According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas had about 1,100 licensed physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in 2012 practicing throughout the state.
The Department of Labor also projected that Kansas would witness an average growth rate of 28% from 2012 to 2022 translating to about 56 new jobs for physical therapist assistants.
These statistics show that pursuing a career as a physical therapist assistant is rewarding and fulfilling.
Physical therapist assistants work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health agencies.
If you want to make a difference in someone’s life, you can join this profession, but there are certain things you should know first.
This guide explores the steps you can take to become a physical therapist assistant in Kansas.
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How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Kansas Step-by-Step
If you want to become a physical therapist assistant in Kansas, you must qualify for licensing via the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.
Here are the step-by-step instructions you can follow to become a PTA.
Obtain a GED or High School Diploma
First and foremost, it is imperative to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible to obtain a qualification as a physical therapist assistant in Kansas.
A strong background in anatomy and science gives you an added advantage, though not compulsory.
Apply for a PTA Program Accredited by CAPTE
All Physical Therapist Assistant degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and approved by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.
Do your research first before choosing a PTA school or studying online.
Various community colleges and universities in Kansas offer two-year associate degree programs in physical therapy.
Be sure to choose a school that offers an associate degree program accredited by CAPTE.
Prospective PTA candidates in Kansas can choose between the following two degree options:
- Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Science (AS)
- Physical Therapists Assistant Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Candidates may also be expected to undergo a 24-hour observation of physical therapy clinical practice under the guidance of a licensed PTA or PT to be considered for admission.
A PTA program should cover conventional coursework and clinical work: the common courses covered by different schools include the following:
- Functional Musculoskeletal Anatomy
- Medical terminology
- Neuromuscular rehabilitation
- Clinical Kinesiology
- Pathophysiology for rehabilitation
- Orthopaedic rehabilitation
- Written communication
Students enrolled in the PTA program should complete a two-year or five-semester associate’s degree.
The degree program consists of 75% coursework and 25% clinical work that involves 9-16 full-time credit hours that take place in a hospital setting, nursing home, or outpatient center.
Clinical work is meant to help students gain hands-on experience in physical therapy.
Apply for PTA Licensing
All prospective physical therapist assistants in Kansas must pass the national PTA exam to get a license to practice.
However, you can submit your application for licensure first to the Kansas Board of Healing Arts before writing your examination.
You can download the application form or complete it online and pay a non-refundable licensing fee of $80.
If you obtain your PTA associate’s degree, but you have not written your National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), you can practice using a temporary permit.
However, a temporary permit is valid for 90 days. The licensing process usually takes between four and eight weeks.
Begin Your Career
Once you obtain a license to practice as a physical therapist assistant in Kansas, you can start looking for a job in the healthcare sector.
A license approved by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts is required for one to practice as a PTA in different healthcare settings including hospitals, sports medicine clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.
Maintain Your License
One way of maintaining your license is to continue your education to gain more credits.
You should renew your physical therapist assistant license annually.
The license expires every year on December 31, and the renewal fee is $70.
When renewing your license, be sure to provide evidence indicating that you have completed at least 20 hours of continuing education.
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Kansas
There are five CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant schools in Kansas including the following:
Colby Community College
This institution offers a PTA associate degree or bachelor’s degree program that takes five semesters or two to two and half years to complete for one to become a physical therapist assistant.
The average tuition for this program is $7,816.
Hutchinson Community College
The PTA program at Hutchinson Community College can be completed in five semesters or two years.
It costs around $7000 to complete the course.
Labette Community College
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Labette Community College costs $7,816, and it can be completed in five semesters.
Depending on the program you choose, you can complete the course in two and a half years.
Kansas City Kansas Community College
In five semesters or two and half years, you will complete your PTA program at Kansas City Kansas College.
The program costs around $7000.
Washburn University of Topeka
The program costs around $7,000, and it can be completed in five semesters.
It is important to first contact each school that offers PTA programs in Kansas to get a breakdown of the costs of education.
You cannot get financial aid to pursue this course.
Top 5 Schools in Kansas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Colby Community College | 1255 S Range Ave, Colby, KS 67701, United States |
| Hutchinson Community College | 1300 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501, United States |
| Labette Community College | 200 S 14th St, Parsons, KS 67357, United States |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College | 7250 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112, United States |
| Washburn University of Topeka | 1700 SW College Ave, Topeka, KS 66621, United States |
Salary for Physical Therapist Assistant in Kansas
The average salary for a physical therapist assistant in the United States is $65,401, and the range is between $59,501 and $71,601.
In Kansas, a Physical Therapy Assistant earns an average salary of $62,301, and the range falls between $56.701 and $68,201.
Salary for a PTA is determined by factors like education, location, experience, and other relevant skills.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Physical Therapist Assistants in Kansas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Wichita | $60,001 |
| Overland Park | $62,201 |
| Kansas City | $62,401 |
| Topeka | $58,901 |
| Olathe | $62,101 |
| Lawrence | $60,101 |
| Shawnee | $62,201 |
| Salina | $59,401 |
| Manhattan | $58,301 |
| Hutchinson | $59,401 |
Regional Salary in Kansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan, KS | 30 | $60,520 | $29.09 | $72,800 | $47,700 |
| Topeka, KS | 110 | $59,950 | $28.82 | $69,530 | $51,200 |
| Wichita, KS | 160 | $61,370 | $29.5 | $75,470 | $47,850 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Bottom Line
Becoming a physical therapist assistant in Kansas is satisfying since this career offers several job opportunities and a competitive salary.
The increasing demand for physical therapist assistants in Kansas makes it a good idea to join the profession.
By following the steps above, you can make a difference in someone’s life, and you can get a job in different healthcare settings including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and healthcare agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you become a physical therapist assistant in Kansas?
Becoming a PTA in Kansas is an excellent way of joining the healthcare industry in only two years.
While a PTA is different from a physical therapist, the career offers a competitive salary, it is self-fulfilling.
What is the role of a physical therapist assistant in Kansas?
A physical therapist assistant provides care to physically disabled people to help them recover, gain strength, and improve mobility.
However, these professionals should work under the supervision of licensed and experienced therapists.
Where do physical therapist assistants work?
There are several job opportunities for physical therapists in Kansas.
For instance, they can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, schools, the military, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.
