The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a skilled technical health care worker who assists the physical therapist in providing services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent disabilities in patients following injuries or disease. Patients include individuals who have been in accidents or individuals with potentially disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.

Duties of the physical therapist assistant are varied but include rehabilitation of orthopedic, neurological, pediatric, and sports-related problems. Once a patient is evaluated and a treatment plan is designed by the physical therapist, the physical therapist assistant can provide many aspects of treatment, as prescribed by the physical therapist. Components of treatment procedures performed by these workers involve exercise, manual therapy, massage, electrical stimulation, traction, and ultrasound. The physical therapist assistant is responsible for reporting patient responses and treatment outcomes to the physical therapist. Physical therapist assistants are employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health care agencies, private practices, and other specialized health care settings.

Admission Requirements and Curriculum

Application Instructions

General Education Scoring Worksheet

Observation Form

Acknowledgement Form

2025 PTA Program Application (to open Spring 2025)

PTA Program Estimated Expenses

Federal Financial Aid Cost Summary

Accreditation Required Financial Fact Sheet