Physical therapy (PT) is an essential part of modern healthcare that helps individuals recover from injuries or illnesses that affect their ability to move and function. Physical therapy involves various techniques, exercises, and modalities to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are two healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive PT services. However, their roles and responsibilities are distinct, requiring different levels of education and training. We have PTAs at EW Motion Therapy who work with our PTs to provide exceptional client service. Even if you decide our services do not fit your needs, you can still read on as we compare the educational background and responsibilities of PTs vs. PTAs.
Educational background
A physical therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who has completed a graduate-level program in physical therapy, earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The DPT program typically takes three years to complete and includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy. After completing the DPT program, aspiring PTs must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and a state jurisprudence exam to become licensed to practice in their state.
A physical therapist assistant is an associate-level healthcare professional who has completed a two-year program in physical therapist assisting. This program includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, therapeutic exercise, and physical therapy modalities. PTAs also complete clinical rotations under the supervision of a licensed PT. After completing the program, PTAs must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs (NPTE-PTA) to become licensed to practice.
Responsibilities
Physical therapists are responsible for evaluating patients' conditions, developing treatment plans, and administering physical therapy services to promote healing and improve function. They use their anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics expertise to create individualized treatment plans, including exercise, manual therapy, modalities such as heat or cold, and education about injury prevention and self-care. Physical therapists collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to provide physical therapy services to patients. They assist in implementing treatment plans, administering therapeutic exercises, and performing modalities such as heat or cold therapy. PTAs also document patients' progress and report to the supervising physical therapist. However, PTAs can only perform evaluations or make changes to a patient's treatment plan with the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Can a PTA become a PT?
A physical therapist assistant (PTA) can become a physical therapist (PT), which requires additional education and training. To become a PT, a PTA must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program, which typically takes an extra two to three years of education beyond the PTA degree. DPT programs cover advanced coursework in physical therapy, including differential diagnosis, pharmacology, radiology, and advanced therapeutic interventions.
After completing a DPT program, PTAs must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensed as a PT. Some DPT programs may offer a "bridge program" or transitional DPT program designed explicitly for PTAs, which can accelerate becoming a PT. In addition to the educational requirements, PTAs seeking to become PTs must also have some clinical experience working as PTA. The requirements vary by state and program but typically range from 500 to 1,000 hours of clinical experience.
It's important to note that becoming a PT requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort and is not the right choice for everyone. However, for PTAs interested in advancing their careers and taking on greater responsibility, becoming a PT can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
What else do physical therapists do?
While physical therapists and assistants are essential in providing physical therapy services to patients, their responsibilities and educational backgrounds differ significantly. Physical therapists have completed a doctoral degree in physical therapy and are licensed to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, and administer physical therapy services. Physical therapist assistants have completed an associate degree in physical therapist assisting and work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to implement treatment plans, administer therapeutic exercises, and perform modalities. Together, they improve patients' function, enhance their quality of life, and encourage patients on their journey toward healing and wellness.
Physical therapy can be an excellent treatment option for many conditions affecting movement, like neurological disorders or chronic pain. We consider it a privilege at EW Motion Therapy to help our clients move, feel, and live better. If you are curious about what else physical therapy can do for you, click the button below to download our answers to 20 frequently-asked physical therapy questions.
