How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant Online

The demand for physical therapy assistants is rising. You might want to know how to become a physical therapist assistant online to maximize your career potential. Luckily, there are plenty of great PTA programs online to get you there.

As in many health professions, no PT office, hospital, or clinic runs on the power of one or two PTs.  Physical therapy assistants, or PTAs, work with PTs and directly with patients.  This level of support is well compensated, has a great career outlook, and provides greater professional fulfillment than many other careers. That’s because PTAs work long-term with patients from problem to solution.

The outstanding demand for PTAs has also created a demand for online physical therapy programs. But not all online physical therapy programs meet state licensing standards. To avoid confusion and to help you find the best online physical therapy programs to become a licensed physical therapy assistant, this article provides info on what a PTA does, how to become a physical therapist, and where to look for your physical therapy degree online.

Article Navigation: Quick Facts | How to Become a PTA | Getting This Degree Online | Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant | Accreditation and Advanced Training | Finding the Right PTA Program | Top 3 Programs That Qualify to Become a PTA Online | Programs That Qualify for PT Licensure | Best Schools for an Online DPT | Finding the Right PT Program | Online DPT Programs | Physical Therapy Online Degrees

Working In Physical Therapy Quick Facts – How To Become a Physical Therapist Assistant Online

Physical therapist assistants work in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, athletic facilities, and other job sites.

PT is a type of allied health that uses therapeutic exercise, hands-on care, and patient education to help people with medical conditions or injuries limiting their ability to move and function. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for PTAs is projected at 24% through 2031, a much higher rate of increase among all professions.  This is affected directly by an active, aging baby-boomer population needing physical therapy for rehabilitation and mobility purposes.

How to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant Online

There are two steps to become a certified PTA:

1. Complete a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant education program, such as an associate’s degree
2. Take your state-administered national exam to obtain licensure or certification

Once you have completed these steps to certification, you can take more steps to remain a competitive candidate in the physical therapy field.  APTA, or the American Physical Therapy Association, provides advanced learning opportunities to PTAs seeking proficiencies in areas such as:

• Pediatrics
• Wound management
• Geriatrics
• Oncology
• Acute care
• Orthopedics

Can You Get a Physical Therapy Assistant Degree Online?

To work as a licensed physical therapist assistant, you must graduate from a degree program accredited by:

• The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

Furthermore, you need to pass a national exam. Your state of residence will administer this exam.

Fortunately, you can acquire a physical therapy assistant degree online, for the most part. Roughly 75% of a given degree focuses on academic work, like studying, tests, etc. That’s all work that you can do online from the comfort of your home.

However, like many other medical industry degrees, PTA degrees online require you to complete clinical components. Expect to complete 25% of your credits at in-person clinical locations. Therefore, you cannot get a physical therapy assistant degree 100% online. Just mostly online.

If you attend a school far from where you live, your program will work with you to find an appropriate place for you to complete your clinical practice credits, such as a local medical facility.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant Online?

A PTA associate program takes two years or up to five semesters to complete. However, accelerated PTA online programs enable you to complete associate curriculums in 1.5 years.

Most physical therapist assistant online programs incorporate many types of content into their curriculums. You’ll study classes like:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Biomechanics
• Neuroscience
• Clinical pathology

On average, you should expect to spend about 16 weeks in clinical academic experiences. You’ll work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists or PTA’s. Through them, you’ll gain the valuable experience you need to thrive in this industry.

Generally, you can apply for testing and certification shortly after graduation. Some online PTA programs enable you to take your licensure exams at the end of your curriculum. This shortens the time between your education and time working as a licensed physical therapist assistant.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant Online?

To become a physical therapist assistant online, you must pay for school. College can cost several thousand dollars per year or up to $10,000 per year, depending on your school. On the lower end, you should expect to pay at least $5,000 for your education, but it can cost you up to $20,000 or more.

The cost of your college education will be less if you attend a school online in your state of residence. That’s because you won’t have to pay for room and board, and you won’t have to pay out-of-state student fees.

After completing your education, you must also pay for your licensure examination. The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) fee is $485 each time you register and attempt the exam. You’ll also have to pay a 1.6% additional processing fee.

Because of the size of this fee, you should study hard for your licensure examination so you pass it on the first try.

What Is A Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant?

Licensed physical therapy assistants provide physical therapy services to people of all ages, addressing medical problems limiting mobility or the ability to perform everyday tasks. PTAs always work under the direct supervision of physical therapists, who are required to have extensive advanced training and certification of their own.

