On Collegelearners, you can get all the information you need on physical therapist assistant programs, physical therapy programs, and much more. This website answers a variety of concerns about physical therapy assistant certification online, physical therapy assistant trade school near me, and physical therapy schools near me, so you don’t have to waste time looking for answers in unreachable places. I advocate saving time and effort by searching the web as soon as possible for similar responses.

Online Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

CAPTE Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

This page is updated and maintains a full list of CAPTE accredited physical therapy assistant programs in the U.S. (Currently 372 Schools)

Any questions you have about PTA programs are answered here and include resources to help you plan your schooling and connect with accredited PT assistant schools nearby.

• Best PTA Programs
• How long is a Program?
• How Much Does PTA School Cost?– Is PTA School Hard?
• PTA Course Requirements
• Online PTA Programs Search Physical Therapy Aide Programs

There are currently 372 CAPTE Accredited PTA programs in the United States. With so many alternatives, aspiring PTA students may find it difficult to choose the ideal fit for their needs. Although the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) does not rate PTA programs, CAPTE accreditation of the various physical therapy assistant programs ensures the quality of education.

It is currently required in all states, except for Colorado and Hawaii, to graduate from an accredited PTA program in order to sit for the physical therapist assistant licensure exam called the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Top Physical Therapy Schools

Many people planning for their education want to know which are the top PTA schools. So, we created this list of the best 20 PTA programs with links to student reviews for each school.

School Name	Address	Phone	Website	Reviews
Pacific University	2043 College Way Forest Grove, OR	(503) 352-6151	pacificu.edu	4.1
University of Washington	Seattle, WA	(206) 543-2100	washington.edu	4.5
University of Puget Sound	1500 N Warner St, Tacoma, WA	(253) 879-3100	pudgetsound.edu	4
Texas Woman’s University	304 Administration Dr, Denton, TX	(940) 898-2000	twu.edu	4
California State University, Long Beach	1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA	(562) 985-4111	csulb.edu	4.4
New York Institute of Technology	1855 Broadway, New York, NY	(212) 261-1500	nyit.edu	4.2
University of Maryland	8082 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD	(301) 405-1000	pt.umaryland.edu	4.5
University of Texas Medical Branch	301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX	(409) 772-1011	utmb.edu	4.4
University of Indianapolis	1400 E Hanna Ave, Indianapolis, IN	(317) 788-3368	pt.uindy.edu	4.3
Nova Southeastern University	3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL	(954) 262-5551	nova.edu	4.5
A.T. Still University	5850 E Still Cir, Mesa, AZ	(480) 219-6000	atsu.edu	4.2
University of Illinois at Chicago	2035 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL	(312) 996-6620	uic.edu	4.3
University of Colorado Denver	250 14th St, Denver, CO	(303) 556-2400	ucdenver.edu	4.3
The George Washington University	2121 I St NW, Washington, DC	(202) 994-1000	smhs.gwu.edu	4
Old Dominion University	5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA	(757) 683-3000	odu.edu	4
Hampton University	100 E Queen St, Hampton, VA	(757) 727-5000	hamptonu.edu	4.3
Eastern Washington University	526 5th St, Cheney, WA	(509) 359-6200	ewu.edu	4.2
University of Montana	32 Campus Dr, Missoula, Mt	(406) 243-0211	umt.edu	4
Sacred Heart University Connecticut	5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, CT	(203) 371-7999	sacredheart.edu	4
University of Vermont	85 S Prospect St, Burlington, VT	(802) 656-3131	uvm.edu	4.3

Click on any schools below to learn more about their programs

Comparing PTA Programs

As mentioned before, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is the accrediting agency for schools offering physical therapy assistant programs. It is crucial that you attend an accredited PTA program so that you can obtain your license to perform PTA work in all states.

We offer a complete database of accredited PTA programs that you can use to learn more about each of the accredited PTA programs available in your state. Keep in mind that only some of these programs offer online PTA courses, here is a list of physical therapist asst schools online.

Although researching physical therapy assistant schooling is the first step, once you have found a few schools of interest, speaking with advisers and students as well as visiting the programs is very valuable for making your final decision. You can learn a lot about the program to see if it will be the best one for you to meet your educational goals and individual student needs.

