Top Online PTA Programs in 2026 (Ranked)

Top Online Physical Therapy Assistant Associate Degree Programs in 2025

Attending college is expensive and a big financial decision. Therefore, having access to transparent and comprehensive information is critical when making decisions about getting your degree in physical therapy assisting. We’ve compiled a list of the top 15 online associate degree programs for physical therapy assistants in 2025, highlighting the most sought-after options from a range of universities.

Rasmussen University offers a hybrid Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree program that combines the convenience of online learning with essential in-person training.Students complete online coursework alongside scheduled on-campus lab sessions, allowing for flexibility without sacrificing hands-on experience

The program emphasizes collaboration in healthcare settings and includes clinical training at partnering facilities, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world practice in the field of physical therapy.

• 🕒 Program Length: 18 months (accelerated format)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $12,054
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 93
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 98%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 95%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 93%
• ✅ View Program Data

Miami Dade College offers a hybrid Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program through two online platforms: MDC LIVE, featuring live virtual lectures with faculty, and MDC Online for flexible, self-paced learning. The curriculum covers key areas like neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, wound care, and service learning. Students also complete a hands-on clinical component at assigned facilities within Miami-Dade County, gaining real-world experience. This blended format ensures a well-rounded education that balances virtual instruction with essential clinical training.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years or more, depending on course load
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $8,748
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 74
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 92%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 96%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 93%
• ✅ View Program Data

San Juan College offers a hybrid Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Physical Therapist Assistant, designed for students who need flexible scheduling. The program blends online coursework with on-campus labs and includes key subjects such as anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, and rehabilitation techniques. In addition to general education classes, students gain valuable hands-on experience through clinical education in real-world physical therapy environments.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $8,748.28
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 64
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 64%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 95%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 90%
• ✅ View Program Data

Clark State College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree program that combines online lectures with in-person lab sessions. Alongside their coursework, students complete hands-on clinical practice at local healthcare facilities. This hybrid approach ensures students receive a balanced education—blending theoretical knowledge with real-world experience—while preparing them to meet the legal and professional responsibilities of a licensed physical therapist assistant.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $6,982
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 60
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 92%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 100%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 94%
• ✅ View Program Data

Delta College offers an accredited Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program designed to prepare students with the knowledge, hands-on training, and clinical skills needed to succeed as competent, entry-level PTAs.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $16,190
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 76
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 66%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 98%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 91%
• ✅ View Program Data

Mendocino College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Science program designed to prepare students for success as entry-level PTAs. Delivered in a hybrid format, the program combines flexible online coursework with in-person lab experiences for hands-on learning. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for licensure.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $28,680
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 75
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 64%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 95%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 99%
• ✅ View Program Data

Clarkson College offers a hybrid Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program designed to combine flexibility with hands-on training. Students complete three semesters of asynchronous online coursework, supplemented by on-campus skills weekends each term. The final semester is dedicated to clinical experience, where students apply their knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. This blended format offers the convenience of online learning along with essential, in-person skills development, preparing students for a successful career as a physical therapist assistant.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $14,496
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 75
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 98%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 100%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 98%
• ✅ View Program Data

8. Great Falls College

Great Falls College offers a flexible Physical Therapist Assistant program, allowing students to choose between in-person or pre-recorded online lectures for the classroom portion. The hands-on lab sessions take place over 12 weeks during the fall and spring semesters, held on Thursdays and Fridays. Clinical placements are available at various sites, giving students valuable, real-world experience in diverse healthcare settings.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $3,450
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 75
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 66%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 97%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 92%
• ✅ View Program Data

Jefferson State Community College offers a two-year Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. Designed to prepare students for licensure and entry into the field, the program focuses on developing the clinical skills, academic knowledge, and ethical standards needed to provide effective patient care. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board Exam for state licensure as entry-level physical therapist assistants.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $5,850
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 75
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 49%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 100%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 92%
• ✅ View Program Data

The Baker College program features a flexible hybrid format, allowing students to take general education courses online while attending on-campus sessions for PTA-specific training. To enhance practical skills, the curriculum also includes three hands-on clinical experiences in real-world healthcare settings.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $12,100
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 75
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 64%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 100%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 97%
• ✅ View Program Data

Whatcom Community College offers a flexible learning schedule with online lectures and monthly on-campus lab sessions. Students can complete their clinical training at approved healthcare facilities near their home, making it convenient to gain hands-on experience without relocating.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $4,764
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 75
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 74%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 91%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 96%
• ✅ View Program Data

Franciscan University offers a well-rounded Physical Therapist Assistant program that combines online coursework, on-campus lab sessions, and hands-on clinical experiences. As part of the curriculum, students are also required to complete a service-learning project, providing opportunities to apply their skills in a community-focused setting.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $14,535
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 75
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 100%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 95%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 99%
• ✅ View Program Data

Taylor College focuses on practical, hands-on training with 630 hours of clinical experience built into the program. Students benefit from a blended learning format, combining the convenience of online coursework with in-person labs for a well-rounded and immersive educational experience.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $12,039
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 75
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 97%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 94%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 98%
• ✅ View Program Data

South College offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Pre-Physical Therapy) program designed to prepare students for graduate studies in physical therapy. The curriculum includes foundational courses in physiology, biology, ethics, and leadership, providing a strong academic base for advanced healthcare education.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $16,975
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 75
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 76%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 98%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 100%
• ✅ View Program Data

American Career College offers a 20-month Physical Therapist Assistant program across multiple California campuses. The program features a blended learning format with online coursework and in-person instruction, along with over 600 hours of clinical experience. This hands-on approach ensures students receive a well-rounded, practical education to prepare for careers in physical therapy.

