patient-care setting
And even though the professional environment in which they work can influence the types of patients a PTA treats, their role always remains centered on helping implement the treatment plan established by the supervising physical therapist, regardless of the work settings.
Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant: Key Requirements
Having explored the PTA role in detail, we can now turn our attention to the main requirements aspiring physical therapy assistants need to meet before they can enter professional practice.
While the admission and licensing requirements they need to meet can vary by program and jurisdiction, the general pathway for becoming a physical therapist assistant usually involves:
- Completing high school or obtaining a GED
- Meeting the admission requirements established by the chosen PTA program
- Earning an associate degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program
- Completing the supervised clinical education included in the program
- Passing the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapist assistants
- Obtaining Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Obtaining the license or certification required by the state or jurisdiction where the candidate intends to work
Together, these requirements are designed to ensure that aspiring PTAs have the academic preparation, practical experience, and entry-level competency needed to participate safely and effectively in patient care under the supervision of a physical therapist.
How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant: Step-by-Step
Now that we’ve outlined the requirements and looked into what it takes to become a physical therapist assistant, we can walk you through the entire qualification process in a step-by-step manner.
Finish High School or Obtain a GED
The process of becoming a physical therapist assistant begins in high school, where aspiring PTAs can start building the academic foundation needed for college-level training. Completing secondary education is the first formal step, and students generally need to earn a high school diploma or obtain a GED before moving on to a physical therapy assistant program.
Students who are considering a career in physical therapy can also use this stage to build a strong foundation in the sciences, particularly through subjects such as biology and, where available, anatomy. Although individual schools structure their course offerings differently, this kind of preparation can make the transition into college-level PTA coursework easier.
After completing high school or earning an equivalent credential, prospective students can begin researching accredited PTA programs and identifying the specific admission requirements they will need to meet before applying.
Meet the Prerequisites for PTA Program Admission
After graduating from high school or obtaining a GED, aspiring PTAs need to meet the admission requirements of the physical therapist assistant programs they are considering. It is important to point out that these prerequisites are not standardized, and different individual colleges can establish their own criteria for admission.
Depending on the program, applicants may need to complete prerequisite college courses in areas such as anatomy and physiology, English, mathematics, psychology, or other general education subjects before entering the professional PTA curriculum.
What’s more, some programs may also consider factors such as GPA, observation, or volunteer experience in a physical therapy setting, so students should keep their grades competitive and seek out relevant exposure to the profession if possible.
Because these requirements can differ from one school to another, prospective students should review the admission criteria for the programs they are interested in early and make sure they complete any required coursework or experience before applying.
Earn a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree
Candidates who meet the admission requirements and have been accepted into a program can begin the formal education required to become a physical therapist assistant.
In the US, physical therapy education for assistants is offered at the associate-degree level, which means students typically spend around two years completing the academic and clinical preparation required for entry-level practice.
However, students should make sure that the program they enroll in is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), as only the programs qualify for PTA licensure.
During their studies, aspiring physical therapist assistants take courses in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and exercise physiology, which help them develop an understanding of human movement and physical function.
In addition, they learn how to apply therapeutic techniques, communicate with patients, document care, and work within the professional responsibilities of the PTA role.
We should also point out that, in addition to classroom instruction, most PTA programs include laboratory training, which gives students an opportunity to begin practicing many of the skills they will later apply with patients.
Gain the Required Supervised Clinical Experience
As part of their associate degree, PTA students also need to complete supervised clinical education in real patient-care settings. This practical portion of their training is typically coordinated by the PTA program, which places students at approved clinical sites where they can gain hands-on experience.
Depending on the program and the clinical sites available, these placements may take place in outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, or other settings where physical therapy services are provided.
While completing their clinical placements, students get the chance to work under the supervision of qualified clinical instructors and gradually begin applying the techniques and knowledge they developed during their classroom and laboratory training.
During these experiences, aspiring PTAs 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 direct feedback from experienced professionals and become accustomed to providing care in a real clinical environment.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam
With their academic and clinical training complete, aspiring PTAs can begin the examination stage of the licensing process. The main exam they need to pass is the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants, which is developed and administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
The PTA version of the NPTE consists of 180 multiple-choice questions and is designed to assess whether candidates have the knowledge and abilities required for entry-level practice.
In addition to the NPTE, candidates in many states also need to pass an additional state-specific examination or assessment, such as a jurisprudence exam or a state law exam, to demonstrate their understanding of the requirements governing PTA practice in that jurisdiction.
The candidates who pass the NPTE and satisfy any additional state-specific requirements can then move on to the final stage of the process and apply for their professional PTA license.
Secure State Licensure and Start Working as a Physical Therapist Assistant
After passing the necessary exams, candidates can finally move into the last stage of the qualification process and apply for a physical therapist assistant license with the licensing authority in their state.