Factors to Consider for PTA Programs

There are a number of things to consider when comparing physical therapist assistant programs. Here is a list of some of the most important factors to keep in mind as you search for your PTA program:

• College size
• Pass rates of the licensure exam
• Classroom and lab facilities
• Curriculum and Program Structure
• School expenses and opportunities for financial aid
• Location and campus setting
• Faculty quality (cohesiveness, composition, and how long have they worked together?)

• Available extracurricular activities
• Student body demographics
• Distance from your home
• PTA program’s entering class
• Employability – rate of employment for graduates
• School admission requirements
• Opportunities for clinical education and training

As you take these factors into consideration, it can be helpful to survey current students as well as recent graduates of the programs of interest. Also, interviewing employers who have hired these graduates can give you more insight to each program’s strengths and weaknesses.

How Long is Physical Therapy Assistant School?

Physical therapy assisting school consists of a 2-year associates degree program alongside 16 weeks of clinical training.

The coursework and clinical training can all be completed in 2 years, making the graduate eligible to take the National Exam (NPTE) to obtain their PTA license to begin legally working in the profession. Credits: 60 hours
Courses: 20 classes
Semesters: 4 – 5
Clinical Work: 16 weeks most licensed physical therapist assistants complete their 16 weeks of clinical work during their last semesters of their associate’s degree program. So, this will not be additional time required after the 2 year program is complete.

Also, students can prepare for the National Exam during their final semester and take it upon completion so that they do not have to wait longer to obtain their PTA license.

How Long Are Online PTA Programs?

There are also online PTA Programs that offer an associates degree in physical therapy assisting. So, you may be wondering how long is a PTA program online?

Online PTA degree programs result in the same degree earned at a local campus and require the same amount of time, credits, courses, and clinical work.

However, you can generally take the coursework at whatever pace you desire and create your own study schedule to fit in with your work schedule and other time obligations.

How Much Do PTA Programs Cost?

Of course you would like to know the cost of physical therapy assisting school. Tuition and fees will vary regionally and also change depending on whether you are attending in-state vs out-of-state. Of course private school will also be more expensive than public school

The 2008 Survey by the APTA shows means annual tuition and fees of:

• Public In-State: $7,816
• Private: $26,493

The most up to date and accurate information on the cost of PTA programs will come directly from the school. It is best to contact programs of interest and as them what their tuition costs will be for a PTA degree.

In addition to tuition and fees, bear in mind the following school expenses you will likely incur:

• Monthly mortgage or rent payment
• Grocery bill
• Textbooks
• Other school supplies / lab equipment
• Clothes / Scrubs
• Gas or transportation costs
• School and other activity fees (sports games etc.)

Is PTA School Hard?

Many prospective students ask us, “How hard is PTA school?”

Generally speaking, PTA school is a good challenge but most students should be able to complete it. Students with an aptitude in the sciences and/or interest in the human body should excel in their PTA program. However, anyone with a good work ethic and study habits will perform well.

Interviewing Tips: How to dress for medical interviews

During your education, you will begin interviewing for clinical positions and also for full-time work after graduation. It can be confusing knowing how to present yourself in medical interviews, but these tips will help.

• Don’t wear scrubs to your interviews
• Dress professionally in business casual/professional clothing (depending on the job position)
• Make sure your hygiene is proper and hair is fixed. Also, double-check that buttons and zippers are all done properly
• Makeup and perfume are good but do not overdo them as you will likely be in a small room during the interview
• Professional shoes are important, for women this can be short heels or flats and for men this can be a black or brown leather dress shoe
• Both men and women should choose neutral color blouses and shirts
• A pants suit or professional skirt is suitable for women while a business suit is best for men. Some positions may only require slacks and a tie for a man but a suit is never going to be a bad choice.

Tips to make PTA school easier

Everyone approaches learning and studying differently. Below are some tips to help make PTA school easier.

• Don’t get behind on your reading assignments
• If the professor recommends a resource, always use it
• Participate as much as possible in class and group work
• Network and foster relationships with students, professors, and faculty
• Get help from career advisors when the time comes
• Make a daily schedule and try to stick to it

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physical therapy assistant degree online

Many practices and clinics rely on the abilities of trained physical therapy assistants as more health professionals recognize the necessity of physical therapy. Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) assist patients with daily activities and exercises under the direction of a physical therapist. They assist in the monitoring of patient development, the communication of crucial information to patients’ families, and the application of therapeutic massage techniques.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), physical therapy assistants earn a median salary of $59,770. The highest 10% of PTAs earn a reported $82,470. The BLS also projects that PTAs will encounter a growth rate of 29% between 2019 and 2029, which is considered much faster than average.