The workday for a PTA may include assisting patients in performing therapeutic exercises, performing massage or ultrasound on patients, providing patient education, and even doing some of the administrative tasks of the facility. PTAs work in many settings: hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, industrial worksites, fitness centers, and schools, to name a few.

To become a licensed physical therapist assistant, you pursue an accredited PTA associate degree program, pass your state-issued national PTA exam, and then any other requirements of your state.

Licensing or certification is required by only 48 states, not including Colorado or Hawaii.  CO and HI offer state licensing, but you do not have to have a license to become a practicing PTA.   Each state mandates specific educational and exam criteria. Additional requirements may include certification in CPR and first aid. Some states also require a criminal background check. A minimum number of hours of supervised hands-on clinical experience will be required. Check with your state licensing board to see what is required to work as a licensed or certified PTA in your region.

PRO-TIP: The confusion from online physical therapy schools can be from those which offer training to become a physical therapy aide or technician, which has no requirement for anything but a high school diploma or GED. Physical therapy aides and technicians cannot perform hands-on physical therapy and earn less than half of the salary of a licensed or certified PTA.

Online Physical Therapy Degrees: Accreditation and Advanced Training

Physical therapy online degrees exist, but as with any online program, practicing caution can save you from signing up for the wrong program.

Ensure the online PTA degree you’re considering is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

This commission is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the accreditor for licensing degree programs in this field. The CAPTE has accredited over 250 PT programs and over 350 PTA training programs across the United States, including many that offer distance education or evening/weekend schedules.

CAPTE has accredited entry-level education programs for physical therapist assistants and therapists. PTA training is much shorter than training to become a PT, and there are some “bridge” educational programs for PTAs who later decide they would like to become full-fledged PT’s.  According to CAPTE, only 10% of licensed physical therapy assistants become physical therapists.

In becoming an assistant instead of an aide, some for-profit schools use the marketing phrase “physical therapy assistant” only to provide a lesser type of training for physical therapy “aide” positions. “Aide” training is not the same as “assistant” training. “Aide” programs will not, in most cases, meet the accreditation standards of CAPTE or state standards for licensure later as a professional PT or PTA.

PRO-TIP: Be wary of any school that markets itself as offering an online “physical therapy assistant program” only to switch terms later and refer to the program as “aide training.”

Online PTA Programs — Hybrid Options

Most states require physical therapist assistants to complete at least an associate’s degree. Such degree programs include both academic and theoretical study in anatomy, biology, and chemistry, as well as hands-on experience in patient care.

Many traditional and physical therapist assistant online programs require a minimum of 50-150 hours of actual work in assisting the physically challenged prior to taking any courses.

Many community colleges offer physical therapy assistant degrees online but require classroom attendance for clinical care and lab courses. These same programs then allow theory courses in areas such as anatomy or English to be completed virtually.

The curriculum for a physical therapy assistant degree online may include topics such as:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Exercise physiology
• Kinesiology
• Behavioral sciences
• Ethics
• Communication

About 75% of the average PTA school online curriculum is classroom and laboratory coursework, while 25% is hands-on clinical experience. Students can expect to spend approximately 16 weeks fulfilling their full-time clinical residency requirement.

There currently are no 100% online PTA degrees as the credentials require clinical supervision and lab courses that cannot be completed online. Check with your local community or state college for hybrid—part online and part on-campus—physical therapy assistant degrees.

Finding the Right Physical Therapist Assistant Online Program

Physical therapy online programs are excellent pathways depending on your budget and career ambitions. But you need to choose the right online physical therapy program for your needs.

A PTA only needs an associate degree to qualify for a job. Yet there are some instances where earning a bachelor’s degree could be advantageous. Let’s take a closer look at PTA online schools and different types of physical therapist online programs.

Associate in Physical Therapist Assistant Online Programs

Associate online physical therapy assistant programs are generally two years in length. That includes general education courses and credits. In these online PTA programs, you’ll take on core physical therapy topics such as:

• Biology
• Physiology
• Behavioral sciences
• Communication
• Clinical pathology

However, your PTA program online could have differences or other class requirements. Always read up on physical therapy assistant schools online and their requirements. Especially before submitting an application.

Any online PTA program must incorporate some clinical experiences as credit hours. Therefore, even if your program is mostly online, expect to spend about a quarter of your time at clinical locations.

Your online PTA program’s admin or professors will help you find a suitable location to complete clinical credits. At the end of the program, you should qualify for state licensure as a physical therapy assistant. Just make sure you attend a physical therapist assistant program online accredited by CAPTE.

