How to Find Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

A physical therapist assistant, or PTA, is an indvidual who assists a physical therapist in treating patients. Under the direction of the physical therapist, the PTA may assist in applying the course of treatment to a patient, adjusting the course of treatment and generally helping patients through their physical therapy. In order to become a PTA you must complete an accredited program.

• Look on the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website. This website has a list of accredited physical therapy assistant programs throughout the United States. Simply select your state and then you will be able to scroll through a list of schools that provide the PTA program.


• Check your local community college. Many community colleges offer classes for a PTA program. Contact the counselor for your community college to determine if this program is available to you. If so, work with the counselor to enroll in the proper classes.


• Search the Internet. Typing "physical therapy assistant programs" into a search browser will generate hundreds of results. Read through the information and find a program that works for you.


• Consider going to a developing PTA program. Developing PTA programs do not yet have their accreditation, but are working towards building it. Be sure to ask counselors for these programs what the risks are in completing a program that is not yet accredited.


• Ask at a local physical therapy office. Let a local physical therapy office know you are interested in pursuing a PTA degree. Ask if you can come in and interview an existing PTA to see where they completed their coursework and how they found their job.