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Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Texas – TX

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 18 2010

Education for Physical Therapy Assistants in Texas

Texas is known for being the “big” state. There are lots of people and many large cities. This state is a very desirable place to live given its relatively low cost of living and the amenities of tourist attractions all around. The population of Americans is aging nationwide and this is no exception in Texas. As this population ages there is an always increasing need for qualified and trained health care professionals. Physical therapy assistants play an important role in health care delivery, as physical therapists continue to use these professionals at increasing rates. In fact the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics recent data indicates that the physical therapy assistant profession will grow at a rate of 35% through 2018. This is an astounding figure, showing that this profession is rapidly growing comparing to employment statistics as a whole, throughout the nation. On top of that, Texas is the third highest paying state for the physical therapy assisting professional. If you are considering a career in physical therapy assisting (PTA) and you are a resident of Texas, it would be a great choice for you.

Physical therapy assistants are professionals who have completed a two-year long educational program, likely with an associate’s degree from an accredited body for physical therapy assistant. The physical therapy assistant programs are competitive so it is important that you are a dedicated student and take all college coursework seriously. In Texas you are required to have completed this education through physical therapy assistant schools as well as pass the national licensing examination. As well you need to complete a course on the laws and rules governing the profession in the state of Texas and then pass the jurisprudence examination that follows.

Continuing Education

As a practicing physical therapy assistant you will want to keep current on the laws and rules as well as things that are changing about your profession. Continuing education allows you the opportunity to  learn if laws are changing in Texas or if new technology is going to help you do your job better. No matter what, continuing education is important. You should look at continuing education as an opportunity to learn and not a burden of your profession. In Texas you are required, as a physical therapy assistant, to gain 20 contact hours every 2 years in continuing education. Every renewal period you must also take and pass the Texas jurisprudence examination for physical therapy assisting professionals. Your license will expire every two years and will be required to furnish the documentation showing completed continuing education and passing of the jurisprudence examination in order to be granted a renewal.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Physical Therapy Assistants in Houston, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Laredo, Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas 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 Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Hermann Hospital, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital and Baylor Medical Centers.