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Physical Therapy Associate Degree Programs
Physical Therapy Associate Degree Programs
Associate's degree programs related to physical therapy prepare students to work as physical therapy assistants or to pursue further schooling to become a physical therapist. Learn about the curriculum of pre-physical therapy associate's degree programs, licensure, career outlook and whether the program can be completed online.
What Does the Physical Therapy Degree Involve?
An associate's degree program in physical therapy prepares you to work as a physical therapy assistant. You'll learn to treat patients with both ongoing illnesses and temporary injuries and to assist them in the rehabilitation process. It's therefore important that you enjoy working with others on a daily basis and that you're able to remain sensitive to the needs of a variety of individuals. An associate's degree program also will prepare you to apply to a physical therapy bachelor's degree program, if you wish to eventually become a physical therapist.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>A.S. Programs</b></td><td> Prepare you to become a physical therapy assistant and apply to a physical therapy bachelor's degree program</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Biology, organic chemistry, human anatomy, physiology and exercise</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Outlook</b></td><td> Work available in specific fields of physical therapy: sports injuries, pediatrics, geriatrics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensure</b></td><td> Requirements vary by state, though most physical therapy assistants must take the National Physical Therapy Exam</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Becoming a Physical Therapist</b></td><td> Bachelor's and master's degree required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Programs</b></td><td> Online physical therapy A.S. degrees not available, but extra courses can be completed <br/> Computer, internet connection, Adobe Flash Player and speakers often required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>29% growth (<i>for physical therapist assistants and aides</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$49,970 (<i>for physical therapist assistants and aides</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatClassesWillITake">What Classes Will I Take?</h3><p>Understanding human anatomy is a vital component of a physical therapy degree program since you'll be helping patients regain their mobility through exercise and stretches. General math, science and writing requirements also make up a large portion of the coursework. Typical physical therapy undergraduate classes include:
</p><ul><li>Biology
</li><li>Organic chemistry
</li><li>Human anatomy
</li><li>Physiology and exercise
</li><li>Algebra
</li><li>Behavioral science
</li><li>Psychology
</li><li>Basic English composition
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do with My Degree?</h3><p>With your associate's degree in physical therapy, you can go on to become a physical therapy assistant. You also can work in a specific field of physical therapy, like sports injuries, pediatrics or geriatrics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the field of physical therapy assistance was predicted to grow 33% from 2019-2029, which was a much faster rate than other job sectors (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The BLS reported that physical therapist assistants earned a median salary of $59,770 per year in 2020.
</p><p>According to the BLS, physical therapist assistants usually must take the National Physical Therapy Exam. There are also specific licensure requirements for physical therapist assistants, which vary by state. If you wish to advance and become a physical therapist, you will need to earn your bachelor's and master's degree in physical therapy.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnThisDegreeOnline">Can I Earn This Degree Online?</h3><p>Online physical therapy associate degree programs are not available, but some schools do allow you to take online courses as part of a physical therapy program. You can check for online course offerings each semester on school websites. In addition to a computer with Internet access, technical requirements for online classes often include Adobe Flash Player and speakers.</p>
