What is the major difference between studying to be a physical therapist assistant for adults and studying to be a pediatric physical therapist assistant?

<span style="color: rgb(87, 87, 87);">Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist are the only providers of physical therapy services. In many practice settings, physical therapists rely on the PTA to assure that all patients/clients have access to physical therapy services. Physical therapy has a long history of returning individuals to their maximum level of physical function and in many cases, patients are being sent to physical therapy instead of surgery. Patients/clients value the individualized, "hands on" approach that characterizes physical therapy care. When a physical therapist sees a patient/client for the first time, he or she examines that individual and develops a plan of care that promotes the ability to move, reduces pain, restores function, and prevents disability. The physical therapist may choose to utilize a PTA in the provision of components of the physical therapy treatment. The physical therapist, PTA, and the patient/client then work side-by-side to make sure that the goals of the plan or care are met.</span>

So, I am an Occupational Therapist, so my experience is a little different, however, you typically don't specialize with a population until you graduate and get a job. To be a PTA, you need to go through PTA school, which will teach you what you need to know for a variety of populations. Once you graduate and start working, then you can start to specialize. This is at least from an OT perspective, I'm not sure if PTA is the same way, but most likely.