Online Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Programs: Degree Breakdown
Discover the top accredited online physical therapy school that fits your needs while learning about curriculum, financial aid, and salary potential. Start your PTA program journey today by continuing on.
Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) are the backbone to healthy movement and healing for patients. PTAs help their patients through daily activities with controlled training and exercise. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, PTAs contribute valuable skills and therefore play vital roles in practices and clinics. Their responsibilities include documenting and analyzing patient progress, maintaining clear communication with patient families, mastering techniques like therapeutic massage, and much more.
Maybe you’ve considered becoming a PTA yourself and are wondering where to begin. A convenient and accessible option is to pursue a physical therapy assistant program in an online format. Structured as a hybrid combination, these courses allow you to squeeze virtual classes into your busy schedule while also letting you reap the learning benefits of hands-on, in-person clinical hours. The best part is that you can complete these programs and gain the necessary skills to work in a physical therapy office in just two years.
Ready to access these opportunities and jumpstart a thriving new career? Keep reading to discover the top online physical therapy assistant programs that made it onto our list and find the right one for you below.
Clarkson College
Omaha, Nebraska
Private
San Juan College
Farmington, New Mexico
Public
Mt Hood Community College
Gresham, Oregon
Public
What to Look for in an Online Physical Therapy Assistant Program
In addition to having the benefits of decreased tuition costs, the ability to set your own learning pace, and avoiding a lengthy commute, any online PTA program you consider should meet the following foundational qualifications:
- Accreditation
Of foremost importance for online PTA programs is accreditation. Proper accreditation assures students that their program meets or exceeds foundational standards of quality. It’s also something that employers weigh heavily when assessing the qualifications of potential hires. In the U.S., entry-level PTA programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). - NPTE Pass Rates:
Working as a physical therapist assistant in the U.S. requires state licensure, and licensure in all 50 states requires passing the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). Therefore, potential PTA students may want to consider first those programs with higher NPTE pass rates for their graduates. Information on PTA program pass rates can often be found on program websites. If not, you can access them from this Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) webpage. - Quality In-Person Training:
All physical therapy assistant programs online include some form of clinical practicum/internship component that must be completed in-person. If possible, consider those programs that provide access to quality clinical facilities near your home, and at times that best fit your schedule. Clinical practicum/internship components normally require full-time participation, but some programs may offer the flexibility of part-time attendance.
The Ins-and-Outs of Online PTA Programs
Online college degree programs are nothing new. They’ve been around now for more than two decades. Nevertheless, earning a degree through distance learning is still a brand new experience to anyone who hasn’t done if before. If that’s you, then it’s crucial to your academic success that you gain a solid understanding of the online education process – as well as the specific requirements of any online PTA program you’re considering – before you sign up. Here are some of the details:
Hands-on Training
The first important thing to know is that, like most online education programs in the medical field, you will be able to complete most of your basic coursework (lectures, reading, written assignments, etc.) online. However, all online PTA programs also include substantial in-person participation in the form of on-campus lab sessions and clinical experiences, and clinical practicums or internships at off-campus physical therapy facilities. This is to be expected since, by its very nature, physical therapy training requires hands-on practice.
The PTA Associate Degree
The career path of any physical therapist assistant career in the U.S. begins with earning a PTA associate degree. Generally speaking, most associate degrees are earned with two years of full-time study through an online or traditional campus-based community or technical college program. Two years is also the length of many traditional on-campus PTA degree programs. Online PTA degree programs, however, typically take a bit more time. This is particularly true of part-time programs that call for up to three years or more to complete all general education and PTA coursework, as well as all hands-on practicum requirements.
Course Structure for Physical Therapy Assistant Programs Online
All online PTA degree programs are hybrid programs, that is, they consist of a combination of online and in-person study components. However, it’s not uncommon for PTA programs to offer some specific courses in a fully-online format, and others in a format that combines online lectures, and reading and writing assignments, with on-campus labs and clinical experiences.
The bulk of online coursework is presented asynchronously, meaning that students can access course materials at anytime, and complete assignments at their own pace. It’s this flexibility in study that makes distance learning such a great choice for students with busy work schedules or significant family obligations. There may be times, however, when students are required to log in and attend a live streamed lecture or related event at a specific time.
Paying for an Online Physical Therapy Assistant Program
Going after a college degree, even an associate degree, can be expensive. In fact, cost is often the biggest barrier faced by prospective students. Fortunately, PTA students have access to the same financial aid options as anyone else:
Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants have the great advantage of not having to be paid back. The problem is that many students never bother to consider scholarships or grants because they assume there’s no chance of qualifying for them. The truth is, though, that there are organizations out there that sponsor scholarships and grants specifically for PTA students, and many awards are earmarked for students with particular backgrounds (low income, members of a minority group, etc.). For example, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) sponsors a number of scholarships specifically for PTA students, three of which are awarded to minority group members. Additionally, there are dozens of scholarships and grants that are non-PTA specific, but nonetheless open to PTA students.
