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Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Oregon – OR

By Jennifer Williams, allied health world Contributing Writer
Published: January, 12 2010

Education and Degrees for Physical Therapy Assistants in Oregon

In order to become a licensed and credible physical therapy assistant in Oregon, it is imperative that you attain the entry-level education of an associate’s degree. The associate’s degree should not take more than two years of study; however, the information covered over that time should be quite thorough and meet all standards enforced by the CAPTE. Oregon does not allow the licensing of any student who does not at least complete an associate’s degree focused on physical therapy studies.

Most of the time, the educational plan of Oregon physical therapy assistant schools will include anatomical study, as well as the relation of the human anatomy to the functions of the body and the importance of physical therapy in each area. While one year of study will ultimately be dedicated to general education, the other year of the course will incorporate and teach physical therapy.

It is important that you make sure to check that the school you attend in accredited by CAPTE. If the school is not, it will make no difference as to how well the course was taught or what type of information was learned. The degree will simply not be accepted as a means for licensure in Oregon.

If you are interested in pursuing a specialty field in physical therapy, it may be worthwhile to consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree. While this degree certainly is not necessary, it can give you the educational foundation that you need to practice in a specific are of the career field.

 The State of Oregon: Physical Therapy Board follows up with all students requesting licensure by completing a thorough background check upon initial licensing. Not all states demand this type of information, but in Oregon, it is a procedural portion of the application process. The cost of the background check is included in the cost of the application.

In addition, upon renewal of a PTA license, the Board will conduct a criminal law check. This type of check is used to confirm that there are no outstanding lawsuits or issues that could warrant suspicion under the practice of physical therapy. This fee is also included in the cost of renewal.

Typical Earnings of a PTA in Oregon

In Oregon, most physical therapist assistants earn in the neighborhood of $64,000 per year.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Physical Therapy Assistants in Portland, Salem, Eugene and Gresham, Oregon may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Providence Saint Vincent Medical Center, Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, Sacred Heart Medical Center and Salem Hospital.

References:

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, www.fsbpt.org
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, www.apta.org
www.indeed.com
State of Oregon: Physical Therapist Licensing Board