How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oregon

Search Physical Therapy Aide Programs

Get information on Physical Therapy Aide programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Search
Oregon map

An essential part of the healthcare professional team, the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), is trained to work as a team under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

A PTA’s immediate focus is to help deliver rehabilitative care to individuals with physical limitations, injuries, or disabilities.

Their role encompasses various responsibilities to improve patients’ mobility, relieve pain, and enhance overall physical function.

Search Physical Therapy Aide Programs

Get information on Physical Therapy Aide programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

Physical Therapist Assistant Responsibilities and Duties

Playing a vital role within the healthcare team, while the exact duties and scope of practice for PTAs will vary, the main goal is to improve patients’ physical well-being through rehabilitative interventions.

PTAs aid the rehabilitation process by implementing treatment plans developed by physical therapists.

This includes performing exercises, stretches, and other therapeutic interventions that align with the goals outlined in the treatment plan.

They can also use modalities like heat, cold, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, as the supervising physical therapist prescribes.

Monitoring and documenting patient progress is crucial to a PTA’s role.

Regular communication with the supervising physical therapist helps ensure that interventions are practical and can be adjusted.

PTAs also play an essential role in educating patients about their conditions, home exercises, and treatment plans, fostering a collaborative approach to rehabilitation.

Besides hands-on interventions, PTAs assist with mobility training, teaching patients proper body mechanics, balance exercises, and gait training.

They may perform massage and soft tissue techniques to manage restrictions and reduce pain.

Patient safety is crucial, and PTAs practice proper techniques and safety precautions during treatment sessions.

PT Aide or PT Assistant?

Physical Therapy Aides: Requires a high school diploma/equivalency and receives on-the-job training.

The work often includes scheduling appointments, helping patients enter the treatment rooms, and physically maintaining the office.

Physical Therapy Assistants: Have an associate’s degree from an accredited program and are licensed or certified.

How to become a PT Assistant

Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oregon involves several steps, including education, clinical experience, and licensure.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oregon:

A two-year Associate’s Degree through a CAPTE-accredited program is needed.

These can be found at community colleges and universities.

Oregon has two programs: Lane Community College and Mt. Hood Community College.

Education

If you’re interested in a career as a PTA, a great place to start is by enrolling in a Physical Therapist Assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and working towards an associate degree.

Physical Therapist Assistant Programs

PTA programs include hands-on clinical experiences, where you’ll work as part of the healthcare team under the supervision of licensed physical therapists and practice practical skills in a clinical setting.

Graduating from an accredited PTA program with the required coursework and clinical training generally takes two years.

The National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs

Post graduation, candidates take the National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants (NPTE-PTA).

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the exam.

State Licensure

The next step is to apply for licensure with the Oregon Physical Therapy Licensing Board.

You’ll want to submit your official transcripts, proof of completing an accredited PTA program, and NPTE-PTA scores.

Take the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam (OR-JAM)

Candidates must pass the OR-JAM, a timed 90-minute exam of 50 multiple-choice questions.

A score of 80% or greater is necessary to pass. Cost: $48.00 for this computer-based, open-book exam.

Complete a Background Check

Oregon asks applicants to take a criminal background check as part of the licensure process.

Maintain Licensure

Congratulations on getting licensed. Keep up the great work, and keep your license up to date at the proper intervals.

Check licensure requirement changes by hitting the Oregon Physical Therapy Licensing Board website.

Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Oregon

Choosing a PTA School in Oregon

When selecting a PTA program in Oregon, consider:

  • PTA School admission criteria
  • Program size
  • The passing rate of the National License test
  • Costs and potential opportunities for financial aid

Oregon has 3 CAPTE-accredited PTA schools.

To get an Oregon PTA license, you must complete an accredited PTA program and pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam (NPTAE).

Accredited PTA Programs in Oregon

Lane Community CollegeLane Community College

Eugene, OR

Mt Hood Community CollegeMt Hood Community College

Gresham, OR

Lane Community College Expansion ProgramLane Community College

Grants Pass, OR

Top 3 Schools in Oregon

School NameAddress
Lane Community College4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene, OR 97405, United States
Mt Hood Community College26000 SE Stark St, Gresham, OR 97030, United States
Lane Community College Expansion Program4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene, OR 97405, United States

Working Together

Working together works! Consider joining professional organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to access resources and networking possibilities.

As regulations may change, check with the Oregon Physical Therapy Licensing Board for the most up-to-date and specific requirements.

Salary

Are you wondering how much a physical therapy assistant makes in Portland, OR?

The answer is $66,300 in 2023, but the range typically falls between $59,901 and $73,201, depending on education, certifications, supplemental skills, and length of professional experience.

Annual Salary Range:
$57K
$64K
$70K

Average Salary of Physical Therapist Assistants in Oregon

City NameSalary
Portland$66,301
Eugene$62,701
Salem$62,901
Gresham$66,201
Beaverton$66,301
Hillsboro$66,101
Medford$62,101
Springfield$62,501
Bend$62,001
Corvallis$62,101
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Oregon

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Bend-Redmond, OR40$63,620$30.59$86,090$50,220
Eugene, OR60$64,930$31.22$78,920$48,090
Medford, OR40$67,820$32.61$79,790$54,950
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA390$66,330$31.89$83,330$50,540
Salem, OR80$66,430$31.94$81,140$50,290
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Physical Therapist Assistants, OCC Code 31-2021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the career outlook for a PTA in Oregon?

Excellent!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist assistant job growth is expected to expand by 32 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than most occupations.

And the engine driving this is the population of aging adults who will benefit from the talents of a committed and caring PTA.

What kind of job environment can I work in as a PTA in Oregon?

As an Oregon PTA, there’s a wide range of healthcare environments to work in, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, and skilled nursing facilities.

How long does it take to become a PTA in Oregon?

Generally, it takes two years, full-time, with a summer term often included.

Search Programs