Top Colleges for PTA Programs

I'm considering a career as a physical therapist assistant and need advice on which programs are considered the best. Which colleges or technical schools offer PTA programs with strong curricula and good support for students?

When searching for a good program, you'll want to prioritize programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This ensures you’re getting a quality education and will be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) which is required in order to begin practice.

Here are seven notable programs with strong Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) curriculums, in no particular order:

1. Miami Dade College (Florida) has a well-reputed PTA program. It has strong clinical components and teaching faculty with extensive clinical experience.

2. Lone Star College (Texas) offers a comprehensive two-year PTA program incorporating both lecture-based classroom education and clinical experience.

3. Broward College (Florida), with its two-year Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program, offers a strong clinical component and a high first-time pass rate for the NPTE.

4. St. Catherine University (Minnesota) is known for their rigorous PTA program and has consistently high post-graduation employment rates.

5. Northern Virginia Community College (Virginia) has a 5-semester program which provides a strong theoretical foundation and emphasizes clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

6. Clark College (Washington) features dedicated faculty and an integrated curriculum in their PTA program.

7. Fox Valley Technical College (Wisconsin) is another good option with competitive admission requirements and exceptional hands-on clinical experience.

Remember, while the reputation of the program is important, you should also consider factors like cost of attendance, location, course delivery (online or in-person), and student support resources when choosing a program. Reach out to the admissions departments for these institutions to gain more insight on their academic and career support structures before making a decision. Lastly, talk to practicing PTAs who have graduated from these programs, if possible, to hear their first-hand experience.