Online physical therapy assistant programs make it easy to get your foot in the door. In just two years, you can gain the skills you need to start work in a physical therapy office. And while you can take a lot of your coursework online, you should expect to participate in a certain number of in-person clinical hours.

Discover which schools made our list for 2021 and find the online PTA program that’s right for you.

Best Physical Therapy Assistant Programs Online: 2021

The right online PTA program for any student is the one that best aligns with his or her particular needs, such as work and family obligations, as well as things like ultimate career goals and study preferences. To help begin your school search, we’ve compiled a list of what we believe to be the best physical therapy assistant programs online, based on a number of factors that any program should meet, including comprehensiveness of curriculum, affordability, convenience and flexibility, and more. Review and compare these standout online PTA programs for 2021.2-year Schools 4-year Schoolsor Select a StateAKFLNYOHAbout the ranking

#	SCHOOL NAME	TYPE	COST	ONLINE PROGRAMS	MORE DETAILS
1	Miami Dade CollegeMiami, FL	Public	$	1		MDC is a public college in Florida with more than 80,000 for-credit students enrolled. Founded in 1959, MDC today offers a physical therapist Associate of Science degree for online and on-campus learners. Students choose their course delivery method, including a blended option for a hybrid learning experience. In most cases, full-time learners complete this associate degree in 2-3 years.Students complete 74 credits of work to prepare for careers as assistants in private practices, nursing homes, hospitals, and more. Required synchronous and asynchronous classes include a human anatomy and physiology lab, medical terminology, and disabilities and therapeutic procedures. Prospective students should be 18 years old or older with a GED or high school diploma. MDC also requires incoming students to have at least 25 observation hours in a physical therapy setting.Program Highlights:Physical Therapist Associate of ScienceCredits: 74Length: 2-3 yearsCost: $83/credit (resident); $331/credit (nonresident)Mode: Fully online or Partially onlineAccreditation: SACSCOC (school); CAPTE (program)	ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes	CAREER PLACEMENTYes	STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID33%	ACCREDITATIONSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
2	College of Central FloridaOcala, FL	Public	$	1		College of Central Florida offers one of the top physical therapist assistant associate programs. Designed for working students, CF offers many of its required courses in a flexible hybrid format. This 74-credit associate degree requires students to complete synchronous classes such as disabilities and therapeutic procedures, survey of pathological deficits, and a therapeutic modalities lab. Associate degree students spend seven semesters in school, including summers. During the last fall semester, learners complete two, seven-week, full-time clinical appointments at an approved facility.Prospective CF associate degree-seekers should have a 2.75 or higher GPA. The school also expects applications to have at least 16 hours of observation in a physical therapy setting.Program Highlights:Physical Therapist Assistant Associate DegreeCredits: 74Length: 7 semestersCost: $2,832/year (resident); $10,632/year (nonresident)Mode: Partially onlineAccreditation: SACSCOC (school); CAPTE (program)	ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes	CAREER PLACEMENTYes	STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID27%	ACCREDITATIONSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
3	Seminole State College of FloridaSanford, FL	Public	$	1		Seminole State is a public institution in Sanford. Learners in its physical therapist assistant associate degree program choose from in-person, hybrid, and fully remote learning formats. Learners enjoy Seminole State’s small class sizes of no more than 30 students and take advantage of working closely with PT professors remotely and on-campus. Students in the PTA program complete synchronous classes over five terms. In addition to an in-person clinical experience, required online classes include pathophysiology, orthopedic conditions and treatment, trends in physical therapy, and neurological conditions.Incoming students should have at least 20 hours of observation in a physical therapy setting or relevant volunteer experience. Seminole State also expects applicants to have a 2.5 or higher GPA and a 59% or higher on the TEAS exam.Program Highlights:Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in ScienceCredits: 75Length: 5 semestersCost: $3,131/totalMode: Fully online or Partially onlineAccreditation: SACSCOC (school); CAPTE (program)	ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes	CAREER PLACEMENTYes	STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID16%	ACCREDITATIONSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
4	State College of Florida-Manatee-SarasotaBradenton, FL	Public	$	1		Located in Bradenton, SCF is a public institution with one of the top physical therapist assistant programs. The school offers a mostly online associate degree for PTA learners. Most didactic courses, including general education classes, are available remotely. Students also complete three in-person clinical experiences in a physical therapy setting for graduation. Required PTA classes at SCF include human development in the lifespan, trends in physical therapy, anatomy and physiology, and applied anatomy and kinesiology.Prospective SCF students should have a 2.75 or higher GPA. Incoming associate degree-seekers should also have prerequisite courses, including written communications and general psychology, completed by the time they apply.Program Highlights:Associate of Science in Physical Therapist AssistantCredits: 74Length: 5 semestersCost: $102/credit (resident); $386/credit (nonresident)Mode: Partially onlineAccreditation: SACSCOC (school); CAPTE (program)	ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes	CAREER PLACEMENTYes	STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID18%	ACCREDITATIONSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
5	University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage, AK	Public	$$	1		UAA is a public university established in 1954 that now serves approximately 15,200 students and offers one of the best physical therapy assistant associate degrees. UAA offers most PTA associate classes on-campus. Learners have the option to take some courses remotely, including the physical therapy in healthcare course and the PTA seminar. Additionally, the 15-week clinical rotation takes place off-campus in an approved physical therapy setting.Prospective PTA students should have at least 30 hours of observation experience, including at least 15 hours at two different sites. Experiences in outpatient, inpatient, home health, long-term care, and rehab centers do qualify. Competitive applicants possess a 2.5 or higher GPA and have completed all prerequisite coursework before they apply.Program Highlights:Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist AssistantCredits: 60Length: 5 semestersCost: $234/credit (resident); $800/credit (nonresident)Mode: Partially onlineAccreditation: NWCCU (school); CAPTE (program)	ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes	CAREER PLACEMENTYes	STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID30%	ACCREDITATIONNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
6	University of Cincinnati-Clermont CollegeBatavia, OH	Public	$	1
7	SUNY College of Technology at CantonCanton, NY	Public	$$	1
8	Kent State University at AshtabulaAshtabula, OH	Public	$$	1

