Top physical therapy assistant programs

Physical therapy is a dynamic and rapidly growing healthcare field that emphasizes a collaborative approach to patient recovery. Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are essential members of rehabilitation teams, supporting physical therapists in delivering hands-on care that helps improve patients’ movement, strength, and functional abilities.

As licensed clinicians, PTAs are responsible for performing therapeutic exercises and interventions, monitoring patient progress, making modifications to treatment plans, and collecting vital data on outcomes. One primary requirement for becoming a PTA is completing a specialized educational track through an accredited physical therapist assistant program.

Physical therapist assistant programs, including both on-campus, hybrid, and online options, prepare students for clinical roles by combining rigorous coursework in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology with immersive, real-world training. Through these programs, students gain valuable experience applying classroom knowledge to practical scenarios, developing competencies in direct patient care.

Below you will find a curated list of leading physical therapist assistant programs and a detailed overview of the steps needed to become a PTA in the U.S. Selecting a comprehensive PTA program is key to mastering the diverse duties required in physical therapist assistant jobs. These programs also provide the educational foundation necessary to excel on the NPTE-PTA board exam.

General requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant programs

To obtain a PTA associate’s degree, it is advisable to have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you’re still in high school, it’s a good idea to take as many math and science classes as you can to build up your skills before taking higher-level courses. Some programs also require previous completion of college coursework in order to enroll. Applying to a PTA program may require you to submit high school and college transcripts with your GPA, a statement of intent, and other application materials, depending on the school.

Top 10 physical therapist assistant programs

Below is a list of top physical therapist assistant degree and bridge programs in the U.S., including program locations and NPTE pass rates. These accredited PTA programs are designed to prepare graduates for physical therapist assistant jobs and successful completion of the NPTE exam, a requirement for licensure and employment in this rewarding healthcare field.

Loma Linda University Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Location: Loma Linda, CA

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 98.67%

Loma Linda University offers an Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapy for aspiring PTAs. This program requires at least 2.25 years of college coursework after high school, with the first year of prerequisites transferable from accredited institutions. The remaining technical education is completed at LLU, providing comprehensive preparation for the NPTE and a variety of physical therapist assistant jobs.

Fox College Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Location: Tinley Park, IL

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 100%

Fox College features a CAPTE-accredited, 18-month PTA program with no prerequisites, allowing students to begin hands-on training immediately. The curriculum covers essential topics like anatomy, kinesiology, and neuroscience, key for passing the NPTE and securing physical therapist assistant positions in diverse healthcare settings. Fox College also offers strong career services to support job placement after graduation.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Health Sciences Pathways

Location: Manchester, NH and online

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): Not reported

While SNHU does not offer a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant program, it provides related degrees in health sciences. SNHU partners with community colleges to create transfer pathways for PTA graduates seeking bachelor’s degrees, supporting career advancement and eligibility for more advanced physical therapist assistant jobs.

Keiser University Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 92.68%

Keiser University’s CAPTE-accredited Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program combines classroom instruction, labs, and clinical education. Graduates are well-prepared for the NPTE and for entry-level PTA jobs in Florida’s expanding healthcare sector, working under licensed physical therapists in a variety of settings.

Ivy Tech Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Degree

Location: Indianapolis, IN

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): Not reported

Ivy Tech’s Associate of Science in PTA is a CAPTE-accredited program blending general education with specialized courses such as kinesiology and treatment modalities. Students gain hands-on clinical experience and are fully prepared for the NPTE exam and physical therapist assistant jobs in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

Lanier Technical College Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Location: Gainesville, GA

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 100%

Lanier Technical College offers a PTA associate degree at its Forsyth Campus, emphasizing classroom learning and clinical training. The curriculum focuses on professional ethics, patient care skills, and progressive clinical experiences that align with APTA core values, which are critical for success in the NPTE and securing PTA employment.

