How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in New York

New York physical therapist assistants are educated and licensed clinicians.

They work under the direct supervision and direction of licensed physical therapists.

The state defines the duties and requirements to work as a physical therapist assistant in New York in Article 136.

Any person who is not licensed is not permitted to work as a physical therapist assistant.

Completing the state requirements leads prospective physical therapist assistants on a path to a rewarding career.

Several New York schools offer accredited physical therapist assistant programs.

The median salary for physical therapist assistants in New York is well above the national median salary.

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in New York

Educated and licensed physical therapist assistants collaborate with physical therapists to implement some of the components of the patient’s care.

They obtain data and provide feedback to the licensed physical therapist.

New York physical therapist assistants work with patients to help them restore their function and to reduce their pain.

Physical therapist assistants complete the required steps to become licensed in the state of New York.

They must complete all the steps before working as a physical therapist assistant.

Complete the Educational Requirements

New York’s Education Law, Title 8, Article 136, § 6740 indicates that physical therapist assistant applicants must submit proof of their completion of a two-year physical therapist assistant college program.

The only exception to completing a two-year program is that completion of another physical therapist assistant program must be an “equivalent in accordance with the commissioner’s regulations.”

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is the accrediting body for physical therapist assistant programs.

Submit a Licensure Application

The next step to becoming a physical therapist assistant in New York is to apply for physical therapist assistant licensure.

Applicants submit their license application, transcripts, proof of clinical hours, and completion of a criminal background check.

The application and documents are submitted to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions.

Pass the Licensing Exam

New York physical therapist assistant applicants must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE-PTA).

They take the exam after receiving approval of their licensure application.

The New York Physical Therapist Assistant exam measures the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of physical therapy principles and practices.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in New York

LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College students who choose the Associate of Applied Science Physical Therapist Assistant program as their major start their education in the pre-clinical phase.

Students apply for candidacy to the technical phase of the two-year program.

Progressing into the technical phase is a competitive process.

Some courses include Therapeutic Procedures, Functional Gait Training Skills, and Clinical Education and Seminar.

The tuition is $2,400 per semester for full-time students.

Suffolk County Community College

Students enrolled in the four-semester Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Applied Science program at Suffolk County Community College learn data collection, therapeutic exercises, and how to use specialized equipment.

They learn other tasks that are performed by physical therapist assistants.

Students take classroom courses and engage in clinical experiences.

Courses include Clinical Kinesiology, Biophysical Agents, and Manual Therapy Interventions.

Tuition for New York residents is $235 per credit hour.

Genesee Community College

The Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Applied Science degree program offered at Genesee Community College focuses on preparing students to work as competent physical therapist assistants.

The two-year program features a combination of classwork, hands-on lab experiences, and onsite internship opportunities.

Sample courses include Kinesiology, Applied Neurology, and Physical Therapy Interventions.

The tuition is $215 per credit hour.

Kingsborough Community College

Students who are enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Applied Science program at Kingsborough Community College enjoy the benefit of a state-of-the-art dedicated learning suite.

It features up-to-date instructional aids, computers, and physical therapy equipment.

Students complete 16 weeks of full-time clinical education in addition to classwork in the rigorous, selective program.

Some courses include Foundations of Physical Therapy, Therapeutic Exercise, and Modalities and Procedures.

The tuition is $210 per credit hour.

Herkimer College

The two-year Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Applied Science program at Herkimer College graduates skilled, ethical, and honest practitioners.

The university boasts a 100 percent first-time pass rate on board exams.

All class of 2023 graduates were employed within six months of graduation.

Courses include Introduction to Rehabilitation, Clinical Procedures – Data Collection, and Clinical Procedures – Complex Interventions.

The tuition is $189 per credit hour.

Salary

The U.S. median salary for physical therapist assistants is $63,701.

The state of New York has a median salary of $67,901, well above the national average.

Salary depends on several factors, such as the setting and the city where a physical therapist assistant works.

One example is that the median salary for physical therapist assistants in Greenwich, NY is $64,301, while the average salary in Poughkeepsie is $68,601.

Regional Salary in New York