2-year Schools 4-year Schoolsor Select a StateCAINTXAbout the ranking

#	SCHOOL NAME	TYPE	COST	ONLINE PROGRAMS	MORE DETAILS
1	Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis, IN	Public	$	1		Ivy Tech is a public institution founded in 1963. Based in Indiana, the school offers an associate degree for physical therapy assistants with many remote learning options. PTA students are typically offered a variety of blended or fully online classes each semester. On-campus classes for this degree take place at the Lake County, Muncie, and Sellersburg locations.Ivy Tech’s 69.5-credit associate degree takes five semesters to finish. Faculty deliver courses in eight-week terms. This includes required coursework such as student success in healthcare; kinesiology; psychology; and diseases, trauma, and terminology.Applicants for degree programs at Ivy Tech can apply online using the free application form. Learners typically need a high school GPA of 2.6 or higher for consideration. Students may also submit ACT, SAT, or PSAT scores to bolster their application.Program Highlights:Associate of Science, Physical Therapy AssistantCredits: 69.5Length: 5 semestersCost: $2,243/12 or more credits a semester (resident); $4,389/12 or more credits a semester (non-resident); $150/credit for part-time learnersMode: Partially OnlineAccreditation: HLC (school); CAPTE (program)	ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes	CAREER PLACEMENTYes	STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID11%	ACCREDITATIONHigher Learning Commission
2	Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands, TX	Public	$	1		Lone Star College (LSC) is a public school based in Houston. The school offers a hybrid associate of applied science in physical therapy assistant studies. Learners complete requirements in person and online, with the entirety of general education classes available remotely.LSC physical therapy assistant students complete required classes such as lifespan growth and development, introduction to ethics, professional issues, and pathophysiology. The associate program requires 66 credits for graduation and usually takes full-time learners about five semesters, or two years, to finish.Applicants must be 18 years old for consideration with a GED or high school diploma. Prospective PTA students should have at least 40 hours of observation experience and a 2.0 or higher GPA.Program Highlights:Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapy AssistantCredits: 66Length: 5 semestersCost: $202/credit (resident); $257/credit (non-resident)Mode: Partially OnlineAccreditation: SACSCOC (school); CAPTE (program)	ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes	CAREER PLACEMENTYes	STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID7%	ACCREDITATIONSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
3	Ohlone CollegeFremont, CA	Public	$	1		Ohlone College (OC) is a public community college established in 1965 in Fremont, California. The school today offers a hybrid physical therapist assistant associate degree. Upon completing the degree, students will be prepared to sit for the national licensing exam. While most physical therapy classes are in person, some general education and prerequisite classes are available remotely.This 60-credit associate degree program takes about two years to complete. Required classes include orthopedics, advanced modalities, human anatomy and physiology, and neurological disorders. Learners at OC must also complete two clinical practicums and a clinical internship.Admissions is competitive, as OC only admits 24 students per academic year. Applicants need at least a 2.7 GPA, along with a history of coursework in anatomy and physiology and an introductory course in physical therapy. Students must also take a placement test before entering the program.Program Highlights:Physical Therapy Assistant Associate DegreeCredits: 60Length: 2 yearsCost: $294/creditMode: Partially OnlineAccreditation: ACCJC (school); CAPTE (program)	ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes	CAREER PLACEMENTYes	STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID3%	ACCREDITATIONWestern Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Physical Therapy Assistant Requirements

