Working as a physical therapist assistant in Massachusetts is a good and sometimes challenging job.
It can be very rewarding to assist patients recovering from injuries and surgery.
You can help people regain their life and confidence by working with physical therapists using a program designed for individuals.
You assist patients with exercises and massages to help them live their best lives.
Let’s look at the guide below on how to become a physical therapist assistant in Massachusetts.
Page Navigation
How to Become A Physical Therapist Assistant in Massachusetts- Check Out My In-Depth Guide
A Step-by-Step Guide
To work as a physical therapist assistant in Massachusetts, you must have specific certifications and qualifications before starting.
The guide below helps you understand what you need to begin working.
Requirements to Work As A Physical Therapist Assistant in Massachusetts
- You will need to get your physical therapy assistant associate degree first. You must obtain this from an accredited program.
- Put in your application to get your license. You cannot work without it
- You need to have a clear criminal background check
- You must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
- Your Massachusetts Physical Therapy license will need to be renewed every two years.
- Some facilities may ask you to undertake a drug test before commencing, but the individual workplace will determine this.
Massachusetts Physical Therapy Assistant license.
When you have successfully finished your PTA program, you can sit for the national exam and then go ahead and apply to the Board of Allied Health Professionals for your license.
The cost to get your physical therapist assistant certificate is $226.
It will cost you $100 to renew your license and must be done every two years.
There are no other requirements to continue, but if your company requires you to have current first-aid certificates, you must obtain them separately.
In most places, the renewal time will fall on your birthday to make it easier to remember.
If you don’t renew before the date, you must stop working until the certification is renewed.
There will be an extra completion cost if you are past the due date.
Certification
The certification process is fairly straightforward.
You will need to obtain your
National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Your credentials will be looked at; if they pass, they will contact you and permit you to start the next test.
The exam needs to be done within 60 days of receiving the authorization to start the exam.
If you still need to, you must begin the NTPE process again.
These programs help to prepare you to work with specialist doctors and physical therapists in different forms, such as home health, hospitals, nursing homes, sports settings, orthopedics, acute care programs, and rehabilitation settings.
The American Physical Therapy Association offers a student membership worth applying for.
Upon graduating, you gain an Associate’s degree in science, and you can then take the national licensing exam by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Renewing Your License
To maintain your certification, you must renew your license every two years.
The renewal date will fall on your birthday.
Any renewals after July 2024 must now do the laws, ethics, and regulations competence test.
It will cost you $100 to renew your license.
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Massachusetts
Bay State College, Boston
Bay Street College offers an accessible program to students looking to complete their associate’s degree as a physical therapist assistant.
The course runs for 700 hours, with the need to conduct clinical and hands-on practice.
The fee is $1600, payable each year to those studying the physical therapist assistant program.
In the course, you will learn how to assist people with chronic disease and immobility problems and recognize the body systems and physical health status.
Springfield Technical Community College
https://www.stcc.edu/explore/programs/ptas.as/
The associate degree to be an assistant in physical therapy is over two years and includes both in-class settings for general education and clinical, hands-on training in a facility with real patients.
You can earn up to 12 credits while undergoing work experience.
You will learn how to perform therapeutic techniques for those with movement-related problems, spinal cord injuries, burns, and amputations.
You will work alongside a therapist to determine what is best for the patient and their quality of life care.
North Shore Community College.
The North Shore Community College offers an applied science degree for PTA.
You can complete this either full or part-time.
The overall course lasts for seven semesters, and you have the chance to work while studying.
The curriculum gives you the entry-level skills to practice in the field and work alongside a physical therapist.
You will complete classroom studies, hands-on experience, and laboratory work.
Other schools that you can look into with the same courses are
Quincy College
Mount Wachusett Community College
Berkshire Community College
Top 6 Schools in Massachusetts
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bay State College, Boston | 31 St James Ave, Boston, MA 02116, United States |
| Springfield Technical Community College | 1 Armory St, Springfield, MA 01105, United States |
| North Shore Community College. | 1 Ferncroft Rd, Danvers, MA 01923, United States |
| Quincy College | 1250 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02169, United States |
| Mount Wachusett Community College | 444 Green St, Gardner, MA 01440, United States |
| Berkshire Community College | 1350 West St, Pittsfield, MA 01201, United States |
Salary
The average salary for working as a physical therapist assistant in Massachusetts is $65,401.
The range is between $59,501 and $65,401.
It will depend on what experience you have, your skills, and the certifications and education that you have completed.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Physical Therapist Assistants in Massachusetts
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $71,701 |
| Worcester | $67,201 |
| Springfield | $66,501 |
| Lowell | $69,401 |
| Cambridge | $71,701 |
| Brockton | $69,501 |
| New Bedford | $67,701 |
| Fall River | $67,701 |
| Lynn | $71,701 |
| Quincy | $71,701 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 60 | $74,210 | $35.68 | $90,510 | $62,020 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 1,330 | $71,660 | $34.45 | $87,020 | $56,800 |
| New Bedford, MA | 70 | $67,220 | $32.32 | $78,370 | $54,700 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 220 | $67,120 | $32.27 | $77,860 | $59,070 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 180 | $62,260 | $29.93 | $78,440 | $37,590 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Job Outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants in Massachusetts?
Apart from the excellent salary you can obtain, there are plenty of job opportunities in Massachusetts.
The growth rate in this industry is over 18 percent.
It is expected to be a secure job with more growing needs for PTAs.
What Is the Working Environment for Physical Therapy Assistants in Massachusetts Like?
Working as a PTA requires a lot of hands-on work.
You will work directly with patients and need strength, patience, and plenty of stamina.
You can work in hospital settings, home care, permanent care settings, and rehabilitation areas.
There are more calls for workers in this area in Cambridge, Springfield, Boston, Worcester, and Lowell.