Most associate-level online physical therapist assistant programs do not have strict admission requirements. As undergrad degrees, they are accessible to those who have a:

• High school diploma or GED
• Reasonably high GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
• Letter recommendation or personal statement (or both)

Associate physical therapy assistant online degrees are 60 to 80 credits in total. Some accelerated associate programs may take roughly 18 months or 1.5 years. However, they require students to study throughout the summer semesters. Choose your online physical therapy assistant degree partly based on your study interest.

PTA Bachelor’s Degree Online

Students may also pursue a bachelor’s degree in PTA online. These take four-year to complete and are more advanced than associate programs. Generally, they more than qualify aspiring physical therapy assistants for jobs. They benefit currently licensed PTA’s who are on the path to becoming physical therapists.

Bachelor’s degrees in this major require 120 credits (including general education courses). But, a bachelor’s only takes two years to complete if you already have an associate degree in biology or physical therapy assistant.

Bachelor’s in physical therapy assistant includes many of the same classes and courses as associate degrees in this major. However, they may also incorporate more clinical practice experiences and courses in topics such as:

• Exercise physiology
• Biomechanics
• Human anatomy
• Neuroscience

Furthermore, some bachelor’s degrees enable you to specialize or concentrate your degree in areas like:

• Sports physical therapy
• Elder physical therapy, etc.

Bachelor’s degrees often have higher admission requirements compared to associate degrees. For instance, you may need a higher GPA from previous schooling, such as 3.0 or above. Online bachelor’s in PTA also require clinical practice hours/credits.

Advanced Training for Physical Therapy Assistants

Once you become a physical therapy assistant, your education doesn’t have to end. You can pursue advanced training resources. These bolster your resume and qualify you for higher-paying competitive positions.

For example, you can take the PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways program from the American Physical Therapy Association. This program teaches you to improve your knowledge and skill in one area of physical therapy. You get to choose from the following areas:

• Acute care
• Geriatrics
• Cardiovascular and pulmonary
• Oncology
• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Wound management
• Orthopedics

Completing this program grant you Advanced Proficiency Pathway recognition for ten years before you can renew it. The enrollment fee is $135, and your final review portfolio fee is also $135.

To participate in such a physical therapy degree online, you must be a licensed PTA and a member of the APTA. This is a great way to master your advanced physical therapy assistant skills, especially if you’re pursuing competitive physician assistant programs.

However, it may also enable you to earn a higher salary for your work at your current physical therapy assistant position. Once you have this recognition, you may manage other PTAs or take on additional responsibilities.

Top 3 Programs That Qualify to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant Online

If you want to become a physical therapist assistant through an online program, you’re in luck. You can attend several top programs depending on your budget and other factors. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Clarkson College – Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $632 per credit hour

   Clarkson College offers an online PTA program that has been around since 1994. On average, this hybrid BS in Physical Therapist Assistant program costs about $29,290. It’s designed for licensed PTAs who want to advance their careers and education. As a hybrid program, it combines online coursework and on-campus experiences.

   Specifically, all students have to complete three semesters of asynchronous online courses. Then those students have to finish 45 on-campus “skill weekends” each semester. These requirements include the clinical practice hour credits, as well. As a result, it’s a truly blended online/in-person program.

   Fortunately, the program is only 16 months, so that you can complete it faster than other bachelor’s programs in PTA. Rolling admissions begin and fall, and you’ll progress through the program with a cohort of fellow learners. This could provide you with opportunities to network for future PTA career advancement.

   Notably, the program requires students to complete certain service requirements. The service requirements teach students how to provide high-quality, ethical, and compassionate service to healthcare patients and broader communities. Designated service courses are integral components of this program of study.

   Find Out More

    

2. St. Catherine University

   Degree: Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Assistant
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $46,380

   At St. Catherine University, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in arts or sciences in Physical Therapist Assistant. This program is ideal for practicing PTAs who want to take their careers to the next level.

   This flexible online program costs $46,380. It’s designed for working PTA’s who want to finish their bachelor’s degrees over 24 months. The major requires 44 credits. In addition, there are start dates in the spring, summer, or fall to enable maximum flexibility.

   Over the program’s duration, students will complete courses in topics such as:

   – Health coaching
   – Pharmacology
   – Nutrition
   – Manual therapy
   – Wellness
   – Rehabilitation management

   Furthermore, students must complete lab-based activities focusing on cognition and psychomotor operation. In addition to the above PTA-focused courses, the program teaches students to build their leadership abilities. Thus, graduates emerge well-equipped and ready to lead other physical therapy assistants or to progress further down the educational track to become PAs themselves.

   The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

   Find Out More

    

Programs That Qualify for Physical Therapist Licensure

What if you want to maximize your physical therapist career? In that case, you’ll need to complete a doctoral program. The best online DPT programs could help you qualify for the highest-paid positions in this industry.

