Physical Therapist Assistant Program

PTA Program Overview

Make a difference in people’s lives as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). If you want to help individuals reclaim their strength and mobility after injury, illness, or disability, our PTA program can help turn this goal into a reality.

In as little as 21 months, you can earn your PTA associate degree, acquiring the essential skills to flourish in this sought-after profession. The PTA curriculum is also delivered in a blended (in-person & online) program format for added flexibility. Please refer to our licensure disclosure for further details.

Successful graduates of our Physical Therapist Assistant 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.

CAPTE

Accredited*

100%

2023 Employment Rate

97%

2023 NPTE Pass Rate

Program Start Date

May5

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What You’ll Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

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:

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 26 percent by 2032. 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 2023, the average salary for Physical Therapist Assistants was about $65,000. The starting salary of a Physical Therapist Assistant will often depend on their location and 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 4/5/2024)

What degree do you need for a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Physical Therapist Assistants entering the profession need to earn an associate 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.

Can you become a Physical Therapist Assistant online?

Some PTA programs offer online classes, while others provide students with a blended 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.

My college externship prepared me to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant. It's opened me to greater experience and more hands-on learning!

– Missy S.

2023 – The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) awards Unitek Learning the Award of Excellence in Data Learning Analytics Design.

PTA Curriculum (76 Credits)

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 blended (in-person & 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.

Course Totals	Credit Hours
Course Totals	76

Course	Credit Hours
PTA114 - Introduction to Physical Therapy	2
PTA127 - Medical Terminology	2
PTA134 - Therapeutic Procedures I	4
PTA122 - Applied Kinesiology	4.5
PTA138 - Modalities	4.5
PTA132 - Therapeutic Exercise	4
PTA124 - Pathology	3
PTA242 - Applied Orthopedics	4.5
PTA137 - PTA Seminar I	1
PTA246 - Clinical Affiliation I	3
PTA133 - Pharmacology	1
PTA244 - Therapeutic Procedures II	4
PTA243 - Applied Neurology	4.5
PTA240 - PTA Seminar II	1
PTA255 - Capstone	1
PTA256 - Clinical Affiliation II	6
Clinical Affiliation III	6
Human Anatomy w/ Lab	4
Human Physiology	4

Course	Credit Hours
ENG100 - English Composition	3
ENG115 - Public Speaking	3
MTH100 - Intermediate Algebra	3
PSY100 - Introduction to Psychology	3

Get in Touch with Provo College

OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP

It can be overwhelming to apply for college. There are questions that range from course schedules to financial aid, career services, employment, and more. Aspiring students have a lot to consider before choosing a school. At Provo College, our staff and faculty are committed to helping answer all your questions.

PTA Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition costs for the Physical Therapist Assistant program can vary depending on your situation. However, we offer several financial aid options to qualifying students. In fact, many Provo students use some form of financial aid to help cover the cost of their education.

This is why we offer personalized counseling from a student finance advisor to help make your college experience more affordable. Please reach out to a financial aid representative for more information.

View the PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet

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What impacted my education most at Provo College was how the instructors cared. They gave us every opportunity to meet with them to help us succeed.

– Riley L.

A Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) perform several treatments to carry out the physical therapist’s care plan 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.

Typical 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 19 percent by 2032, 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 $65,000.

To learn more, view our comprehensive career guide on becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant.

PTA Admissions Requirements

1 Meet with Admissions Representative (virtual or in-person)

2 Begin the Provo Enrollment Process

3 Schedule & Pass TEAS Entrance Assessment

4 Complete FAFSA & Financial Aid Interview

5 Start Program

The Provo Campus

Provo College is located within distance of the Provo River and resides near a number of parks, restaurants, and shops. This ideal location allows easy access for commuting students as well as several areas for food or supplies.

Provo College prepares students by giving them access to healthcare facilities, simulation training, and extensive instruction. We offer two degree programs in the area of nursing and physical therapist assistant. Both programs feature experienced instructors, clinical simulations, and employment assistance.

Job Placement Support

At Provo college, we aren’t just here to provide you with an educational experience and send you on your way. Our team is committed to helping you secure employment so you can hit the ground running right after graduation. And we don’t stop there. Throughout your career, coaches are available at any of the schools within the Unitek Learning family of schools. We want to support you throughout your healthcare career.

Dedicated Faculty

The instructors at our Provo campus are experienced healthcare professionals with industry experience. Since class sizes are small here, your teachers can focus on your individual needs and help you realize your full potential every step of the way. Our team of instructors are available to help you learn valuable job-searching skills and advance your career.

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PTA 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.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Provo College is committed to responding to all complaints to ensure high standards and continuous quality improvement. Every complaint will be taken seriously and viewed as an opportunity to receive constructive feedback. Please see School Catalog for complete details on the College complaint process and assurance of nonretaliation. To file a formal complaint, please click here.

All complainants may also file a complaint about the program with: The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22305 800-999-2782 http://www.capteonline.org/Complaints.

If needing to contact the program directly, please call (385) 324-8624 or email [email protected].

CAPTE Annual Accreditation Report Graduation Rates:

The 2-year average graduation rate is 90%.

2023 - 28/32 students, 89%

2022 - 25/28 students, 89%

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) = 94%

2023 – 23/29 passed first time 79%

2023 – 28/29 passed overall 97%

2022 – 21/25 passed first time 84%

2022 – 23/25 passed overall 92%

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 98%

2023 employment rate (28/28 graduates) - 100%

2022 employment rate (22/23 graduates) - 96%

The Provo Advantage

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CAPTE Accredited

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Employment Assistance

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Experienced Instructors

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Financial Guidance

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Diverse Clinical Learning

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Earn Your PTA Degree

PTA Program Overview

Successful graduates of our Physical Therapist Assistant program will:

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