Now, the exact application process can vary, depending on the state they’re applying in, though generally, candidates need to submit proof of their accredited education and examination results to the appropriate state licensing board.
In some jurisdictions, candidates may also need to satisfy additional requirements, such as completing a criminal background check, as well as pay the necessary application fees.
Once the licensing authority verifies that all applicable requirements have been satisfied, candidates can receive their physical therapist assistant license or certification and become eligible to enter professional practice. This means they are legally authorized to work as PTAs in that jurisdiction and can begin applying for physical therapist assistant jobs.
Career Development Opportunities for PTAs
With state licensure secured, aspiring PTAs have completed the formal qualification process and can begin practicing in a professional capacity. From this point onward, any further training or education is optional and depends largely on how they want their careers to develop over time.
And while most physical therapist assistants may be perfectly content with remaining in general physical therapy practice, those who want to expand their skills or pursue a different role in the field have several professional development options that we will briefly examine in the sections below.
PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways
For PTAs who want to develop greater expertise while remaining in the assistant role, the American Physical Therapy Association offers the PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways program, which allows them to receive advanced training in the following eight areas of physical therapy practice:
- Acute care
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary
- Geriatrics
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Wound management
To enroll in any of these pathways, candidates need to be APTA members in good standing, hold a current unrestricted PTA license, and complete the prerequisite courses specified by the association.
Then, they also need to find a supervising physical therapist and a clinical mentor with experience in the chosen area who will provide instruction, feedback, and support as they progress through the pathway.
Once they’re admitted, PTAs have up to five years to complete the program. During this period, they need to complete 70 contact hours of continuing education in their selected area, participate in mentored clinical experiences and assessments, and document 2,000 hours of clinical work in that field.
Transitioning From Physical Therapist Assistant to Physical Therapist
Some PTAs may eventually decide that they want to take on greater responsibility for evaluating patients, developing treatment plans, and making clinical decisions. For these professionals, becoming a licensed physical therapist is possible, but it requires completing the separate education and licensing pathway established for PTs.
This includes completing the additional undergraduate coursework required for admission to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program and, where necessary, earning a bachelor’s degree. Although some of the courses completed during PTA education may satisfy individual prerequisites, PTA coursework generally cannot simply be transferred into a DPT program as graduate-level credit.
From there, candidates need to gain admission to a CAPTE-accredited DPT program, complete the required academic and clinical training, pass the physical therapist version of the NPTE, and meet the licensing requirements of the state where they intend to practice.
There are also a small number of PTA-to-PT bridge programs designed specifically for practicing assistants who want to make this transition. However, even these programs do not eliminate the need to complete the professional education required to qualify as a physical therapist.
Closing Thoughts
Physical therapist assistants play an important role in helping patients recover movement, regain strength, and make progress through rehabilitation. By working closely with physical therapists and carrying out established treatment plans, they remain an important part of the patient care process.
The process of becoming a physical therapist assistant is relatively demanding, as it requires formal education, supervised clinical training, examination, and state licensure. For those who are willing to complete these steps and want to work in a profession that will allow them to help people improve their mobility, the physical therapy field can be quite a rewarding career choice.
Common Questions Answered
How much do physical therapist assistants earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist assistants in the US earned a median annual wage of $64,080 in May 2023, while the average annual salary was slightly higher at $65,860. However, actual earnings can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, employer, and work setting.
We can get a better understanding of the salary range for these professionals by looking at the percentile figures reported by the BLS. Namely, the lowest 10% of physical therapist assistants earned $42,110 or less per year, while the highest 10% earned $88,830 or more. Those around the 25th percentile earned $56,490 annually, compared with $76,610 for PTAs at the 75th percentile. (BLS)
What degree do you need to become a physical therapist assistant?
To become a physical therapist assistant in the US, you need to earn an associate degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program. These programs typically take about two years to complete and combine classroom instruction, laboratory training, and supervised clinical education.
A bachelor’s degree is not required for entry into the profession. However, individual PTA programs may establish their own admission prerequisites, so prospective students should review the requirements of the schools they are considering before applying.
Do physical therapist assistants need a license?
Yes, physical therapist assistants need to be licensed or certified, depending on the jurisdiction where they intend to practice. According to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands regulate PTA practice through one of these credentials.
How long does it take to become a physical therapist assistant?
The average time it takes to become a physical therapist assistant is around two years from the point of entering an accredited PTA program. However, this timeframe can vary depending on whether a student needs to complete prerequisite coursework beforehand and how long it takes them to secure a license after they graduate.
The PTA associate degree itself typically takes about two years, or roughly five semesters, including the required clinical education. Any prerequisite coursework must be completed before admission and can add additional time, while the NPTE and state licensing process take place after graduation.