1. University of Southern California

   Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $186,425

   At USC, you can attend a hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This blends online and on-campus learning, enabling you to continue living at home while visiting USC’s campus from time to time.

   The hybrid program features the same curriculum and faculty as the on-campus program. Students will be expected to complete 44 full-time-equivalent weeks of mentor clinical experiences. In other words, expect to spend a good duration of your time near or on the USC campus.

   Clinical experiences, on the other hand, can take place at sites in your local community. In any case, keep in mind that the hybrid pathway for this program involves a cohort of similar students. You must apply before the usual deadline in June to qualify.

   Courses dive deep into physical therapist topics and courses. You will also delve into medical leadership and ethics courses. You must be a licensed PTA and have completed an accredited PTA program to qualify for this doctoral program. Upon graduating, you’ll qualify to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and become licensed as a physical therapist.

   Find Out More

    

Online DPT Programs – Best Physical Therapy Schools for an Online DPT

Looking to become a physical therapist with a doctorate as quickly as possible? In that case, there are lots of top physical therapy schools for online students. Here are a few examples.

1. Utica University

   Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (PPTDPT)
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $785 per credit

   First, we’ll examine Utica University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. It is a post-professional degree intended for licensed physical therapists or PTAs with a BS or MS degree. Fortunately, this program is 100% online and offers personal support to all students.

   The program is 16 months long and costs roughly $785 per credit. It requires 19 credit hours and focuses on practicum classes tailored to your specific career ambitions. All graduates are eligible to earn continuing education units. That way, they can stay licensed as physical therapists.

   This online transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy or “tDPT” program is ideal for working professionals who want to acquire additional academic expertise fast. Students learn how to:

   – Analyze diagnostic test results
   – Apply risk management principles to their practices
   – Describe the clinical impacts of PT emerging technologies
   – Revise their strategies and interventions based on results of testing and patient responses to treatments

   All in all, the program includes seven comprehensive courses. They focus on topics such as diagnostic imaging, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. The physical therapy school online program has strict admission requirements, including:

   – Two written recommendations
   – A transcript from an accredited physical therapy degree program
   – Current US state professional licensure and more

   There are start dates in the fall and spring semesters.

   Find Out More

    

2. Winston-Salem State University

   Degree: Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
   Total Cost (In-State): $237.21 per credit hour
   Total Cost (Out-of-State): $723.34 per credit hour

   Winston-Salem State University offers another transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program. It also requires a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in physical therapy. In other words, it benefits those who are practicing as licensed physical therapists.

   The program’s curriculum requires the completion of 24 credit hours. It includes four consecutive semesters, and applicants can take three years to complete the program from start to finish. If you have a master’s degree in physical therapy, you can transfer in up to six credit hours.

   As one of the most affordable tDPT online programs, this 100% online degree revolves around monthly virtual meetings with professors. Each professor is a licensed expert in the physical therapy field. CAPTE accredits the program. Furthermore, graduates meet all the academic requirements necessary for physical therapist licensure in all states and territories.

   You might consider this program if you are a practicing physical therapist. You only have to take six hours a semester, which is manageable even with full-time employment.

   Find Out More

    

3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

   Degree: Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (T-DPT)
   Total Cost (In-State): $902 per credit hour
   Total Cost (Out-of-State): $1,771 per credit hour

   UNC additionally offers an online tDPT program. It’s perfect for licensed physical therapists who want to add to their current skills and qualifications.

   The degree combines web-based instruction, distance learning, and clinical applications. Note that admission decisions are made very early, in the October of the year, before starting the program. So you need to decide whether to attend this program quickly.

   This doctoral physical therapy program requires the completion of 27 credits. It’s only offered part-time so that you can complete it over two years. It focuses on a clinical foundation core, a clinical practice core, and a specialty practice core.

   The specialty practice core allows you to take classes or engage with certain clinical experiences to focus on a physical therapist specialty. Take note that the program does have financial aid. These include employee benefits if your employer qualifies. Also, a forgivable loan program for NC resident students at the undergrad and graduate levels.

