Physical Therapist
Assistant Program

Though it varies by region, most states require physical therapist assistants to earn an associate’s degree. These degree programs typically take two years to complete and are often available at trade or vocational colleges. At Provo College, you can earn your degree as a physical therapist assistant in as little as 21 months.

Not only are physical therapist assistants in high demand, but employment opportunities are expected to increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 31 percent by 2026. They largely attribute this growth to the aging baby-boomer population and the increasing need for medical services.

As of May 2018, the median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $58,040. The BLS reported that the lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,780, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,810. The starting salary of a physical therapist assistant will often depend on their location as well as their employer. Generally speaking, the average hourly rate for a physical therapist assistant is about $23.72.

Physical therapist assistants entering the profession need to earn an associate’s degree from an accredited PTA program. In the U.S., physical therapist assistants must be licensed or certified. Licensure usually requires graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and a passing score on the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapist assistants.

The GPA, or grade point average, required for physical therapist assistant programs will vary from school to school. At Provo College, for example, aspiring students complete a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). They must have a minimum overall TEAS score of 59% and a minimum reading TEAS score of 69.8% to be eligible for the PTA program. An admissions representative can walk you through this process and answer any additional questions.

Graduates of Provo’s PTA program are trained in therapeutic exercise; kinesiology; pharmacology; musculoskeletal orthopedics; rehabilitation activities; and health, disease, and disabilities. Some PTA programs will also include courses in algebra, English, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Plus, various programs provide aspiring PTAs with supervised clinical work.

Some PTA programs offer online classes, while others provide students with a hybrid format to include both online and in-class instruction. Prospective PTA students should check with their state licensing board, as the requirements to become a physical therapist assistant may differ from one region to the next.

The cost to go to school to be a physical therapist assistant will vary depending on the school and the location. For instance, in state versus out-of-state costs will differ from school to school. At Provo College, program costs include general education courses as well as PTA core classes. A variety of financial aid options are available to Provo students. For more information, please reach out to a friendly representative.