How to become a Physical Therapist after going to a 2 year program for physical Therapy assistance?

Question

I start taking a Physical Therapy Assistance program Aug. 18th at my local community college and was wondering what all I would have to do to become an actual Physical Therapist AFTER doing the 2 year program? Will I just have to transfer to a 4 year college after taking the program, or is there much more to it than that?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, as a PTA, you will not make any progress towards the PT degree.  You must start at "square one" like any other college freshman. After you graduate from the PTA program, you will need to attend a 4 year university and first obtain your BS in any given field, but must also complete all the prerequisite courses.  This generally involves a lot of biology, psychology, chemistry and physics at  levels that are not offered at the PTA level.  After that, then you can apply to a graduate level PT program which is typically another 3 years.  

So if you really have your heart set on becoming a PT, I would seriously consider dropping the PTA program and go straight to a BS degree and work on your prerequisites.  The path you've currently chosen could take you 8-9 years instead of the standard 6-7.