Learn the education and schooling requirements to become a PTA, such as the type of degree required, PTA program length, tuition and fees, time spent in a classroom vs a clinical, state license requirements, and some general course requirements.

Program Length	Avg Tuition	Classroom %	Clinical %
2 years / 5 semesters	$7,816	75%	25%

Physical Therapy Assistant Education Requirements

As you plan out your education needed to become a physical therapist assistant it is important to be aware of the degree requirements. The good news for PTAs is that they don’t have to spend 4 years in college to obtain their degree. Instead, they must attend an accredited college and earn a Physical Therapist Assistant, Associate Degree which can be completed in 2 years or 5 semesters.

There are currently 372 physical therapy assistant programs nationwide that offer associate degrees. Most of these degree programs consist of general education courses, physical therapy courses, and clinical education.

Physical Therapy Assistant Schooling Requirements

It is a good idea to know generally which courses you will take to obtain your PTA degree.

Physical therapy assistant curriculum primarily consists of:

• anatomy & physiology
• biomechanics
• exercise physiology
• kinesiology
• clinical pathology
• neuroscience
• communication
• behavioral sciences
• ethics/values

Included in this curriculum, as is included with many other allied healthcare careers, are CPR and basic lifesaving first aide skills.

Approximately 75% of the physical therapy curriculum is taught in classroom and lab study and the remaining 25% consist of clinical education. On average, a PT student spends 16 weeks in a full-time clinical education experience.

Physical Therapist Aides vs Assistants

If you are interested in becoming an assistant but do not have the funds, time, or some other means to pursue the required education, then you should consider becoming a physical therapy aide. A PT aide is not required to complete an associates degree but will perform a very similar job function compared to a PT assistant.

Physical therapist aides work in the same environment as physical therapy assistants. Aides work under the supervision of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants while assisting the patients with their physical therapy exercises and treatments.

Aides should be physically fit, enough to be able to bend, kneel, and lift. Aides will also need to utilize strong communication and social skills while interacting with patients and other office staff. Additionally, good organizational skills for carrying our administrative office tasks are important.

Physical therapy aides are employed with a number of diverse tasks including aiding patients in movements, assisting them in and out of the therapy area of the clinic, and offering other patient aid. Aides also perform clerical work, monitor client progress, and set up equipment for therapy.

As you can see, physical therapy aides must have a unique combination of skills including physical strength to aid patients, as well as sensitivity to offer their assistance in a compassionate manner to clients.

Physical Therapy Schools Requirements

As I mentioned before, those not interested in obtaining a physical therapy assistant associate degree can still meet the requirements to work as a PT Aide. There is not a required license or certification to become a physical therapy aide.

Aides do not have college degree requirements, although a high school diploma is typically a job requirement for this position. Volunteering to help the disabled in a clinic or hospital will surely improve your resume, enhance your skills, and ensure that you have a passion and interest in working in the physical therapy field for a long term career.

The majority of PT clinics and offices that hire aides offer on the job training to make sure their aides qualify. Training for PT aides can last anywhere from 3 months to 1 year of working with experienced employees who will teach the trainee things like:

• Properly cleaning the therapy areas
• Keeping equipment organized
• Setting up and taking down of PT equipment
• Accessing, editing, and monitoring patient information
• Properly assisting patients in and out of therapy areas
• Performing clerical tasks properly
• Proper patient record keeping

Although not required, taking some physical therapy courses or physical fitness courses would be a great way to get an edge on your competitors applying for the same job as a physical therapy aide. In fact, there are physical therapy aide programs that you can attend, and successful completion of one of these programs would give you a certificate that would greatly increase your marketability for a career as an aide.

