Korey Blanchard Unit 7 Objective 2 Comparing elements of education of a PT and a PTA

What is a PT /PTA? “A PT is a therapist who treats injury or dysfunction with exercises and other physical treatments of the disorder.” wordnetweb. princeton.edu/perl/webwn “A PTA is a person who, under the supervision of a physical therapist, assists in carrying out patient treatment programs, providing treatment that improves mobility, relieves pain, and prevents or lessens physical disabilities of patients. An assistant usually has an associate's degree and in some states is licensed.” thefreedictionary.com

Level of education required for PT’s There are 2 degree levels for Physical Therapy Physical Therapist Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) or Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT)

Level of education required for PTA’s Physical therapist assistant education programs are offered at the associate degree level.

Curriculum for DPT “The length of professional DPT programs is typically 3 years. Primary content areas in the curriculum may include, but are not limited to, biology/anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, ethics/values, management sciences, finance, sociology, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, cardiovascular and pulmonary, endocrine and metabolic, and musculoskeletal. Eighty percent (80%) of the DPT curriculum comprises classroom (didactic) and lab study and the remaining 20 percent (20%) is dedicated to clinical education. PT students spend on average 27.5 weeks in their final clinical experience.”

Curriculum for PTA “The length of a PTA program is typically 2 years (5 semesters) consisting of general education course, physical therapy courses, and clinical education. Primary physical therapy content areas in the curriculum may include, but are not limited to, anatomy & physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, clinical pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, and ethics/values. Approximately seventy-five percent (75%) of the PTA curriculum comprises classroom (didactic) and lab study and the remaining 25 percent (25%) is dedicated to clinical education. PT students spend on average 16 weeks in full-time clinical education experiences.”

Interesting Information Upon researching the differences between the education of a PT vs. a PTA, I came across a website that states that a DPT degree costs an average 100K and close to 7 years to obtain; A PTA degree is a 2 year program with an estimated costs of 15K.

Available PT/PTA programs in Utah Physical Therapy University of Utah, Doctorate Degree Physical Therapy Assistant Salt Lake Community College, Associates Degree Dixie State College, Associates Degree Provo College, Associates Degree

References wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn thefreedictionary.com assistant/PTA-vs-PT-Physical-Therapy-long- term-career/t207733