Hi nimpig

I am not absolutely sure what you do to be a PTA in the UK. However I presume it is much like here in NZ - no formal qualification?

In the US there is a strong career hierarchy with licenced PTs at the top and PTAs the next level down. I think you generally complete a three year degree programme to be a PTA. So PTAs are actually highly qualified there - after all in England the Physios only do a three year degree. PTAs here would carry out a number of duties that physios do here, just under the supervision of a licensed PT

Here is the info on PTA programs put out by the APTA. These programme are accredited.

APTA | Home