How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Are you interested in becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)? Not sure you have the time to devote to a new career? CBD College offers a PTA program that can prepare you for an entry-level role working with patients. So, how long does it take to become a physical therapist assistant?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Did you know you can complete the Physical Therapist Assistant program at CBD College in as little as 20 months? That’s faster than most 2- and 4-year colleges. Here are the steps you will need to complete:

Step #1: Graduate from a CAPTE-Accredited PTA Program

The good news is that the CAPTE accredits CBD College’s PTA program. This program prepares you for the NPTE Licensure Exam.

Step #2: Pass the NPTE Exam

Physical therapist assistants must be licensed to practice by the state of California. To obtain a license, a PTA must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is standardized and administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Step #3: Find a Job You Are Passionate About

Did you know CBD College offers career services to help you find a PTA job after graduation? We have strong ties with employers in the community and can help you build a resume, prepare for interviews, and meet prospective employers in the Los Angeles area.

What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant Do? 

Now that you know more about the steps to become a PTA, let’s look into what you will encounter on the job. A Physical Therapist Assistant provides physical therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. They help patients with physical ailments by improving functional mobility. Job responsibilities vary but typically include:

Patient Assessment

Physical therapist assistants record patients’ range of motion, strength, balance, and coordination. They further the assessment that the physical therapist in charge starts by gathering additional data about symptoms, functional limitations, and wellness goals. This helps the PTA better understand how a patient’s physical challenges impact their daily activities and independence.

Care Planning

Physical therapist assistants collaborate with physical therapists to develop a comprehensive plan of care that focuses on physical therapy goals. They work to identify the most appropriate treatment strategies and interventions based on patients’ disadvantages, pain levels, and intervention needs.

Patient Education

PTAs educate patients and their families about treatment plans, ensuring they can implement stretching and strength training between appointments. The PTA discusses proper body mechanics, pain management, and injury prevention using materials to reinforce and guide patients in independent practice at home.

Administrative Tasks

PTAs assist PTs with administrative duties, such as managing patient records, scheduling appointments, sanitizing equipment and making sure supplies are stocked and organized.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy improves joint mobility, reduces pain, and enhances overall physical function. Techniques that a PTA learns include joint and soft tissue mobilization—soft stretching to relieve tightness in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints—and myofascial release—applying sustained pressure to muscles that release tension in connective tissue.

Therapeutic Exercises

Strength, balance, stretching, and endurance exercises are a core component of physical therapy. PTAs assist with the movements patients need hands-on help with, and with workouts, patients can do themselves.

Monitor Patient Progress

An essential part of a PTA’s role is monitoring patient progress and adapting treatment plans based on their response. The PTA may add repetitions or increase the difficulty level, making physical training more challenging and helping the patient reach their full functional ability.

Final Thoughts

Do you have the time to prepare for this rewarding career? It is always satisfying to help a patient reduce their pain and improve body function. You can make a difference in your patient’s lives. Let us prepare you for an entry-level job as a physical therapist assistant so you can pass on your knowledge to patients in need.

Physical Therapist Assistant Program

You’re already making a difference through the work you love. Now, take it to the next level with the Physical Therapist Assistant program from CBD College. It’s flexible, affordable, and uniquely tailored to build on the skills and experience you’ve acquired professionally.

Contact us now to learn more.