Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Kentucky – KY

Kentucky has the fifth highest concentration of physical therapy assistants in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Last year there were 1,250 PTAs in the state making an average of $68,000 a year.

Although the state has over 4 million people, it is not very densely populated. Just two cities (Lexington and Louisville) have over 100,000 and even the state capital of Frankfurt has fewer than 30,000. What this means for PTA graduates is that the odds are good that they will work for a small practice or be the only PTA in their town. Physical therapists assistants may also consider working at one of Kentucky’s 238 nursing homes, which always have a need for healthcare support personnel like PTAs.

The PTA educational opportunities in Kentucky are good but very competitive. For example, one community college with 11,000 students only admits 20 PTA students each year. Although this means that getting into the program will require strong grade point averages and the right courses, it also means that a PTA degree from a Kentucky community or technical college will be of a high value.

Most of these programs can be completed in two years and, since typically half the courses are in general subjects---rather than medical or healthcare focused subject matter---students can sometimes transfer into the program having completed some time at another school or different program.  Note that in some cases, entering or transferring into the PTA program will require either completing or observing physical therapy in a clinical setting. In Kentucky, aspiring physical therapy assistants should check with individual schools to determine the courses that will make them stronger candidates.

Continuing Education Requirements/Licensure Renewal

Licenses for PTAs must be renewed every year. If you don’t renew by March 31, your license will expire and you’ll not be able to practice physical therapy until you are reinstated. The process for renewal is fairly simple and can be done either online or on a paper application you mail back in.

First, you must complete the mandatory, open book exam online at: https://secure.kentucky.gov/pt/jurisprudence

Then, unless you are exempted from doing so, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education including a two hour Jurisprudence Exam. Proof of completion along with a $100 must be sent to the state for review.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Physical Therapy Assistants in Louisville, Lexington and Owensboro, Kentucky may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including Norton Hospital, Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, and Owensboro Medical Health.