What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
A physical therapist assistant (PTA) works under a physical therapist to help patients improve movement, manage pain, and regain function. They work directly with patients, guiding them through exercises, massages, or stretches to complete their treatment plans. PTAs often work in hospitals, clinics, or schools and must pass a licensure exam to work.
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Physical Therapist Assistant Introduction
The PTA program at BYU-Idaho is a fully accredited program that prepares students to pass the national licensure exams. The program is application based, and you must complete the prerequisites before you may apply to be one of the twenty students admitted. If you’re accepted into the PTA program, you will have another four semesters of classes and externships that will equip you with the knowledge you need to work under a physical therapist.
As a student in the physical therapist assistant program, you will:
- Learn to work effectively under a physical therapist
- Study principles of rehabilitation and quality care
- Become a life long learner and skilled professional
- Understand proper therapeutic and clinical procedures
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Graduate Career-Ready
BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries
Graduates enter a high-demand healthcare field with a competitive average national salary of $65,000, while local Idaho positions offer an average of $62,500. This program provides a clear path to a stable and financially rewarding career in just two years.
Common Career Paths
Prepare for life-changing roles in diverse settings such as sports medicine clinics, pediatric centers, and neuro-rehabilitation facilities. You will graduate fully equipped to pass your licensure exam and begin working as a vital member of a rehabilitation team under the direction of a physical therapist.
Preparation for Grad School
While this associate’s degree focuses on immediate licensure and career entry, it provides a strong clinical foundation for those eventually seeking advanced medical studies. Students wishing to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) can leverage their professional experience while completing additional required science prerequisites.
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Next Steps With BYU-Idaho
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