   Find Out More

    

Finding the Right Online Physical Therapy Program

The process of choosing a physical therapist assistant online program has never been easier. With tools like GetEducated, you can find the right program to fit your schedule and your budget so you can start on a pathway to a well-paid position in a physical therapy setting. To reflect, here are the steps to get you started:

• Decide whether to pursue a physical therapist assistant online associate or bachelor’s degree
• Find a CAPTE-accredited PTA program
• Compare costs, curricula, schedules, and locations between your top-choice schools
• Check to see if you need to take any prerequisite courses or log work hours before applying
• Factor in the convenience of the school to your location and the requirements for hands-on learning
• Look at class sizes and licensure pass rates for each school
• Apply for admission into the physical therapy assistant degree online you have chosen

Becoming a physical therapy assistant is a great career path. Helping people regain movement and function after an illness or accident can be very rewarding. As the population in the US ages, more and more elderly patients will need physical therapy services to stay mobile and active. Physical therapists are in demand in all settings, so whether you want to work with kids, athletes, or factory workers, there are positions out there for newly minted physical therapy assistants. With extraordinarily fair compensation and satisfying work, training in physical therapy can lead to great success in the field.

Advanced Training for Physical Therapy Assistants

While the entry-level educational requirement for physical therapy assistants is still the associate degree, there has been a need for PTAs with more advanced skills. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has met this need by establishing the Advanced Proficiency Pathways Program (APP) for licensed PTAs to gain skill, knowledge, and experience in working in defined areas of physical practice. Areas of focus in physical therapist assistant online programs include:

• Cardiovascular & Pulmonary
• Clinical Electrophysiology
• Geriatrics
• Neurology
• Oncology
• Orthopedics
• Pediatrics
• Sports
• Women’s Health

For this program, students take some prerequisite courses through the APTA and then work with a mentor physical therapist in the area of practice to complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical experience.

Another way to get more advanced physical therapy assistant training after or instead of an associate’s degree is to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in physical therapy assisting. Some people may decide to skip the associate physical therapy online degree and go straight into an online physical therapy assistant bachelor’s degree online before they seek to enter the profession.

Others may complete their associate, then work as a PTA for a year or more before continuing on to the bachelor’s degree. If you think you may be interested in more education beyond the associate physical therapy assistant degree online, make sure that the associate degree program you pursue will allow you to transfer all or most of your credits when you continue your undergraduate education.

Online DPT Programs

Let’s say you want to become a physical therapist, are looking beyond a bachelor’s degree, and have decided to pursue a career as a licensed physical therapist.

Over the last couple of decades, there have been changes to the occupational requirements for physical therapists. Previously, only a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree was required for PT licensure. The current preferred entry-level education is the Doctorate of Physical Therapy, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Still, there are licensed physical therapists out there with just the MPT or BPT.

There is no current requirement for those experienced professionals to gain more education to keep their licensure.  However, many PTs have chosen to update their credentials to a doctoral level of education.  Thus, a new type of professional degree for licensed PT practitioners is now available online. The transitional doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree is geared toward practicing clinicians. This accelerated doctorate degree is appropriate for PTs who have already earned an MPT degree.

The DPT is a post-professional clinical doctorate that can be earned through a combination of online coursework, clinical practice in a local setting, and very brief campus residencies.  It is usually much quicker than earning a regular DPT, as experienced practitioners already have many of the skills and competencies that are taught to those just entering the field.

Best Physical Therapy Schools for an Online DPT

Accredited online DPT programs will include 80% didactic or classroom learning, along with 20% clinical training. This means that the majority of the degree program can be completed online, which is very convenient for people who want to continue working while they study. All programs, just like PTA degrees, will require mandatory clinical practice experiences. Some programs will also require on-campus visits, usually a few weekends or summer immersion sessions, to add to the hands-on learning.

Three years is the standard completion time for a DPT degree, provided all the prerequisites are completed. Most online DPT programs are full-time, though some programs may allow students to progress more slowly through the didactic portion to accommodate busy schedules.

The cohort model is the more common format for this and other healthcare degrees. A cohort structure allows students to work together throughout the program, benefiting from peer experiences and teamwork, leadership, and communication. Many online DPT programs will combine some synchronous sessions with asynchronous coursework and lectures.

What’s the Standard for Becoming a PT?

The doctor of physical therapy degree or a professional degree is now the ideal professional standard. This means that PTs with only a bachelor’s or master’s can still be licensed and practicing; the DPT is not officially a requirement.  Many practicing PTs choose to get the DPT degree to stay current with the industry and be competitive.

The median wage for a physical therapist is around $95,620, with variances based on place of employment and years of practice. To earn the highest wages in this growing field and the right to call yourself a physical therapist in most states, you’ll need to complete at least an online doctorate in physical therapy and have a record of clinical work as a PT assistant in a licensed medical facility.

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant Online Degrees

Whether you are pursuing an associate physical therapy degree online, a bachelor’s in PTA, or online DPT programs, GetEducated is here to point you in the right direction for your education. We can show you how to become a physical therapist assistant online in no time.  Follow any of the links above to find the best physical therapy online degrees that are CAPTE-accredited, designed for the working adult, and up to professional industry standards today!