Learn about more scholarships you may be eligible for by visiting EduMed’s dedicated scholarships guide for PTA students.
Student Loans
Student loans are the most common form of financial aid for college. Student loan sources include state governments and private funds, but the bulk of loans are made through the federal government. Access to all federal student loans, as well as many scholarships, grants, and work-study jobs, requires filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Visit EduMed’s Pay Less for Education: How to Take Charge of Your Financial Aid for more on student financial aid opportunities.
Getting Licensed After Your Online PTA Program
As mentioned earlier, you can’t practice as a physical therapist assistant in the U.S. without a license. Licensure of PTAs is handled by regulatory agencies in each individual state, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specific licensure requirements and procedures vary by jurisdiction, but all mandate that applicants pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) to be licensed. Other requirements may include such items as a criminal background check, CPR certification, and payment of a license application processing fee. Some states additionally require applicants to be at least 18 years of age. Also, licensure is good only within the jurisdiction that issues it, so PTAs who work in more than one state, or are planning to move to a new state, must obtain the proper license for that jurisdiction before starting practice. PTA students are advised to become familiar with the licensure process in their jurisdiction as early as possible.
About the NPTE
The NPTE for PTAs is a computer-administered exam that consists of 200 multiple choice questions. The exam is given four times a year on specific dates and must be taken at one of the many Prometric test centers located throughout the United States. The test need not be taken in the test taker’s chosen practice jurisdiction. Test takers have up to five hours to complete the exam. Test scores range from 200 to 800, with 600 as the minimum passing score. The exam may be repeated consecutively up to three times, and up to six times in total. The current cost for taking the exam is $485.00. The administration of the NPTE is supervised by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSTBP). Detailed exam information is available on this APTA webpage, and full exam eligibility requirements can be found here.
There’s a wealth of exam preparation materials available, a few of which can be gotten for a nominal price or even free-of-charge. Contact your school’s library or bookstore for prep material availability, or check out this FSTBP resource list.
What You’ll Learn in Physical Therapy Assistant Programs Online
Working as a PTA requires a surprisingly broad foundation of knowledge and hands-on skills, all of which will be covered in any quality PTA degree program. Didactic PTA core coursework – typically presented online – will include study in a number of relevant subjects, such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, clinical pathology, communication, ethics, neuroscience, and more. Hands-on skills are those that PTA students develop during the in-person components of their degree program (labs, clinicals, practicums, internships) while working directly with patients under the direction of instructors, doctors, and practicing physical therapists.
Below is look at some of the most important qualities and skills students develop in their PTA degree programs. Keep in mind that these skills are meant to ensure competence in professional practice, but more immediately, they prepare the student for passing the NPTE.
Knowledge Gained through Online Coursework
Anatomy and Kinesiology:
A strong, foundational understanding of the human anatomy – particularly the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, nervous, integumentary, and endocrine systems – is crucial to physical therapy practice. Closely related to anatomy, kinesiology concerns human body movement, focusing specifically on the biomechanical, physiological, and psychological principles and mechanisms of movement. PTA students should expect comprehensive coverage of both topics in their coursework.
Exercise Physiology:
Covering some of the same basic ground as anatomy and kinesiology, but related specifically to the physiology of the human body during exercise. Emphasis is placed on the neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary systems, as well as the metabolic processes involved in the production and storage of energy as it applies to acute and chronic exercise. Pathological conditions relevant to exercise and physical therapy practice are included.
Communication:
PTAs spend the majority of their workday interacting with clients, physical therapists, doctors, medical staff, and others. PTAs must be able to receive information from all of these sources and competently record that information in written form for later use by themselves and others. Superior communications skills are, therefore, a must. Communication topics covered in coursework include oral comprehension and expression, speech clarity, written comprehension, and writing competency.
Skills Learned During Hands-on Training
Patient Treatment:
This is the real “hands-on” part of the physical therapist assistant’s job. PTAs not only teach their patients specific stretches and exercises as part of their plans of care, they also help patients perform those stretches and exercises during treatment sessions. PTAs additionally perform a variety of massage techniques on patients as part of treatment. PTAs also instruct patients in the use of various types of rehabilitation and exercise equipment, as well as assistive devices like walkers and crutches.
