Online Physical Therapy Assistant Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

Physical therapy assistants aid physical therapists by providing a variety of treatments to patients with a physical injury or disability. Degree programs for physical therapy assistants are offered in hybrid formats at the associate level.

How to Select an Online Physical Therapy Assistant School

Program Type

There are only a few available programs offered through distance education that lead to a professional degree in physical therapy. Distance education programs for physical therapy assistants are offered through in hybrid or low-residency program. A hybrid program features online courses, but also requires students to spend at least part of the time on campus where students have a chance to complete lab reviews and field examinations.

Technical Requirements

Online degree programs require fast Internet speed to accommodate the download of course materials and the transmission of media files like video or live streaming. Students must have access to a fast online network with a DSL or a cable connection. Students are expected to spend at least 20 hours per week studying, reading and reviewing online course materials. Up-to-date operating systems and browsers are also necessary.

Accreditation

Physical therapy assistants must hold an associate's degree. Programs accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association are designed to prepare students for a professional licensing exam.

Licensure

In addition to completing an accredited program, students may want to consider a program that prepares them to pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam. Although not all States require a license, many employers may prefer to hire certified or licensed physical therapy assistants.

Online Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

Associate Degrees for Physical Therapist Assistants

The online curriculum for physical therapy assistants is designed for a 2-year full-time or 3-year part-time schedule. The curriculum includes general liberal arts electives in English and math, as well as major specific courses in biology, psychology, human anatomy and physiology. Core requirements include pathophysiology and clinical neurology.
Since hybrid programs contain a mandatory on-campus residency requirement, hands-on courses such as the introduction to physical therapist practice course and introductory lab courses are offered on-campus. In addition to the on-campus course requirement, students enrolled in the online program must complete a clinical residency program usually during the last semester of their studies. After a successful completion of the program, students qualify for the state-licensing exam.