A physical therapist assistant (PTA) plays a critical role in helping people regain their mobility following limitations caused by surgery, injury, or illness.
One needs a strong understanding of the normal functioning of the human body to become a successful PTA.
In Louisiana, the demand for physical therapist assistants is growing, and this is a fulfilling career to pursue.
If you want to join the healthcare sector as a PTA, there are certain things you should know.
This guide examines the steps you should take to become a physical therapist assistant in Louisiana.
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How to Become a Physical Assistant in Louisiana: Step-by-Step Approach
The Louisiana Physical Therapy Board (LBPT) is responsible for licensing and regulating physical therapist professionals in Louisiana.
The following are the steps you should take to become a PTA in this state.
Meet all The Basic Requirements
To be eligible to train as a PTA in Louisiana, you must be a U.S. citizen and over 19 years old.
Additionally, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent and have good moral character.
Complete PTA Degree
All prospective physical therapist assistants must complete a Physical Therapy Assistant degree offered by an institution accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Students can either obtain an Associate of Applied Science or an Associate of Science in Physical Therapists from different accredited colleges in Louisiana.
The program covers theoretical coursework and clinical experience.
The student must complete 16 weeks of clinical experience to gain hands-on experience in the field of physical therapy.
Apply for a License to Practice as a PTA
When you complete your two-year associate’s degree, the next step is to apply for Licensure by examination.
All students must pass the national PTA examination to obtain a license to practice as a PTA in Louisiana.
The fee for a one-year license is $200, and you must submit your application together with a six-month-old passport photo.
When you sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), you must obtain a pass mark of between 93% and 100%.
Prometric testing centers in Louisiana are found in Alexandria, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, Bossier City, and Metairie.
Students can obtain a handbook from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to prepare for their exams.
Alternatively, you can apply for a temporary license to practice as a PTA in Louisiana while you wait to write your exam.
You will be requested to meet the board representative in person once your license application has been approved.
Complete the LPTB application online and submit it together with details of your education.
Prepare for an Interview
All prospective PTAs must be interviewed by a qualified LPTB representative before they begin work.
You can apply for a two-year renewal license but need to complete about 30 hours of continuing courses or education activities.
To renew your license, you must have at least two hours of Ethics or professionalism, two hours of jurisprudence, and about 18 hours of clinical preventive training.
Your continuing education should also cover administrative topics, home study, online courses, or other forms of distance learning.
It is important to keep all the records for continuing education activities to be able to renew your license. Your PTA license must be renewed by April 30 every year.
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Louisiana
There are few CAPTE-accredited PTA schools in Louisiana.
The following are some of the institutions you can consider to pursue your PTA program.
Bossier Parish Community College PTA Program Details
Tuition and fees are reviewed at the start of each term, and they are determined by the student’s enrollment status and the number of hours they are enrolled per semester.
Some courses can attract additional charges like course materials.
A student undertaking between one and 12 credit hours is charged $138.96 per credit hour.
The course is completed in two years.
Delgado Community College
Students at Delgado Community College should complete at least 40 hours of classroom instruction per week.
This should also cover clinical education.
Students also need to attend clinics around New Orleans to gain hands-on experience.
For a two-year PTA program, the average cost is $4,078 per year, which means you need about $8,000 to complete the entire course.
Louisiana College
This PTA program costs an annual average of $28, 540 and it takes two years to complete.
You need to check with the institution about other requirements that can contribute to the total cost.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
This PTA program takes five semesters to complete, and students must also undertake clinical work in outpatient or inpatient settings.
Only 26 students are enrolled in the program per year, so they get individualized support and attention.
For 108 credit hours, the student is supposed to pay an average of $91,959.70.
Top 4 Schools in Louisiana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bossier Parish Community College | 6220 E Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111, United States |
| Delgado Community College | 615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States |
| Louisiana College | 1140 College Dr, Pineville, LA 71360, United States |
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | 5414 Brittany Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, United States |
Salary for a Physical Therapist Technician in Louisiana
A physical therapist assistant earns an average salary of $62,201 in Louisiana.
The salary ranges between $56,601 and $68,101 in this state.
Factors that determine the salary for a PTA include location, experience, education, skills, and certifications.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Physical Therapist Assistants in Louisiana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $62,301 |
| Baton Rouge | $59,801 |
| Shreveport | $58,501 |
| Lafayette | $58,101 |
| Lake Charles | $57,701 |
| Kenner | $62,301 |
| Bossier City | $58,501 |
| Monroe | $57,301 |
| Alexandria | $56,401 |
| New Iberia | $57,701 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 50 | $47,770 | $22.97 | $81,620 | $21,790 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 240 | $57,990 | $27.88 | $85,220 | $23,660 |
| Hammond, LA | 60 | $45,690 | $21.97 | $75,270 | $21,860 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 50 | $55,760 | $26.81 | $89,240 | $22,350 |
| Lafayette, LA | 130 | $51,410 | $24.72 | $80,660 | $22,150 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 90 | $49,870 | $23.98 | $79,860 | $22,560 |
| Monroe, LA | 60 | $51,530 | $24.77 | $80,900 | $22,270 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 310 | $59,890 | $28.79 | $84,250 | $23,840 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 200 | $59,920 | $28.81 | $79,640 | $28,370 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Bottom Line
Becoming a physical therapist assistant in Louisiana is a noble idea since it allows you to make a difference in someone’s life.
Furthermore, a career in the field of physical therapy offers a competitive salary, and it comes with unlimited job opportunities.
If you are interested in joining this profession, you can follow the steps above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a PTA in Louisiana?
You must be a US citizen with good morals and should be more than 19 years of age.
You need to complete a PTA program from an accredited institution, which usually takes two years or five semesters.
What can I do with a PTA degree in Louisiana?
With an associate’s degree in PTA, you can work in different healthcare settings including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
PTAs help patients regain their mobility by offering therapy treatments, monitoring patient progress, and conducting exercises.
PTAs also collaborate with other healthcare officials.
Do you need a license to practice as a PTA in Louisiana?
Yes, you must obtain a license after completing your PTA program.
All students must write a national examination to be licensed to practice as physical therapist assistants.
