How Long Are PTA Programs: Is an Accelerated Course Right for Me?

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) assist physical therapists to carry out their duties of providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. They may assist with the development of treatment plans, documenting treatment progress, executing routine functions, and modifying specific treatments based on the patient’s situation. Formal training is the most effective way to gain the skills and terminology you need to work with patients.

On a daily basis, PTAs instruct, safeguard, motivate, and assist patients as they carry out exercise or functional activities. They work hand in hand with physical therapy staff to discuss and evaluate patient information to aid planning, coordination, and modification of treatment plans.

One of the key responsibilities of a physical therapist assistant is to measure the range-of-joint motion, vital signs, and body parts of a patient. These are necessary for evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Some PTAs may secure patients into therapy equipment, transport patients to and from treatment locations, and lift and transfer patients with delicate positioning requirements.

Physical Therapist Assistant Programs

Physical therapists and PTAs play an important role in helping patients recover from serious injuries that would otherwise render them disabled. Whether it is back or neck injuries, neurosurgical conditions, arthritis, or ordinary pains and sprains, the fulfillment of helping someone regain mobility can be wonderful.

Currently, the demand for physical therapist assistants is high. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants are expected to increase by 31 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Traditional vs. Accelerated Programs

Students have the option to choose between traditional and accelerated programs when they go for training. However, these programs come with different admission requirements, course format, and completion time. A traditional degree program is often taken on-campus at an accredited college. Students get timely advice from faculty and peers.

Accelerated programs, on the other hand, allow students to earn their degrees in a shorter time frame than what if offered by traditional programs. You could complete an accelerated bachelors program in as little as 12-18 months.

Course Format

In a traditional on-campus degree program, students are required to take a certain number of classes per semester. The classes may run for about 2 hours with multiple classes scheduled every day.

With accelerated programs, students can begin their courses at any time of the year as the school runs in 5-week terms, instead of semesters. Some colleges offer compressed classes that run for 4 hours each day, several days a week.  Students can sometimes choose between day or night classes, to accommodate their work and personal schedules.

Completion Time

Competition time can vary based off what a student transfers in, if they take a full course load each term, and if they need to take any breaks for a term or more. However, accelerated programs are generally faster than traditional. Some students enjoy the fast pace and the ability to continue learning all year round instead of having long breaks where you fall out of practice or forget information.

Benefits of accelerated programs

Accelerated programs often focus on knowledge application. Students are taught to internalize the information they gain to help them quickly put it to use in real-life situations. Instructors encourage students to adopt a permanent learner’s mindset to grasp every opportunity and make the most of it.

Additionally, accelerated learning is quite inclusive and encompasses young students, managers, and professionals who are already working in the field. It also encourages social support. Students often work together to solve problems, which is critical in developing valuable soft skills.

Is an accelerated program right for me?

While anyone would like to be finished with school sooner, accelerated learning isn't for everyone. Ask yourself about your time management skills, your commitments outside of school, and your ability to juggle tasks. Although it can be difficult to study at an accelerated pace, it can also be very rewarding.

Interested in jumpstarting your career as a physical therapy assistant? Earn your Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assisting from ECPI University on our accelerated schedule. Contact one of our friendly admissions counselors today to start the conversation.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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