Start Your Journey Towards Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (2024)
Start Your Journey Towards Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are essential members of the healthcare team who work closely with physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. They are responsible for assisting patients in improving their mobility, strength, and overall physical function. If you want to become a PTA in New York, here is what you need to know.
Understand the Requirements
To become a PTA in New York, you must have a high school diploma or GED and complete an accredited PTA program. The program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). A complete list of schools can be found here.
Find an Accredited PTA Program in New York City
Several schools in New York offer accredited PTA programs. These programs typically take two years to complete, including classroom instruction and clinical experience.
PTA programs in New York require at least 600 hours of clinical experience. This experience can be gained through internships or clinical rotations. During your clinical experience, you will work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and gain hands-on experience working with patients.
Pass the National Exam
After completing your PTA program, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). You must pass this exam to obtain your license to practice as a PTA in New York.
Obtain Your License
Once you have passed the NPTE for PTAs, you can apply for your PTA license through the New York State Education Department. You will need to submit your exam scores, transcripts, and any other required documentation.
We always seek bright, enthusiastic, and motivated Physical Therapist Assistants to join our team! To learn more about our opportunities, send us your information, and our Therapy Placement Team will contact you. We look forward to hearing from you.