• 🕒 Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
• 🎯 Specialization: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• 💰 Total Tuition: $9,370
• 🎓 Credits Needed to Graduate: 75
• ✅ Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• ✅ Graduation Rate: 98%
• ✅ Licensure Rate: 98%
• ✅ Employment Rate: 99%
• ✅ View Program Data

Physical Therapy Assistant Online Course Curriculum

This table contains the actual curriculum for PTA classes online and which ones are only offered in person.

Online PTA Programs With Classes Nearby

Many local schools with physical therapist assistant programs on-campus will offer some of the coursework online through distance learning. It is worth looking into on-campus PTA Programs with online classes by checking out the schools in your area and seeing what they offer online. Clicking a state below will display all of the accredited PTA schools in that state.

Are the Best Physical Therapy Assistant Programs Online?

Physical therapy assistants are professionals who assist physical therapists in their practice. They provide patients with various treatments such as stretching and mobility, massages, therapeutic exercises, and other physical therapy treatment plans.

So, one may ask, are the best physical therapist assistant programs online? Or are the best PTA programs taught in the classroom?

Physical therapist assistant education programs train individuals to perform these services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. These physical therapy programs usually last for two years and an online program will still require hands-on learning which provides firsthand experience working in a real clinical practice.

Physical therapy assistant programs are offered at both associate and bachelor degree levels. Prospective students who want to become physical therapy assistants should first complete either an associate or bachelor’s degree in physical therapy assisting followed by passing the NPTE National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs.

After completing the program and passing the exam, students can apply for licensure. Licensure requires passing a national exam and passing any state examination and potential additional requirements.

Physical therapy assistant schools offer the required PTA associate degree to become a PTA. There are 661 accredited physical therapist assistant schools nationwide (See Complete Database of PTA Programs by State), but not all of them offer their PTA courses online. PTA schools are CAPTE-accredited 2 year associate degree programs that prepare graduates for completing the national licensure exam called the National Physical Therapist Exam (NPTE) and officially becoming a licensed physical therapy assistant (PTA). Certification or a license is required in most states to perform PTA work.

More important than prepping students for the licensing exam, physical therapy assistant schools provide students with the required knowledge and skills to become a valuable physical therapist assistant. A great online physical therapist assistant program will emphasize this.

Logistics of Physical Therapy Assistant Schools Online

Although there are many accredited PTA schools and programs, the entire curriculum won’t be offered through online PTA courses known as distance learning courses. It is important to keep in mind that about 25% of the PTA associate degree curriculum is dedicated to clinical education through hands-on training in person. In fact, PTA students spend an average of 16 weeks in full-time clinical settings.

So, when you find a physical therapy assistant school online, you must plan for your clinical work and with the help of your program identify a local PT clinic to complete it. Logistically, the rest of your course material and assignments will be administered through an online learning portal. The notion of earning a degree online is not new. Online education began over two decades ago. But it is still something entirely new to anyone who has never done it before.

If you’re a first-time distance learning student, it’s important to understand the online education process and the requirements of the program you’re interested in. The grey box below contains details on the online education process to help you understand how your online program works.

State Licensing After Your Online PTA Program

To become a physical therapy assistant in the U.S., you need to hold a license which is regulated by individual states in addition to DC, PR, & US territories. You can use our state licensing tool to access your state’s PTA license requirements, forms, and fees.

Specific requirements and processes differ by state jurisdiction, but all require that you take and pass the NPTE to become licensed. You may also need to fulfill general requirements, including criminal background check, CPR certification, and the purchase of a license application processing fee.

Some state licensures require applicants to be eighteen years of age. Also, licensure is only accepted in the state that gives the license. So for example, if you want to work as a PTA in State A and then move to State B, you will need to get licensed again in your new state. It is a good idea to start learning your state’s requirements as soon as possible so you aren’t delayed in beginning work upon graduation.

About the NPTE

The National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), or NPTE for PTAs, is a computer-administered exam that consists of 200 multiple choice questions and must be taken at one of the many Prometric test centers located throughout the United States on specific dates.

The test can be taken in any jurisdiction where it is available. Exam participants have a maximum of 5 hours to finish the exam. The passing score range is from 600 and above (out of 800).

The NPTE may be taken up to three times in succession, and only six times all together. The exam fee is $485.00 so you’ll want to pass it on the first try. The NPTE for PTA exam is governed by the FSBPT or The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. For more information on exam policies, visit their website where you can review detailed eligibility requirements.

There is a wealth of materials that can be used for your exam preparation, including some which can be found at a library or bookstore for free. Find out more from your school’s library or at the FSBPT website to know about what resources are available.