Help people get back on their feet as a Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Overview
Do you dream of a career where you can help people rehabilitate from injuries, disorders, or disabilities? The physical therapist assistant program at Provo College will give you the necessary skills to start your PTA career with confidence. In as little as 21 months, you can complete your PTA courses and jump into this in-demand profession. We currently offer online PTA training 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 receiving therapy 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.
What you need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to go to school to be a physical therapist assistant?
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.
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 31 percent by 2026. 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 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.
What degree do you need for a physical therapist assistant?
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.
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 are currently offering online training 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.
Physical Therapist Assistant graduates are trained in:
- Therapeutic exercise
- Kinesiology
- Pharmacology
- Musculoskeletal orthopedics
- Health, disease, and disabilities
- Rehabilitation activities
Areas Served
Serving Physical Therapist Assistant Students in 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 |
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%
