Physical Therapy Aide Certification

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

Physical therapy aides are required to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Students are advised to take health and science classes to enable them to understand the ensuing curriculum of a physical therapy aide training program.

Associate's Degree

Most states require therapy aides to have an associate's degree from a community or junior college accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Programs typically take 2 years to complete. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, curriculum will include classes in English, algebra, anatomy, psychology and physiology, biology, chemistry and medical vocabulary. Students also receive supervised clinical training in CPR, first aid and patient care in physical therapy treatment centers.

National Physical Therapy Exam

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the National Physical Therapy Exam for individuals who meet licensing qualifications and prerequisites. States vary in licensing requirements; once an individual has applied for licensing within his state of jurisdiction, the state will dictate the applicants eligibility. Once an applicant has been deemed eligible, he will be sent an Authorization To Test (ATT) from the FSBPT. Candidates must sit for the exam within 60 days after receiving their ATT. The cost for taking the National Physical Therapy Exam is $55.60.

Certification

Licensing is not federally required for a career as a physical therapy aide. Some states or employers will require physical therapy aides to become certified as proof of knowledge and expertise in the field. States vary in certification requirements. Individuals who wish to become certified will have to check within their state of jurisdiction for details.

On-the-Job Training

In addition to a comprehensive education in being a physical therapy aide, most aides receive the bulk of their training on the job under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

Salary

Physical therapy aides work in nursing homes, home health care, hospitals and doctor's offices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they earn an average of $23,760 per year.