What is a Physical Therapy Technician?

A physical therapy technician, also known as a physical therapist assistant, is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Their primary responsibilities include assisting patients with various exercises and treatments, monitoring their progress, and providing feedback to the physical therapist. Physical therapy technicians play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process, helping patients regain their mobility, strength, and overall well-being.

Training Requirements

To become a physical therapy technician, you typically need to complete an associate's degree program in physical therapy assisting or a similar field. These programs are usually offered at community colleges or technical schools and can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months to complete. During the program, you'll learn about anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and various therapeutic techniques, as well as gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations.

What's the Fastest Someone Can Become a Physical Therapy Technician in Lakeland?

In Lakeland, the fastest way to become a physical therapy technician is to enroll in an accelerated program. These programs are designed for individuals who already have a background in healthcare or a related field and can be completed in as little as 12 to 15 months. These intensive programs cover the same curriculum as the standard associate's degree programs, but with a more condensed schedule and a focus on hands-on learning.

Physical Therapy Technician Classes in Lakeland

There are several schools in the Lakeland area that offer physical therapy technician classes and programs. Here are a few examples:

Polk State College

• Program: Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
• Length: 20 months
• Cost: Approximately $6,000 for in-state tuition and fees
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses, and a competitive application process
• Overview: Polk State College's Physical Therapist Assistant program provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of physical therapy. The curriculum includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and therapeutic techniques, as well as clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.

Southeastern University

• Program: Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
• Length: 24 months
• Cost: Approximately $27,000 for tuition and fees
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses, and a competitive application process
• Overview: Southeastern University's Physical Therapist Assistant program is designed to prepare students for a career as a physical therapy technician. The program includes a blend of classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical experiences, allowing students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care to patients.

Traviss Career Center

• Program: Physical Therapy Technician
• Length: 12 months
• Cost: Approximately $3,500 for tuition and fees
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, and a background in healthcare or a related field
• Overview: Traviss Career Center offers an accelerated physical therapy technician program that is designed for individuals who already have some healthcare experience. The program focuses on hands-on learning and prepares students to work as physical therapy technicians in a variety of healthcare settings.

Exploring a Career in Physical Therapy Technician Outside Lakeland

For anyone looking to become a Physical Therapy Technician but is in a different state, your opportunity to work as a Physical Therapy Technician might be found in Baton Rouge, Durham, Ogden, San Antonio, or Stockton. Should these not be viable options, Dreambound eases the process of discovering and comparing Physical Therapy Technician classes with a zip code-based search. With the drive to succeed and the support of resources like Dreambound, anyone can forge a successful path in health, no matter where they are.

Online and Free Options in Lakeland

While there are no fully online physical therapy technician programs available in Lakeland, some schools do offer hybrid or blended learning options, which combine online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations. Additionally, there are no free physical therapy technician programs in Lakeland, as these programs typically require tuition and fees to cover the cost of instruction, materials, and clinical experiences.

Certification Process

To become a certified physical therapy technician in Lakeland, you'll need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants. This exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and is required for licensure in the state of Florida. After passing the NPTE, you'll be eligible to apply for a state license, which is necessary to practice as a physical therapy technician in Lakeland.

Job Environment in Lakeland

Lakeland's growing healthcare industry provides ample job opportunities for physical therapy technicians. Some of the potential employers in the area include:

• Lakeland Regional Health System
• Watson Clinic
• Bartow Regional Medical Center
• AdventHealth Heartland Medical Center
• Lakeland VA Outpatient Clinic

These healthcare facilities offer a variety of settings for physical therapy technicians, such as inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. The job environment is typically fast-paced and collaborative, with physical therapy technicians working closely with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for patients.

Final Thoughts

Lakeland, Florida, is an excellent place to pursue a career as a physical therapy technician. With several training programs available in the area, aspiring professionals can choose the option that best fits their schedule and budget. Whether you're looking to become a physical therapy technician or are interested in exploring the job market and potential salaries, Lakeland offers a wealth of opportunities to help you achieve your goals.

Wondering if there's more? Perhaps these other articles will be more helpful if this one isn't exactly what you're after:

• Psychiatric Technician Training in Lakeland
• Healthcare Operator Training in Lakeland
• Medical Transcriptionist Training in Lakeland
• Registered Nurse Training in Lakeland
• Radiology Technician Training in Lakeland