How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

A physical therapy assistant must earn a two-year degree in most states in order to work. Once the assistant has a degree, it is still possible to become a physical therapist by continuing to study. There are many settings where an assistant can work, including hospitals, rehab centers and home health.

1. Enroll in a physical therapy assistant program at a local college. Meet with an academic advisor to determine the best way to structure your classes. The program is usually 24 months; however, you can graduate early if you are able to take a larger course load.


2. Contact the licensing agency for the state once you graduate. Determine if you need to pass an examination in order to work in the state as a physical therapy assistant. You may also need to pass other exams, such as a CPR qualification test.


3. Look for work as a physical therapy assistant after you pass your exams. Use a search engine to find job websites, then look for assistant jobs in your area. Set up an interview with several therapy agencies, if possible. If you are willing to relocate, apply for a position that is out of the area. You can then decide which position to accept if you receive multiple offers.


4. Check in the Yellow Pages to find physical therapy agencies in your area. Call the agencies to find out if they are currently hiring any assistants. Prepare a resume to take with you when you apply with an agency for a position.


5. Call rehabilitation hospitals to look for work. Set up a time to meet with the human resources manager to discuss a position. Leave your contact information if the hospital is not hiring therapy assistants at the present time. Find out if other hospitals in the area have any openings for therapy assistants or leave your resume on file.