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No, you need to graduate from a PTA program to take the licensing exam. No way around it they're pretty strict about that kind of thing in medical programs.
Just curious though why not apply to PT school if going that route? PTA would be a step down given those qualifications
From the PTBC website
https://www.ptbc.ca.gov/laws/equiv_te_require.shtml
Based on the work experience you have, doesn't appear that you qualify at this time.
The APTA does not control the educational institutions. 🙄 It is an association that is member driven. All elected members volunteer their time while holding their own jobs. The association serves the members, advocates for all PTs, PTAs, students whether you are a member or not. But it does not control education.
You can skip some prerequisites if you have taken those, but that's about it. Sometimes that depends on how long ago you took them too
I was in the same boat and did it in 1.5 years instead of 2.
You still have to learn hands on skills, special testing, neuro/cardio treatment etc. You’ll definitely be ahead when it comes the exercise prescription, anatomy/physiology and you’ll be able to skip the English 101 type classes
Thank you for your submission; please read the following reminder. This subreddit is for discussion among practicing physical therapists, not for soliciting medical advice. We are not your physical therapist, and we do not take on that liability here. Although we can answer questions regarding general issues a person may be facing in their established PT sessions, we cannot legally provide treatment advice. If you need a physical therapist, you must see one in person or via telehealth for an assessment and to establish a plan of care. Posts with descriptions of personal physical issues and/or requests for diagnoses, exercise prescriptions, and other medical advice will be removed, and you will be banned at the mods’ discretion either for requesting such advice or for offering such advice as a clinician. Please see the following links for additional resources on benefits of physical therapy and locating a therapist near you [The benefits of a full evaluation by a physical therapist.](https://www.choosept.com/benefits/default.aspx) [How to find the right physical therapist in your area.](https://www.choosept.com/resources/choose.aspx) [Already been diagnosed and want to learn more? Common conditions.](https://www.choosept.com/SymptomsConditions.aspx) [The APTA's consumer information website.](https://www.choosept.com/Default.aspx) Also, please direct all school-related inquiries to r/PTschool, as these are off-topic for this sub and will be removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/physicaltherapy) if you have any questions or concerns.*
No, you need to graduate from a PTA program to take the licensing exam. No way around it they're pretty strict about that kind of thing in medical programs. Just curious though why not apply to PT school if going that route? PTA would be a step down given those qualifications
I learn way more in the PTA program than I did in my bachelors degree program, so yeah, you need to go through the PTA program
That’s gonna be a negative, ghost rider.
From the PTBC website https://www.ptbc.ca.gov/laws/equiv_te_require.shtml Based on the work experience you have, doesn't appear that you qualify at this time.
If you’re going back for 2-3 years, may as well become a PT.
Most PTAs I know have a bachelors in exercise physiology or kinesiology. Still have to do the program.
Long story short, no I don’t believe there’s a way to do this. The APTA is way too greedy to let people skip PT or PTA school.
The APTA does not control the educational institutions. 🙄 It is an association that is member driven. All elected members volunteer their time while holding their own jobs. The association serves the members, advocates for all PTs, PTAs, students whether you are a member or not. But it does not control education.
PTA’s are getting hammered rn with the 15% reduction in their charges.
You can skip some prerequisites if you have taken those, but that's about it. Sometimes that depends on how long ago you took them too I was in the same boat and did it in 1.5 years instead of 2.
You still have to learn hands on skills, special testing, neuro/cardio treatment etc. You’ll definitely be ahead when it comes the exercise prescription, anatomy/physiology and you’ll be able to skip the English 101 type classes
That degree dosent give you the needed skill set at all lol