If you are looking into becoming a physical therapy assistant, there are certain educational requirements that you must meet in order to pass the necessary testing and obtain your state license to be employed as a PTA.
There are a number of ways in which to gain the appropriate training required to enter this type of career including numerous accredited online physical therapy assistant programs, though it is important to note that in the US, a college degree is also required.
In order to be able to sit for testing for employment as a PTA and get the required state license, prospective applicants must have earned an Associates Degree (AS), as well as obtained the more specific training for the job.
About Online Physical Therapy Assistant Programs
Today, it is possible to take many different kinds of training and coursework online. Not only can a student earn their actual Associates Degree online, but there are quite a few physical therapy assistant programs that can be taken online as well.
Some colleges offer an Associates Degree with emphasis on physical therapy assistant careers and it is just like attending a regular college. In other cases, such as for someone who already has an AS prior, they can enroll in a program tailored to just teaching the necessary education and skills for taking the licensure exams to become a PTA.
This can be especially useful for people wishing to study for a new career path while they are still employed.
In the UK and other countries, a college degree is not actually required in order to obtain employment as a physiotherapy assistant, though prospective employees are required to have a certain amount of on the job experience.
However, it is recommended that those interested in a career as a physiotherapy assistant do enroll in educational or vocational courses in order to learn the full scope of the job. Doing so will enable them to get the most out of their work experience training so that they may fully obtain the title of Physiotherapy Assistant.
National Health Service (NHS) approved programs are available both online and offline. Additionally, once employed as a physiotherapy assistant, candidates may obtain extended training in specialized areas, which do require continued education.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Online Physical Therapy Assistant Program
Even though it is possible to take college degree courses and vocational courses online however, students are still required to perform a required amount of externship hours, which of course cannot be done online.
Colleges and schools normally assist students in setting up their externships, which are extremely important, especially if classes are done online.
Getting to see the way the job actually happens in a real work setting is essential before any student can consider themselves prepared to take their licensure exams and be able to pass them easily.
Another important point of note - especially with regard to online PTA programs - is that prospective students ensure they enroll in an approved, accredited educational program. Since educational requirements are monitored closely,
only those online physical therapy programs that are recognized and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), which is the only accrediting bureau in the US for physical therapy and assistant programs.
Students who complete courses that are CAPTE approved can at least feel confident that they are being offered the proper and most current information online or offline, so they will be well prepared for testing.
With these many choices in approved and accredited schools in which to study to become a physical therapy assistant or physiotherapy assistant, now is the best time to do this.
Colleges and online physical therapy programs will be able to prepare students for any licensure and work experience that they require in order to reach their highest potential in this challenging, yet rewarding healthcare field.
Also, the convenience in being able to study online - either for initial vocational and technical training or continued education to obtain further qualifications - allows for much more in the way of opportunity, enabling PTAs and equivalents to study while also working in their job.
For some people, online physical therapy assistant courses are a great option enabling them to achieve their goals of employment in a medical field more easily.
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