Patient Diagnosis and Evaluation:
Through observation and testing, and under the direct supervision of physical therapists, PTAs help diagnose the movements and functions of their patients, and assist in the development of plans of care. PTAs are also responsible for observing their patients before, during, and after treatment in order to evaluate and report on patient status and progress to the supervising physical therapist.
Compassion:
As much a personal quality as a skill. Compassion can be defined as the consciousness of the pain of others, and the desire to help alleviate that pain. Compassion for the suffering of one’s patients, along with the equally-important quality of patience, must be at the very core of every PTA’s professional practice.
Career Growth, Salary & Outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical therapy is a fast-growing field across the United States, and assistants play an essential role in this industry. The national growth rate is 26%, well above the national job growth rate for all industries. With such high demand for their skill set, physical therapy assistants will likely find it easy to secure a job. Additionally, it may be easier to apply for and obtain promotions or take on additional leadership opportunities at work, leading to a larger salary. Speaking of salary, most physical therapy assistants earn between $42,110 and $88,830 annually. To be on the higher end of the salary range, one might consider taking on a managerial role or living in a state with higher wages. Some states with high earning potential for physical therapy assistants include California, Maryland, and Nevada. Salaries also naturally increase the longer one works within the field.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $42,110 | $64,080 | $88,830 |
| Alabama | $38,770 | $60,490 | $75,530 |
| Alaska | $32,000 | $63,430 | $87,840 |
| Arizona | $29,310 | $62,790 | $78,710 |
| Arkansas | $29,780 | $64,790 | $90,370 |
| California | $35,970 | $79,630 | $104,710 |
| Colorado | $48,860 | $64,180 | $84,210 |
| Connecticut | $32,870 | $72,170 | $84,310 |
| Delaware | $50,780 | $63,190 | $80,440 |
| Florida | $49,920 | $65,710 | $83,160 |
| Georgia | $52,000 | $73,120 | $91,070 |
| Hawaii | $52,290 | $57,710 | $73,160 |
| Idaho | $48,500 | $59,660 | $78,980 |
| Illinois | $49,880 | $63,200 | $93,000 |
| Indiana | $46,240 | $62,710 | $79,120 |
| Iowa | $42,590 | $58,700 | $71,560 |
| Kansas | $45,510 | $61,160 | $77,660 |
| Kentucky | $28,920 | $61,080 | $77,810 |
| Louisiana | $23,440 | $60,790 | $84,800 |
| Maine | $51,130 | $59,350 | $73,420 |
| Maryland | $30,420 | $73,400 | $97,420 |
| Massachusetts | $58,320 | $75,160 | $83,540 |
| Michigan | $42,640 | $60,780 | $73,730 |
| Minnesota | $49,740 | $60,980 | $74,900 |
| Mississippi | $40,020 | $62,090 | $79,570 |
| Missouri | $45,950 | $61,310 | $78,970 |
| Montana | $49,980 | $61,410 | $72,210 |
| Nebraska | $37,150 | $57,790 | $73,280 |
| Nevada | $27,420 | $72,650 | $135,200 |
| New Hampshire | $41,950 | $69,110 | $79,800 |
| New Jersey | $34,900 | $70,160 | $87,460 |
| New Mexico | $37,650 | $60,090 | $78,330 |
| New York | $31,200 | $61,930 | $80,900 |
| North Carolina | $50,500 | $63,170 | $80,840 |
| North Dakota | $23,270 | $58,520 | $72,150 |
| Ohio | $48,550 | $61,540 | $82,280 |
| Oklahoma | $38,030 | $64,020 | $77,460 |
| Oregon | $50,540 | $64,040 | $82,780 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,850 | $59,930 | $75,830 |
| Rhode Island | $52,620 | $62,400 | $76,300 |
| South Carolina | $51,000 | $65,010 | $83,010 |
| South Dakota | $39,820 | $52,730 | $65,570 |
| Tennessee | $48,070 | $61,600 | $79,270 |
| Texas | $33,840 | $75,960 | $94,660 |
| Utah | $28,120 | $60,880 | $83,200 |
| Vermont | $56,160 | $66,630 | $77,740 |
| Virginia | $32,020 | $65,840 | $94,100 |
| Washington | $38,490 | $67,470 | $92,490 |
| West Virginia | $47,110 | $60,010 | $76,870 |
| Wisconsin | $49,280 | $61,730 | $78,370 |
