Physical Therapist Assistant Program Overview
Help people get back on their feet as a Physical Therapist Assistant
If you dream of helping people restore their strength and mobility, especially in cases when they suffer from injuries, disorders, or disabilities, then consider a future as a physical therapist assistant (PTA). By earning your associate degree at Provo College, you can launch your physical therapist assistant career with confidence. In as little as 21 months, our PTA program will prepare you with the necessary skills to thrive in this in-demand profession. For added convenience, we currently offer some classes online or in a hybrid format to support our students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read our licensure disclosure.
Successful graduates of Provo’s PTA program will:
- Acquire the knowledge and skills to provide competent, entry-level care to patients, under the supervision of a physical therapist.
- Demonstrate professional, ethical, and legal behavior.
- Possess adequate knowledge to pass the national licensing exam for physical therapist assistants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What you need to know
Does Provo College offer a physical therapist assistant program near me?
We welcome students from all around the world to enroll at Provo College. The majority of students at our Provo campus are either from the city of Provo or commute from one of the following nearby cities.
We serve Physical Therapist Assistant students across all of Utah County:
| Provo, UT | Alpine, UT | American Fork, UT |
| Cedar Fort, UT | Cedar Hills, UT | Draper, UT |
| Eagle Mountain, UT | Elk Ridge, UT | Highland, UT |
| Lehi, UT | Lindon, UT | Mapleton, UT |
| Orem, UT | Payson, UT | Pleasant Grove, UT |
| Salem, UT | Santaquin, UT | Saratoga Springs, UT |
| Spanish Fork, UT | Springville, UT | Vineyard, UT |
| Woodland Hills, UT |
How long does it take to become a physical therapist assistant?
Though it varies by region, most states require physical therapist assistants to earn an associates 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 physical therapist assistant degree in as little as 21 months.
Are physical therapist assistants in high demand?
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 32 percent by 2030. They largely attribute this growth to the aging baby-boomer population and the increasing need for medical services.
How much money does a physical therapist assistant make?
As of May 2020, the average salary for physical therapist assistants was $59,440. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the lowest 10 percent earned up to $33,840, while the highest 10 percent earned up to $82,470 per year, or more. The starting salary of a physical therapist assistant will often depend on their location as well as their employer.
Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees’ years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 11/15/2021)
What degree do you need for a physical therapist assistant?
Physical therapist assistants entering the profession need to earn an associates 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.
Click here to read our licensure disclosure.
What GPA do you need to get into physical therapist assistant school?
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.
What classes are required for a physical therapist assistant?
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.
Can you become a physical therapist assistant online?
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. At Provo College, we currently offer some classes online or in a hybrid format to protect our students and staff due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How much does it cost to go to school to be a physical therapist assistant?
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.
PTA Program Curriculum
Our associate-degree program will prepare you for a career as an entry-level physical therapist assistant. You will learn how to provide physical therapy interventions to clients of all ages with varied disorders. Through techniques like therapeutic exercise, ambulation, and physical agents, you will help them restore and maintain function to fully participate in daily life activities. From school systems and fitness centers to long-term care facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics, our hybrid-online curriculum will prepare you to work in a variety of settings.
By the end of our program, you will complete 76 semester credit hours. Class topics include general psychology, medical terminology, therapeutic procedures, applied kinesiology, and more.
Graduates of the physical therapist assistant program are trained in:
- Therapeutic exercise
- Kinesiology
- Pharmacology
- Musculoskeletal orthopedics
- Health, disease, and disabilities
- Rehabilitation activities
PTA Admissions Requirements
What do I need to do to start?
Our admissions process is designed to help you understand all the options surrounding your career education. An admissions representative will guide you step-by-step through the enrollment process so that you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to start your first day of classes. We also conduct a career planning session to learn about your interests and goals.
To apply for the PTA program, you must pass an entrance exam and meet the following requirements:
- Submit proof of a negative chemical/drug screening.
- Complete an online readiness course and participate in a virtual orientation.
- Confirm prior to starting the program that you have personal access to a computer with the internet.
Entrance Exam
You must achieve a total TEAS exam score of 59 percent or higher to be admitted to the program. If you have previously taken a TEAS exam, your score is applicable if you took the exam within 24 months of the PTA start date. Remember to take your TEAS exam at an authorized, ATI-proctored location, and it will be valid for review.
The TEAS exam may be attempted a maximum of three times within a calendar year. We can also provide test passing assistance to prospective students.
PTA Tuition & Financial Aid
Out-of-pocket costs for associate-degree programs can vary depending on your individual situation. There are various financial aid options available to our students at Provo College. In fact, our financial aid team is ready to assist you develop a financial plan to achieve your educational goals.
Our financial aid options include the following programs and opportunities:
- Federal Grants
- Institutional Scholarships and Grants
- Outside Scholarships
- Federal Work-Study
- Federal Loans
- Private Loans
Please visit the School Catalog for more details.
Experience the PTA Program at Provo College
Physical Therapist Assistant Career
PTAs perform several treatments to carry out the physical therapist’s plan of care for their patients. Their tasks may include therapeutic exercise, functional training, deep soft tissue massage, and physical modalities such as electrotherapy or ultrasound. In addition, PTAs may work with individuals to prevent mobility loss through fitness-and wellness-oriented programs for more active lifestyles.
Some common employers of PTAs include offices of physical therapists, hospitals, physician offices, and nursing care facilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of Physical Therapist Assistants is projected to grow 32 percent by 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Becoming a PTA can also lead to a steady source of income. The BLS reports that the average salary of physical therapist assistants is about $59,000. Physical therapist assistants who earn salaries in the top 10 percent can earn as much as $82,000 per year, or more.
Click here to learn more about becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees’ years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 11/15/2021)
PTA Program Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Provo College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE):
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100,
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
telephone: 703-706-3245
email: [email protected]
website: http://www.capteonline.org.
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (385) 273-2445 or email [email protected].
CAPTE Annual Accreditation Report Graduation Rates:
The 2-year average graduation rate is 80%.
Licensure Examination Rate:
The 2-year average pass rate on the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) as reported by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) = 97.7%
Employment Rate:
The employment rate of those graduates eligible for employment and seeking employment that were employed as physical therapist assistants within one year of graduation is 95%
