Physical Therapy Assistant Schools - How to Choose the Right One

There is a wide range of physical therapy assistant schools to choose from for those who plan to pursue a career as a physical therapist's assistant. However, there are several considerations to take into account when selecting a school. One of the most important things to consider is the school's status with regards to accreditation.

Because they are acknowledged and held in high regard by virtually every healthcare facility, accredited programs are the wisest option for one's education. There are over 265 schools throughout the country dedicated to teaching students the knowledge and skills required to work in the field, meaning the relevant training can be obtained by almost anyone.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schools

Accreditation Considerations

In August of 2010, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-CAPTE-obtained permission from the American Physical Therapy Association to grant accreditation status to such programs.

Each learning institution is judged on its program's quality, the instructor to student ratio, IT features and administration considerations. For this reason, choosing a CAPTE-accredited school is the best way to ensure that one receives a quality education.

Although the school selected will depend on a variety of factors, the following two schools are inexpensive and offer a high quality of teaching:

Southern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University offers an Associate's of Applied Science program for those interested in becoming physical therapist assistants. An individual can earn his or her degree in five semesters and the university provides job placement assistance. The cost of each credit hour is approximately $74 as of January, 2012.

College of Southern Nevada

The College of Southern Nevada also offers an Associate degree program in Applied Science. The degree can be earned in four semesters, and the average tuition cost as of April, 2012, is approximately $69 per credit hour. The college also provides several financial assistance programs for students that are deemed to need it.

Curriculum

Although coursework will vary at physical therapy assistant schools, almost all programs will include the following: anatomy, physiology, biology, neurosciences, behavioral sciences, pharmacology and therapeutic procedures.

Students will learn through classroom lectures and clinical experiences, the latter of which is taken under the direction of a physical therapist or other licensed health care practitioner. With most programs, essentially 100% of the final semester will consist of hands-on training. Clinical rotations are typically taken in clinics and hospitals in the general vicinity of the learning institution where one is enrolled.

Online Options

Students can also choose to complete their education at one of many physical therapy assistant schools available online. This option has become increasingly popular over the past 10 years. However, it is important to note that only accredited online schools should be considered. The following is a popular school which meets this criteria:

Online PTA Program at San Juan College

Prospective students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree at San Juan College's online campus. The New Mexico based college is CAPTE-accredited and specializes in assistant programs. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges has also accredited this School. As of 2011, tuition stands at approximately $50 per credit hour.

Those who are interested in becoming an assistant in this field will discover that physical therapy assistant schools are available to suit virtually every lifestyle and budget. Therefore, those who wish to realize their goal of working in this profession should enrol in an accredited school to take the first step toward securing meaningful employment in the field of physical therapy.