Here you can get answers to frequently asked questions for physical therapist assistants.
If you have a new question then ask our community in the comments below.
If you have a new question then ask our community in the comments below.
General Questions
- Do Physical Therapy Assistants Wear Scrubs?
- What Do Physical Therapists Assistants Wear To Work?
- Can Physical Therapist Assistants Work With Athletes?
- Can An Athletic Trainer Be A Physical Therapy Assistant?
- I Want to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant How do I Start?
- What Is a PRN Physical Therapy Assistant?
- What Do I Need To Be A Physical Therapy Assistant?
- What is the Difference Between PT and OT?
- What is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?
- How To Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
Education Questions
- Do You Need a Bachelor’s Degree to be a Physical Therapist Assistant?
- Do You Need a College Degree to be a Physical Therapist Assistant?
- Where Can I Get A Physical Therapy Assistant Degree?
- How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant?
- What Major Is Physical Therapy Assistant Under?
- What Degree Is Needed For Physical Therapy Assistant?
- Do You Need a Degree to be a Physical Therapy Assistant?
- What Can I Do With an Associates Degree In Physical Therapy Assistant?
- What Else Can You Do With A Physical Therapy Assistant Degree?
- PTA to PT Bridge Programs: Become a Physical Therapist (DPT)
Career Questions
- Is Physical Therapy Assistant In Demand?
- Can A Physical Therapist Assistant Work From Home?
- Do Physical Therapist Assistants Work Weekends?
- How Many Hours Do Physical Therapist Assistants Work?
- Can You Be A Travel Physical Therapist Assistant?
- Physical Therapy Assistant Versus Physical Therapist?
- What Are Physical Therapy Assistant Working Conditions?
- How is Physical Therapy Assistant Work Life Balance?
- Can A Physical Therapy Assistant Become A Physical Therapist?
- Where To Get CEUs For Physical Therapy Assistants?
- What Are The Pros And Cons Of Being A Physical Therapy Assistant?
- How To Apply For A Physical Therapy Assistant License In Another State?
- Can Physical Therapist Assistants Work in Schools?
Ask New Question
If you can’t find the answer to your question about physical therapist assisting, then ask our community in the comments below.
Hi. I’m trying to determine what the salary would be for a physical therapist assistant working in a home health care agency.
In other words, a PTA would sign up with some agencies, to fill up their work schedules, and work a regular full time week.
Thanks,
Rosemary
Hi Rosemary,
All of our salary data is posted on this page: https://physical-therapy-assistant.org/how-much-is-a-physical-therapist-assistant-salary/
That page also contains links to state pages that have additional salary data in each city.
Hi. I am writing to find out what the salary would be for a PTA working in a home health care setting.
Thank you,
Rosemary
Hi Rosemary,
You can find salary data on this page: https://physical-therapy-assistant.org/how-much-is-a-physical-therapist-assistant-salary/
My daughter is doing the 4 year program for health and exercise science. She wants to finish her degree and apply to PT or OT school. She is thinking about sitting for the OTA or PTA exam if she can. Can you tell us if she can sit for the exam with a 4 year degree instead of the 2 year associates degree? Thank you.
Hi Kristie,
It is currently required in all states, except for Colorado and Hawaii, to graduate from an accredited PTA program in order to sit for the physical therapist assistant licensure exam called the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
You can learn more here: https://physical-therapy-assistant.org/local-accredited-pta-programs/
Hello.
I have been a PTA for 31 years. I just celebrated by 28th year in Acute Care at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, OR. Regarding the “average” salaries of PTA’s, are there any “average” salaries that you may have for PTA’s who have been in the “trenches” for years?
Thank you.
Hi Dana,
Congrats on a long and successful career thus far!
Great question, we are working on salary data updates that will include some additional details and categories. I will make a note to see if we can compile a report on salary data for PTAs that have worked for 10, 20, and 30 years.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Thank You: How many CE hours are required each year for a PTA?
It varies by state, you can select your state here: https://physical-therapy-assistant.org/state-pta-license-requirements/
Your state page will have a link to your state board that provides CEU requirements.
Hope that helps!
Best,
Steve
How many CEU hours are required for renewal?
Hi Stella,
Each state has its own requirements. For example, every two years Texas requires 20 hours while Florida requires 24 hours.
You can use our site to select your state which will give you a link to your state board that regulates PTs and PTAs providing CEU requirements. Choose your state here: https://physical-therapy-assistant.org/state-pta-license-requirements/
Hope that helps!
Steve
Hi, I live in a state where there are only 2 PTA programs and both well over an hour away. Are there any online programs that allow for local preceptors to do the clinical portion? I have been a degreed Nutritionist and educator for 24 years and need to move on as the job market is disappointing at best. Thanks!
Hi Susan,
Great question, the answer is yes. About 75% can be completed online at one of the programs on this list: https://physical-therapy-assistant.org/physical-therapy-assistant-schools-online/
As you mentioned, you will be required to also complete about 25% of clinical work locally.