College Programs for Physical Therapy Assistants

Physical therapy assistants work directly under physical therapists in the care of patients. Physical therapy assistant (PTA) programs are two years long and often require one year of general education courses, followed by a year of physical therapy classes. Many programs require at least six weeks of clinical internships, in which students will shadow PTAs and work with patients toward the end of their programs. Successful graduates of PTA programs will be awarded an associate of science or an associate of applied science degree.



The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is the accrediting body for PTA and physical therapy school programs. In order to qualify for licensure, students must graduate from an accredited school. Most states require licensure to practice as a PTA after graduation.
  1. Arkansas State University – Jonesboro

    • Arkansas State University (ASU) requires that students complete at least 34 credits or one year of general education before they are accepted into the PTA program. After the first year of courses are completed, what ASU calls “professional courses” begin in the summer semester. In addition to the course work, students are required to complete three clinical rotations during the school year that last between five and six weeks each.

      ASU Department of Physical Therapy

      P.O. Box 910

      State University (Jonesboro), AR 72467

      870-972-3591

      astate.edu

    State College of Florida

    • Like ASU, the State College of Florida requires that a year of general classes are successfully completed before entering into the PTA program. State College of Florida requires that students maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 for entry. In addition to the program’s GPA requirements, students must also take the SAT or ACT examinations and attend a mandatory PTA program information session. The program prepares students for the Florida State PTA licensure exam.

      State College of Florida

      26th Street, W.

      Bradenton, FL 34207

      941-752-5000

      scf.edu

    Bay State College

    • Unlike other PTA programs, Bay State College has PTA students working on clinical courses in their first year of classes, including kinesiology and anatomy. The summer following your first year, you will be required to complete a six-week clinical internship, one of three internships, throughout your education in the PTA program. Student placement in PTA jobs is high at this school. According to Bay State College, 100 percent of their graduates were placed into the field in 2007.

      Bay State College

      122 Commonwealth Avenue

      Boston, MA 02116-2901

      617-217-9405

      baystate.edu

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved