How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Florida

Hey, if you’re interested in helping people while also having an exciting healthcare career, becoming a physical therapy assistant, or PTA, is a great option to consider.

As a PTA, you’ll work with physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and feel better.

Florida is a wonderful place to do this important job too, since there are many older folks and a busy medical system here.

Let me tell you the steps to becoming a PTA in Florida.

How to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant in Florida, Step by Step

Educational Requirements

The minimum educational requirement to work as a physical therapist assistant in Florida is earning an associate’s degree from an accredited PTA program, which typically takes two years of full-time study.

Students complete prerequisite courses in subjects like biology, anatomy, psychology, and math before applying.

They can then take academic classes on topics such as kinesiology and therapeutic procedures, along with clinical education, which involves hands-on training under a PT’s supervision in various clinical settings.

Many accredited programs in Florida are offered at community and state colleges around the state, and while an associate’s is sufficient for licensing, some students choose to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree.

Licensure Requirements in Florida

Once you finish your degree, it’s time to get licensed to work officially as a PTA.

This means taking and passing the national exam called the NPTE.

You also need to submit your transcripts and fill out paperwork to get approval in Florida.

With your license, you’re good to go for a career!

Clinical Experience in Florida

Hospitals, rehab centers, and clinics are where you’ll get hands-on practice as part of your schooling.

It’s worthwhile because you learn how to help people under the guidance of a mentor.

Seeing different medical settings, like pediatrics and orthopedics, is also interesting.

The experience prepares you well for the working world.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Florida

There are a few great colleges around Florida that offer PTA programs.

Florida Gateway College

Also called FGC, has a program that takes about two years in total.

In the first year, or “Phase 1,” you’ll do your prerequisite classes.

Then, in the last 3 semesters, or “Phase 2,” you focus on physical therapy, plus a clinical rotation at the end.

Tuition and other costs, like books for the whole FGC program, come out to around $12,667.

Eastern Florida State College

Has a 24-month associate’s degree PTA program that teaches you about preventing injuries and maintaining overall wellness, not just treatment.

Classes include lectures, labs where you practice skills, and clinical experience at real facilities.

Tuition and fees are estimated at $10,000.

The State College of Florida

In Manatee-Sarasota is a third option.

Their 24-month program covers different areas of physical therapy, so you learn versatility.

Like the other schools, you get academic learning plus applying it during practice placements.

Tuition rates at the State College of Florida are set each year for fall, spring, and summer.

For the typical 2-year associate’s degree, you’d need 60-64 credits.

In-state residents pay around $102-112 per credit hour, depending on whether it’s a lower or upper-level class.

Out-of-state students pay a bit more, like $386-442 per credit hour.

No matter which of these schools you choose, all three will give you a solid education to become a licensed physical therapy assistant through hands-on learning and classroom studying.

Continuing Education in Florida

Maintaining your license as a PTA in Florida means continuing your education even after you graduate.

It is important to keep learning new techniques and staying current on changes in the field of physical therapy.

Florida requires PTAs to participate in ongoing classes, seminars, or other activities.

Some options for continuing education credits include taking extra courses related to your PTA work through a college.

You could also attend workshops held by physical therapy organizations.

These might go over new treatments, equipment updates, or topics like caring for special populations.

Another way is by writing articles for PT publications or by teaching/speaking at conferences.

The goal of continuing education is to always improve your skills and keep assisting patients at your best.

Salary and Career Outlook in Florida

With an aging population and more focus on rehab and movement in Florida, jobs for PTAs are projected to grow nicely here.

Your paycheck will depend a little on your experience level, location, and workplace setting.

PTAs earn approximately $79.972 per year in Florida.

Regional Salary in Florida