How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oregon

An essential part of the healthcare professional team, the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), is trained to work as a team under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

A PTA’s immediate focus is to help deliver rehabilitative care to individuals with physical limitations, injuries, or disabilities.

Their role encompasses various responsibilities to improve patients’ mobility, relieve pain, and enhance overall physical function.

Physical Therapist Assistant Responsibilities and Duties

Playing a vital role within the healthcare team, while the exact duties and scope of practice for PTAs will vary, the main goal is to improve patients’ physical well-being through rehabilitative interventions.

PTAs aid the rehabilitation process by implementing treatment plans developed by physical therapists.

This includes performing exercises, stretches, and other therapeutic interventions that align with the goals outlined in the treatment plan.

They can also use modalities like heat, cold, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, as the supervising physical therapist prescribes.

Monitoring and documenting patient progress is crucial to a PTA’s role.

Regular communication with the supervising physical therapist helps ensure that interventions are practical and can be adjusted.

PTAs also play an essential role in educating patients about their conditions, home exercises, and treatment plans, fostering a collaborative approach to rehabilitation.

Besides hands-on interventions, PTAs assist with mobility training, teaching patients proper body mechanics, balance exercises, and gait training.

They may perform massage and soft tissue techniques to manage restrictions and reduce pain.

Patient safety is crucial, and PTAs practice proper techniques and safety precautions during treatment sessions.

PT Aide or PT Assistant?

Physical Therapy Aides: Requires a high school diploma/equivalency and receives on-the-job training.

The work often includes scheduling appointments, helping patients enter the treatment rooms, and physically maintaining the office.

Physical Therapy Assistants: Have an associate’s degree from an accredited program and are licensed or certified.

How to become a PT Assistant

Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oregon involves several steps, including education, clinical experience, and licensure.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oregon:

A two-year Associate’s Degree through a CAPTE-accredited program is needed.

These can be found at community colleges and universities.

Oregon has two programs: Lane Community College and Mt. Hood Community College.

Education

If you’re interested in a career as a PTA, a great place to start is by enrolling in a Physical Therapist Assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and working towards an associate degree.

Physical Therapist Assistant Programs

PTA programs include hands-on clinical experiences, where you’ll work as part of the healthcare team under the supervision of licensed physical therapists and practice practical skills in a clinical setting.

Graduating from an accredited PTA program with the required coursework and clinical training generally takes two years.

The National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs

Post graduation, candidates take the National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants (NPTE-PTA).

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the exam.

State Licensure

The next step is to apply for licensure with the Oregon Physical Therapy Licensing Board.

You’ll want to submit your official transcripts, proof of completing an accredited PTA program, and NPTE-PTA scores.

Take the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam (OR-JAM)

Candidates must pass the OR-JAM, a timed 90-minute exam of 50 multiple-choice questions.

A score of 80% or greater is necessary to pass. Cost: $48.00 for this computer-based, open-book exam.

Complete a Background Check

Oregon asks applicants to take a criminal background check as part of the licensure process.

Maintain Licensure

Congratulations on getting licensed. Keep up the great work, and keep your license up to date at the proper intervals.

Check licensure requirement changes by hitting the Oregon Physical Therapy Licensing Board website.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Oregon

Choosing a PTA School in Oregon

When selecting a PTA program in Oregon, consider:

• PTA School admission criteria
• Program size
• The passing rate of the National License test
• Costs and potential opportunities for financial aid

Oregon has 3 CAPTE-accredited PTA schools.

To get an Oregon PTA license, you must complete an accredited PTA program and pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam (NPTAE).

Accredited PTA Programs in Oregon

Lane Community College

Eugene, OR

Mt Hood Community College

Gresham, OR

Lane Community College Expansion Program

Grants Pass, OR

Working Together

Working together works! Consider joining professional organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to access resources and networking possibilities.

As regulations may change, check with the Oregon Physical Therapy Licensing Board for the most up-to-date and specific requirements.

Salary

Are you wondering how much a physical therapy assistant makes in Portland, OR?

The answer is $66,300 in 2023, but the range typically falls between $59,901 and $73,201, depending on education, certifications, supplemental skills, and length of professional experience.

Regional Salary in Oregon