Planning for Physical Therapy Assistant Requirements

As you plan your career in physical therapy you have decisions to make regarding your education to make sure you complete the physical therapy assistant requirements. Alternatively, you can get started in your career as a PT aide and receive on the job training, without having to obtain an associate degree. Aides always have the option to go back to school to advance their careers and become a physical therapist assistant (PTA) or a physical therapist (PT).

So, research some of the available physical therapy assistant schools online and local PTA programs available. If you decide to bypass working as an Aide, to go for the required PTA associate degree, then keep in mind that with an online program you will still be required to complete the clinical portion of the degree offline, in a local PT clinic.

And of course, once you have met all of your PTA requirements, you can use our tools to search for the perfect PTA Jobs available in your area

Ready to Find a Local PTA Program?

To get started you can use our free PTA Program matching tool by answering a couple of questions about what you’re looking for to see a list of programs that match your criteria. Or you can find accredited PTA programs in your state by searching our database.

Can I Study Online?

Yes, there are physical therapist assistant programs taught online through distance learning. However, you’ll be required to complete your clinical training in person.

Physical therapist assistant (PTA) programs typically lead to an associate degree and include courses in anatomy, kinesiology and rehabilitation procedures. The best programs consistently prepare graduates to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam and acquire state licensure.

Aspiring physical therapist assistants can find strong programs at St. Catherine University, the University of Indianapolis, Louisiana College, and the California University of Pennsylvania. Each of these schools has been cited by U.S. News & World Report in 2020 for the quality of its academic programs or boasts high licensure exam pass rates.

Additionally, physical therapy assistant programs for these schools have been approved by the Commission on Accreditation in physical therapy education.

1. St. Catherine University in Minneapolis, MN

In 2020, U.S. News & World Report tied St. Catherine University in 228 among best national universities. A private Catholic school, St. Catherine’s has campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis. At its Minneapolis campus, the university offers an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assisting. This unique program allows students to learn alongside doctoral students in the university’s physical therapy program.

2. University of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN

The University of Indianapolis tied 228 among best national universities in 2020, according to U.S. News & World Report. The school’s physical therapist assistant program has a selective admissions process and awards an Associate in Science. The program takes two years to complete and offers its technical courses in the evenings and general education courses during the day.

3. Louisiana College in Pineville, LA

Louisiana College is a private, Baptist college that was ranked 5th among southern colleges offering the ‘best bang for the buck,’ by Washington Monthly in 2019. In fact, over 90% of students attending the school received financial aid.

The school offers an accredited physical therapist assistant program that culminates in an Associate of Applied Science. Requirements include one year of general education classes followed by one year of technical study. During the final three semesters of study, students also participate in experiential practicums.

The licensure pass rate for students who completed this training program in 2018 was 93%.

4. California University of Pennsylvania

The physical therapist assistant program at the California University of Pennsylvania lasts for two years and leads to an Associate of Applied Science. It consists of a pre-technical phase and a technical phase. Admittance to the technical portion of the program is contingent upon academic performance in the first semester and is limited to less than 30 students each term. Upon completion, students can take the licensure exam.

For the class of 2018, the pass rate was just over 92%.

Top Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in the U.S.

These colleges and universities also provide outstanding training for aspiring physical therapist assistants:

School Name	Distinction	Location
College of Southern Nevada	School offers an honours program	Las Vegas, NV
Idaho State University	Free annual healthcare conference for students	Pocatello, ID
Mercyhurst North East	The physical therapy training lab includes a mechanical lift, hydrotherapy tanks and balance boards	North East, PA
Missouri Western State University	The pass rate for the licensure exam was 90% for the class of 2018	St. Joseph, MO
University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne	Students use the human patient simulators for practical learning	Fort Wayne, IN
Washburn University	Physical Therapy Club	Topeka, KS

Students who want to become physical therapist assistants can find well-regarded programs at colleges and universities around the country. Many of these programs lead to associate degrees and report high licensure exam pass rates for its graduates.

Accredited Physical Therapy Schools

Popular Schools

The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.

