The Best 5 Physical Therapy Assistant Programs in America in 2022


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Physical therapy assistant programs are a great place for students to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of physical therapy. For students who want to quickly begin working in the physical therapy field, a PTA program is an excellent starting point. Not only can you gain real-world experience working alongside a physical therapist, but you can also pay your way through college if you decide to pursue higher education. If you don’t know where to begin, check out our list of the top 5 physical therapy programs in the nation to find the right school for you and your career goals.

Physical Therapy Assistant Programs FAQs

1. What Is the Salary of a Physical Therapy Assistant?

A physical therapy assistant can expect to make about $18 to $20 directly out of school. The median annual salary for a physical therapy assistant is $42,980.

2. How Long Does It Take to Complete a Physical Therapy Assistant Program?

Physical therapy assistant programs can be completed in 2 years, as they only require an associate’s for completion. This is perfect for students who want to quickly enter the workforce.

3. What Career Options Are Available as a Physical Therapy Assistant?

There are a wide variety of areas that physical therapy assistants can work, including sports medicine, rehabilitation programs, outpatient care, skilled nursing care, and extended care facilities. PTAs work directly under a physical therapist to help patients manage pain and recover from illness and injury.

How We Reviewed

We researched and reviewed the top 5 schools all across the nation that offer the best physical therapy assistant programs. We evaluated each based on their key features, location, and overall tuition rate to help you find your perfect school.

Overall Price Range

Physical therapy assistant programs are typically affordable for most students, since they require only 2 years of education. The average cost is typically between $6,000 and $12,000 in total. To save money, many students complete their education at a community college or in-state university.

Top 5 Best Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

  • St. Catherine University
  • California University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Indianapolis
  • Louisiana College
  • College of Southern Nevada

St. Catherine University

Features

St. Catherine University, located in St. Paul, MN, offers students a complete PTA program that prepares them to work in the field of physical therapy. St. Kate’s PTA assistant program offers a meticulous blend of practice and theory so students are prepared to enter the workforce with confidence. The program is 67 hours in total.

The unique collaboration of the PTA program with the Doctor of Physical Therapy program provides students with the opportunity for joint learning, lab, and collaborative curricular activities. This allows PTAs and DPT students the opportunity to explore and learn each other’s role in the field, which translates into better functioning of both roles in a clinical setting.

Pros

  • PTA and DPT students collaborate throughout the program
  • Collaborative learning makes for a well-rounded education

Cons

  • Out-of-state residents do not benefit from cheaper tuition rates

Price $

Learn More About This Program

http://catalog.stkate.edu/undergraduate/health/physical-therapist-assistant/aas/

California University of Pennsylvania

Features

The California University of Pennsylvania offers physical therapy assistant programs that set students up for success. The highly competitive program ensures students receive expert training and preparation for real-world success. Only 26 students are accepted into the program based on their performance in the first-semester pre-technical courses. Not only that, but the two-year undergraduate program provides clinical internships and one-on-one professor instruction so students are 100% prepared for their roles as PTAs immediately upon graduating.

Pros

  • Rigorous program promises more successful career
  • Real-world experience
  • One-on-one interaction with professors

Cons

  • Highly competitive admissions process
  • High tuition rates

Price $$$

Learn More About This Program

https://www.calu.edu/academics/undergraduate/associate/physical-therapist-assistant/index.aspx

University of Indianapolis

Features

The University of Indianapolis provides a wide variety of physical therapy assistant programs to accommodate all students. The 62-credit hour program can be completed in two years, and students can attend either full-time or part-time. The part-time option allows students to juggle their degree with their family or work life, while the full-time option is great for students who want a traditional college experience. Students who graduate from the University of Indianapolis have a licensure pass rate well above the national and state averages.

Pros

  • Part-time classes offered
  • High licensure pass rates

Cons

  • High tuition rates

Price $$$

Learn More About This Program

https://www.uindy.edu/health-sciences/pt/pta

Louisiana College

Features

Louisiana College offers a two-year PTA program that is delivered through the context of a Christian worldview. Because of this, students of this faith feel better empowered to enter the workforce as compassionate health care providers. This is ideal for Christian students that want to work closely with their faith throughout their careers.

Pros

  • Perfect for students of a Christian faith
  • Real-world experience

Cons

  • High tuition rates

Price $

Learn More About This Program

https://www.lacollege.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/school-of-nursing-and-allied-health/division-of-allied-health/

College of Southern Nevada

Features

The College of Southern Nevada offers a PTA program that thoroughly prepares students for their role as a PTA. For the student’s convenience, the College of Southern Nevada has 3 campuses in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson.

Once students complete the PTA program, they can begin working as a PTA in a hospital, rehabilitation hospital, outpatient clinic, or home health. Students also have the option to continue their education and get a Bachelor’s or Master’s in physical therapy while gaining hands-on experience as a PTA. Upon completing the College of Southern Nevada’s PTA program, students can expect to make anywhere from just under $16 to nearly $37 an hour as a PTA.

Pros

  • Affordable tuition options
  • 3 campus locations around Nevada

Cons

  • Only full-time classes are offered

Price $$

Learn More About This Program

https://www.csn.edu/programs/physical-therapist

The Verdict

The best PTA program for you will depend on your career goals, the state you live in, and how much you are able to pay for tuition. However, the best school for PTA overall is the University of Indianapolis. Not only do they have a high success rate, but they also offer classes to accommodate adults who can’t attend classes full time. The part-time class schedule is perfect for adults who need to take care of their family or work a full-time job while getting their PTA degree.

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