THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our History
    • Mission Statement
    • Executive Officers
    • Charter Members
    • AAPT Fellows
  • Membership
    • Member Benefits
    • Join the AAPT Today!
  • Education
    • Who Are PTs and PTAs?
    • PT & PTA Programs
    • DPT and PTA Student Resources >
      • Student Scholarships
      • Student Interest Form
    • Prospective Student Resources >
      • Stay Informed
    • PT and PTA Resources >
      • Continuing Education
      • Post-Professional Education
    • Recruitment Initiatives
  • AAPT Conferences
    • 2021 Conference
    • Past Conferences >
      • 2020 Virtual Conference >
        • Conference Slides
      • 2019 Conference >
        • 2019 Conference Program
      • 2018 AAPT Conference >
        • 2018 Conference Program
        • Handouts
      • 2017 AAPT Conference
      • 2016 AAPT Conference
      • Past Conferences Highlights
  • Research Updates
  • Career Center
    • Current Positions
    • Advertise With the AAPT
  • Contact the AAPT

WHO ARE PHYSICAL THERAPISTS AND PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS? ​

​Physical Therapists (PTs) are highly-educated and skilled, licensed health care professionals that practices with a foundation of science and research to improve the well-being patients to improve their mobility with education, physical and manual medicine. The Physical Therapist evaluates and determines the interventions needed to care for the patients. The Physical Therapist assistant cannot perform evaluations or alter the treatment plan designed by supervising Physical Therapist.

Physical Therapist Assistants(PTAs) are also licensed practitioners that work under the direction of Physical Therapists to carry the care of plan designed for the patient. The two work in tandem ensuring proper care for our patients.

Physical Therapist  practice in  the following areas: hospitals, outpatient centers, school setting for children, higher education, research entities/organizations, home  care, sports facilities, and industrial/work settings.


WHAT ARE THE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS TO BE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST AND PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT?

Physical Therapist typically obtain an undergraduate degree with intention of continuing on to an accredited professional graduate degree . The undergraduate degree must have the basic course requirements to apply to graduate program, most schools are the same but it would require investigation for each school for admission criteria.  Once the student completes the graduation requirements of the professional Physical Therapy program  one is eligible to  take the national licensure exam that allows them to practice. Currently, the majority of programs offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

Physical Therapy Assistants have to complete an entry-level Physical Therapist assistant education programs are offered at the associate degree level. A  Physical Therapist assistant program is 2 years (5 semesters) consisting of general education and Physical Therapy courses with following clinical education. The education received in Physical Therapy assistant school prepares them to understand the care plans that are set by the Physical Therapist.

FOR MORE PT/PTA SCHOOL INFORMATION GO TO THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION WEBSITE:
http://www.apta.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?navID=10737423273
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American Academy of Physical Therapy
14507 Saint Gregory Way
Accokeek, MD 20607
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