Can You Become A Pta With A Kinesiology Degree
To become a physical therapy assistant, its important to earn an associate degree from an accredited institution. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) accredits many programs, so look for a program that meets their standards.

A kinesiology degree can be a great foundation for becoming a PTA.
Can a PTA become a physical therapist?
A PTA can become a physical therapist by attending a PTA to PT bridge program. This can be a great first step to becoming a Physical Therapist one day.
What is a Kinesiology degree?
A Kinesiology degree program equips students with knowledge about human movement and other relevant subjects, preparing them for various fields such as rehabilitation, sports medicine, fitness instruction, research, and many others. The program offers a wide range of courses to choose from.
However, additional coursework and clinical experience may be needed to fulfill PTA requirements.
How do I become a physical therapist?
Becoming a physical therapist requires applicants to have acquired volunteer or paid experiences working with patients under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist. A licensed physical therapist must verify the hours and the program may require specific settings and types of experiences. These are necessary steps in the admissions process for Doctor of Physical Therapy Education Program.
What are the different types of PT majors?
Some of the undergraduate majors frequently pursued by PT students include biology, exercise science, psychology, and kinesiology. When deciding on a major, it is important to keep in mind the prerequisite courses necessary for DPT programs, as well as the requirements for your chosen college or university.
Are You Ready to apply to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program?
The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service is available for DPT program applicants who wish to apply to multiple education programs using a single online application and one set of materials. It is important to note that not all professional DPT programs participate in PTCAS.
What are the prerequisites for a DPT program?
Commonly required prerequisites for DPT programs include anatomy and physiology courses, although some programs may only accept courses completed in specific departments such as biology, neuroscience, anatomy, or integrated physiology. It is important to note that combined A&P courses or courses completed in other departments such as kinesiology may not be accepted by some DPT programs.
PTAs work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses.
What does a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) do?
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) work with patients of all ages who have injuries or health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform daily activities, from newborns to the elderly. Their job involves helping patients through exercises, massages, and other techniques. The main goal of a PTA is to help patients regain their mobility, reduce their pain, and improve their overall physical function.
How many PTAs can a PT supervise?
According to the USVI Rules 7 (C) 1. (G)c), a physical therapist (PT) is allowed to supervise up to two physical therapist assistants (PTAs) simultaneously in the jurisdiction. However, they may not supervise more than three of a mixed group of aides, physical therapist students, physical therapist assistant students, and/or temporary licensees.
How long does it take to become a PTA?
To become a Physical Therapist Assistant or PTA, completing an Associate of Applied Science degree program in Physical Therapist Assistant Studies is the most common path. As part of the coursework, you will be required to complete clinical experience at an accredited program. If you choose to pursue a bachelor's degree, it will take 4 years to become a PTA.
Do PTAS work in home healthcare?
PTAs do work in home healthcare, but they don't work alongside Physical Therapists physically every day. PTAs visit patients' homes to provide physical therapy, offering them comfort and variety in their day-to-day activities.
Some states require PTAs to have an associate's degree in PTA or a related field.
Are PTAS licensed or certified?
PTAs are licensed or certified in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each state/jurisdiction requires licensure or certification and mandates that it be renewed regularly. Renewal typically requires continuing education in a majority of states.
Do I need a PTA license to work in Colorado?
Colorado is one of the two states in the US where a PTA license is not required to perform PTA work. However, you still need to verify the license requirements and application form in your state if you want to work in multiple states or for other career opportunities.
Others may accept a kinesiology degree as long as the individual completes a PTA program.
Does a Kinesiology degree prepare you for Physical Therapy licensure?
Having a degree in Kinesiology does not prepare graduates for Physical Therapy licensure or qualify them to work as Physical Therapists. Pursuing a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy is required to become a licensed Physical Therapist, according to the information provided.
What is a Bachelor's in kinesiology?
A Bachelor's in kinesiology is a four-year degree program that delves deeper into the study of human movement and exercise than an associate degree. This degree equips students with a thorough understanding of how exercise can be used as medicine by various professionals, including fitness trainers, physical education educators, and therapists.
How do I become a kinesiotherapist?
To become a kinesiotherapist, obtaining a bachelor's degree in a relevant field like kinesiology or exercise science is required. The course curriculum covers several topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, and athletic care and training. It is essential to note that kinesiotherapists differ from physical therapists.
What is an associate in kinesiology?
An associate in kinesiology is a degree program that prepares individuals for entry-level work in the fitness training industry. The program typically takes 1-2 years to complete and covers subjects such as introductory anatomy and physiology, exercise science, and psychology.
PTAs must also pass the National Physical Therapy Exam to obtain licensure.
How do I become a PT or PTA?
To become a PT or PTA in the United States, licensure is required. This entails passing the National Physical Therapy Exam, which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Passing the NPTE is mandatory for those intending to get licensed as a PT or PTA in the United States.
What is the National Physical Therapy examination (NPTE)?
The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a mandatory test that individuals must take to obtain their physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA) license. This exam is significant in the field of physical therapy and can help determine an individual's qualifications and readiness to becoming a licensed practitioner. The FSBPT oversees this examination, and everything an individual must know about the NPTE from beginning to end can be found here.
Can an athletic trainer work as a PTA?
The possibility of an athletic trainer working as a PTA depends on factors such as education and state regulatory or licensing requirements. However, obtaining an associate's degree from an accredited PTA program is required to become a physical therapy assistant.
What does a physical therapist do in a PTA?
The physical therapist examines and develops a treatment plan for individuals to improve their ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability, while the PTA is responsible for providing the services recommended by the PT. Both have a significant impact on people's lives.
Kinesiology coursework may provide a strong understanding of anatomy and human movement, which can be beneficial for PTAs.
What do you study in kinesiology?
Human movement and sport through various subdisciplines including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, motor development, and sport and exercise psychology. The curriculum offers five advanced courses to choose from based on personal interests.
What is the kinesiology pre-healthcare professions program?
The Kinesiology Pre-Healthcare Professions program offers a thorough exploration of human movement from mechanical, physiological, and pathological viewpoints. This program is specifically designed for students interested in post-baccalaureate study in healthcare or other fields.
Hands-on experience in exercise science or related fields can also be valuable for PTA training.
Can a kinesiology major lead to a career in physical therapy?
According to Beth Lewis, director of the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities School of Kinesiology, a major in kinesiology doesn't necessarily result in a profession in physical therapy, which dispels a commonly held thought.
Can I work in kinesiology after graduation?
Pursuing practicum courses and internships can provide great advantages for those seeking to work in the kinesiology field post-graduation. While some Kinesiology programs may mandate these opportunities as a requirement, others may not. Ultimately, completing practicum and internship experiences can be valuable for those interested in pursuing a career in this field.
Some kinesiology programs may offer courses or tracks specific to PTA education or certification.
How do I get into a postsecondary kinesiology program?
To enter a postsecondary kinesiology program, presenting certain prerequisites to the college or university is necessary. These requirements are mostly general for a kinesiology degree and readily available. Otherwise, relevant offices can provide the necessary documentation upon request.
Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a PTA with a kinesiology degree should research PTA requirements in their state and consider additional education or training as needed.
How do I become a physical therapy assistant?
To become a physical therapy assistant, it's important to earn an associate degree from an accredited institution. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) accredits many programs, so look for a program that meets their standards.
Do physical therapist assistants need continuing education credits?
Physical therapist assistants may need to earn continuing education credits, depending on the state where they practice. The APTA provides training guidelines and course options to assist physical therapist assistants in enhancing their skills and knowledge.