| Wyoming | $37,480 | $58,940 | $80,820 |
Source: Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 100,700 | 126,900 | 26,200 | 26.00% | 18,100 |
| Alabama | 2,050 | 2,570 | 520 | 25.40% | 370 |
| Alaska | 100 | 110 | 10 | 10.00% | 20 |
| Arizona | 1,480 | 2,180 | 700 | 47.30% | 320 |
| Arkansas | 1,400 | 1,790 | 390 | 27.90% | 250 |
| California | 7,900 | 11,200 | 3,300 | 41.80% | 1,620 |
| Colorado | 1,560 | 2,120 | 560 | 35.90% | 310 |
| Connecticut | 850 | 1,050 | 200 | 23.50% | 150 |
| Delaware | 300 | 410 | 110 | 36.70% | 60 |
| District of Columbia | 70 | 80 | 10 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Florida | 7,430 | 10,230 | 2,800 | 37.70% | 1,480 |
| Georgia | 3,140 | 4,050 | 910 | 29.00% | 580 |
| Idaho | 540 | 760 | 220 | 40.70% | 110 |
| Illinois | 4,460 | 5,490 | 1,030 | 23.10% | 780 |
| Indiana | 2,080 | 2,570 | 490 | 23.60% | 360 |
| Iowa | 1,260 | 1,720 | 460 | 36.50% | 250 |
| Kansas | 1,000 | 1,180 | 180 | 18.00% | 170 |
| Kentucky | 2,280 | 2,840 | 560 | 24.60% | 400 |
| Louisiana | 1,580 | 1,990 | 410 | 25.90% | 280 |
| Maine | 500 | 570 | 70 | 14.00% | 80 |
| Maryland | 1,880 | 2,450 | 570 | 30.30% | 350 |
| Massachusetts | 780 | 1,010 | 230 | 29.50% | 140 |
| Michigan | 3,320 | 4,020 | 700 | 21.10% | 570 |
| Minnesota | 1,320 | 1,640 | 320 | 24.20% | 230 |
| Mississippi | 1,130 | 1,420 | 290 | 25.70% | 200 |
| Missouri | 2,520 | 3,240 | 720 | 28.60% | 460 |
| Montana | 300 | 420 | 120 | 40.00% | 60 |
| Nebraska | 1,120 | 1,450 | 330 | 29.50% | 210 |
| Nevada | 640 | 860 | 220 | 34.40% | 120 |
| New Hampshire | 370 | 480 | 110 | 29.70% | 70 |
| New Jersey | 1,740 | 2,330 | 590 | 33.90% | 340 |
| New Mexico | 890 | 1,310 | 420 | 47.20% | 190 |
| New York | 4,260 | 5,470 | 1,210 | 28.40% | 120 |
| North Carolina | 2,760 | 3,730 | 970 | 35.10% | 540 |
| North Dakota | 150 | 190 | 40 | 26.70% | 30 |
| Ohio | 6,050 | 7,170 | 1,120 | 18.50% | 1,010 |
| Oklahoma | 1,700 | 2,050 | 350 | 20.60% | 290 |
| Oregon | 840 | 1,160 | 320 | 38.10% | 170 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,990 | 6,280 | 1,290 | 25.90% | 890 |
| Rhode Island | 380 | 480 | 100 | 26.30% | 70 |
| South Carolina | 2,110 | 2,910 | 800 | 37.90% | 420 |
| South Dakota | 340 | 450 | 110 | 32.40% | 60 |
| Tennessee | 2,640 | 3,680 | 1,040 | 39.40% | 530 |
| Texas | 8,480 | 11,180 | 2,700 | 31.80% | 1,600 |
| Utah | 650 | 1,090 | 440 | 67.70% | 160 |
| Vermont | 140 | 170 | 30 | 21.40% | 20 |
| Virgin Islands | 20 | 20 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Virginia | 2,770 | 3,560 | 790 | 28.50% | 510 |
| Washington | 1,770 | 2,310 | 540 | 30.50% | 390 |
| West Virginia | 800 | 1,020 | 220 | 27.50% | 150 |
| Wisconsin | 1,830 | 2,170 | 340 | 18.60% | 300 |
| Wyoming | 180 | 240 | 60 | 33.30% | 30 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Your Pressing Questions, Answered
What is the difference between a PT and a PTA?
Physical therapist assistants provide support to physical therapists (PTs). Though most of the techniques they can perform are the same, PTAs are not able to “perform an initial evaluation or create a plan of care”. Official diagnoses are evaluated and executed by PTs, who are licensed to do so.
What is the best major for a physical therapy assistant?
The best undergraduate degree majors for PTAs include kinesiology, exercise science, health science, biology, and even psychology. These major programs offer an easy transition into your chosen career and can give you all of the skills and knowledge you’ll need to help your patients well.
Which physical therapy assistant setting pays the most?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the following as the mean annual wages for the top industries and settings for PTAs in May 2023:
- Home healthcare services: $76,750
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities): $76,710
- Hospitals; state, local, and private: $66,180
- Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists: $60,540
- Offices of physicians: $59,820