An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about:

• programs & curriculum
• career opportunities
• tuition & financial aid
• admissions & starting dates

1. New York University School Info School locations:
   • New York (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at New York University include:
   • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
   • Non-Degree: Certificate
   • Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate
   • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
   • Medical and Health Professions
     • Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
     • Communication Disorders Sciences
     • Dental
     • Medical Administrative Services
     • Medical Assisting
       • Physical Therapist Assistant
     • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
     • Medical Residency Programs
     • Nursing Professions
     • Nutrition Services
     • Public Health and Safety
     • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions. Get Started with New York University. Research New York University’s Programs
2. Western Governors University: School Info School locations:
   • Online Learning Program Info Online Programs Areas of study you may find at Western Governors University include:
   • Graduate: Master
   • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
   • Undergraduate: Bachelor
   • Medical and Health Professions
     • Medical Administrative Services
     • Medical Informatics and Illustration Get Started with Western Governors University Research Western Governors University’s Programs
3. University of Michigan School Info School locations:
   • Michigan (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
   • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
   • Undergraduate: Bachelor
   • Medical and Health Professions
     • Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
     • Medical Administrative Services
     • Medical Assisting
       • Physical Therapist Assistant
     • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
     • Nursing Professions
     • Public Health and Safety
     • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions. Get Started with University of Michigan Research University of Michigan’s Degree Programs
4. University of Indianapolis School Info School locations:
   • Indiana (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at University of Indianapolis include:
   • Graduate: Master
   • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
   • Medical and Health Professions
     • Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
     • Medical Assisting
       • Physical Therapist Assistant
     • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
     • Nursing Professions
     • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions Get Started with University of Indianapolis Research University of Indianapolis’s Degree Programs
5. Southern Illinois University School Info School locations:
   • Illinois (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at Southern Illinois University include:
   • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
   • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
   • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
   • Medical and Health Professions
     • Communication Disorders Sciences
     • Dental
     • Health and Fitness
     • Medical Administrative Services
     • Medical Assisting
       • Physical Therapist Assistant
     • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
     • Medical Residency Programs
     • Nutrition Services
     • Public Health and Safety
     • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions Get Started with Southern Illinois University. Research Southern Illinois University’s Programs
6. Pearl River Community College School Info School locations:
   • Mississippi (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at Pearl River Community College include:
   • Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
   • Undergraduate: Associate
   • Medical and Health Professions
     • Dental
     • Medical Administrative Services
     • Medical Assisting
       • Clinical Laboratory Assistant
       • Physical Therapist Assistant
     • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
     • Nursing Professions Get Started with Pearl River Community College. Research Pearl River Community College’s Programs
7. Touro College School Info School locations:
   • New York (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at Touro College include:
   • Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
   • Non-Degree: Coursework
   • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
   • Medical and Health Professions
     • Communication Disorders Sciences
     • Medical Administrative Services
     • Medical Assisting
       • Occupational Therapist Assistant
       • Physical Therapist Assistant
     • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
     • Osteopathic Medicine – DO
     • Public Health and Safety
     • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions Get Started with Touro College. Research Touro College’s Programs
8. Milwaukee Area Technical College School Info School locations:
   • Wisconsin (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
   • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
   • Undergraduate: Associate
   • Medical and Health Professions
     • Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
     • Dental
     • Medical Administrative Services
     • Medical Assisting
       • Anesthesiologist Assistant
       • Medical or Clinical Assistant
       • Occupational Therapist Assistant
       • Pharmacy Technician
       • Physical Therapist Assistant
     • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
     • Mental Health Services
     • Nursing Professions
     • Nutrition Services
     • Optometric and Ophthalmic Services. Get Started with Milwaukee Area Technical College. Research Milwaukee Area Technical College’s Programs
9. University of Cincinnati School Info School locations:
   • Ohio (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
   • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
   • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
   • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
   • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
   • Medical and Health Professions
     • Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
     • Communication Disorders Sciences
     • Medical Administrative Services
     • Medical Assisting
       • Physical Therapist Assistant
     • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
     • Medical Residency Programs
     • Mental Health Services
     • Nursing Professions
     • Nutrition Services
     • Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration
     • Public Health and Safety
     • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions Get Started with University of Cincinnati Research University of Cincinnati’s Programs
10. Wytheville Community College School Info School locations:
    • Virginia (1 campus)Program Info. Areas of study you may find at Wytheville Community College include:
    • Graduate:
    • Non-Degree: Diploma
    • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Medical and Health Professions
      • Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
      • Dental
      • Medical Administrative Services
      • Medical Assisting
        • Physical Therapist Assistant
      • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
      • Mental Health Services
      • Public Health and Safety Get Started with Wytheville Community College