Carrington College Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Location: Multiple locations (western U.S.) and online

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 91.89%

Carrington College provides a CAPTE-accredited Associate of Applied Science in PTA that can be completed in less than two years. The program integrates classroom study, labs, and clinical practice to prepare graduates for the national licensure exam (NPTE) and immediate entry into physical therapist assistant jobs across rehabilitation settings.

Sinclair Community College (OH) Physical Therapist Assistant Degree

Location: Dayton, OH

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): Not reported

Sinclair’s CAPTE-accredited Associate of Applied Science in PTA includes coursework, labs, and over 300 hours of supervised clinical practice. Graduates are eligible for NPTE licensure in Ohio and are equipped for physical therapist assistant careers in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

ECPI University Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Location: Manassas, VA

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 93.75%

ECPI University offers an accelerated Associate of Applied Science in PTA, allowing students to graduate in as little as 18 months. The curriculum blends hands-on training with classes in patient care and therapeutic modalities, preparing students to pass the NPTE and start their careers as physical therapist assistants quickly.

Delaware Technical Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Location: Multiple cities, DE

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 90.91%

Delaware Tech’s CAPTE-accredited Associate of Applied Science in PTA covers anatomy, kinesiology, treatment techniques, and three phases of clinical practice. Graduates are prepared for the NPTE exam and ready to assist PTs with patient care, documentation, and education in various healthcare environments.

Houston Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Location: Houston, TX

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 100%

Houston Community College offers a CAPTE-accredited Associate of Applied Science degree in PTA. The program emphasizes patient care skills, therapeutic exercise, and clinical education, ensuring students are well-prepared for the NPTE exam and for physical therapist assistant jobs in hospitals, rehab centers, or outpatient clinics.

Physical therapist assistant programs are available nationwide. Exploring options at local colleges can be a smart step toward passing the NPTE and launching a successful career in physical therapist assistant jobs.

Steps to becoming a physical therapist assistant

The PTA career path offers an accessible entry into the medical field for those interested in patient-centered healthcare careers without the extended educational requirements of other medical professions. The steps to becoming a PTA are as follows:

1. Earn an associate’s degree from a CAPTE-accredited program (2 years)

Community colleges and technical schools offer 2-year programs that include:

• Core classes (anatomy, kinesiology)
• Hands-on labs
• Clinical internships

2. Pass the NPTE for PTAs

Students completing PTA programs must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensed professionals. The NPTE for PTAs serves as a nationally recognized board exam, specifically designed to assess the comprehensive knowledge and hands-on skills acquired through accredited PTA programs. While the NPTE for PTAs covers content tailored to the physical therapist assistant role and differs in scope from the exam for physical therapists, it remains a rigorous and essential assessment for licensure. Successfully passing the NPTE confirms that each physical therapist assistant is fully prepared for entry-level practice in a variety of clinical settings.

3. Start working in a clinical setting

PTAs are in demand in:

• Hospitals
• Sports clinics
• Schools
• Home health

Wrapping up

Physical therapy is a dynamic and rapidly growing field, providing rewarding opportunities for individuals pursuing physical therapist assistant jobs. A career as a physical therapist assistant not only allows skilled professionals to make a significant impact on patients’ rehabilitation and quality of life, but also offers a streamlined educational path. With less time required in school compared to other healthcare roles, PTA programs give students a faster and highly effective route to starting their physical therapist assistant careers.

PTAs are vital members of healthcare teams, possessing hands-on training from rigorous physical therapist assistant programs. Through these accredited PTA programs, future physical therapist assistants develop advanced skills in the latest therapeutic techniques and technologies. Just as importantly, they learn to bring compassion and empathy to every patient interaction.

Completing a comprehensive PTA program doesn’t just equip you with the knowledge essential for passing the NPTE; it provides real-world clinical experience fundamental for success in all types of physical therapist assistant jobs. This practical training empowers you to deliver exceptional care and guide patients effectively through their recovery process, making a positive difference in their healing journey.