Is Physical Therapist Assistant School Hard?

Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process post-surgery or injury. With the help of a physical therapist, a patient will learn how to strengthen their body, restore functionality, and avoid injuries down the road.

Physical therapists work with physical therapist assistants to help them manage their patients and work with them one on one. That’s where you come in. But is the schooling hard? Are the schools themselves difficult to enter? And what makes a PTA school so important? Here’s some more information about this exciting field and the education needed to join it.

What is PTA School Like?

Physical therapist assistant school is an intensive program focused on the human body, protecting it, and how to strengthen the body to help recover from an injury or surgery. The majority of classes use medical language and anatomical facts. Classes will focus on how the body works and how to strengthen certain areas of the body. As it’s an assistant program, the schooling also focuses on working with a physical therapist to provide the very best services to clients.

Beyond in-class assignments, you will also probably be required to complete an round of clinicals or an internship, where you can work in the field and get a taste for life as a physical therapist assistant. This important resume builder could help land you your first position out of school. It’s also common for facilities to hire their interns if they have the required openings. Making a great impression at clinicals is very important for getting a job in the future.

What Skills and Values Will Someone Need In Order to be Successful As a PTA?

The most important skill and value you can have in order to become a successful PTA is to enjoy working with others. You may only work with one or two people at a time, but you will always be in close quarters with them. Often helping them with moves and stretches while the physical therapist analyzes their condition. You may help provide support with walking exercises or you may simply be there to offer verbal support with what the patient is doing. The ability to be there both mentally and physically for patients is a valuable skill to be successful.

The ability to retain the knowledge you learn while in the PTA program is also important as you will learn a great deal. Your education will likely not end with the completion of the PTA program as you'll continually need to obtain certifications to increase your knowledge base. All of this is important and will help you succeed, but the ability to work with others and show compassion is essential.

How Can I Be Successful in PTA School?

There are many things you can do to learn everything you need to know before your graduation date. It’s always important to study hard, ask questions, and seek help when you run into a problem. It’s also important to do an externship or clinical. This will show you what working in the field is really like and help you to cultivate your own method of dealing with clients that is professional and compassionate.

Are you interested in becoming a PTA? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assisting, ECPI University offers this degree program at an accelerated rate. For more information, connect with a helpful ECPI University admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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