PTA Schools in Alabama (AL)

Accredited PTA Programs in Alabama

CAPTE Accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Programs in Alabama are listed below. Some Alabama PTA programs require a high school diploma for admission, while others ask for a GED with certain prerequisite courses. Admission to a PTA program in Alabama typically requires a minimum GPA of 2.5. All of the schools below will provide an accredited physical therapy education for PT Assistants that includes the clinical experience requirement.

If you may be interested in becoming an applicant then you can request more info directly from each degree program below to learn more about each program.

Bishop State Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistance (PTA). The program is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to support patients recovering from illness and injuries. Coursework includes both theoretical and clinical experiences, conducted in environments such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 in prerequisite courses, along with providing references from college instructors or workplace supervisors. The PTA program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring that graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination and obtain licensure in all states.

With an average cost of approximately $2,500 per semester for in-state tuition, the program provides financial opportunities through the Bishop State Community College Foundation. The program emphasizes traits such as compassion, excellent communication skills, and adaptability, which are crucial for success in the field.

Career prospects for PTA graduates are promising, with job opportunities ranging from rehabilitation clinics to home health settings. The program is offered in hybrid formats, with classes available in both morning and afternoon sessions at the downtown campus. Bishop State’s commitment to practical and accessible education makes it an excellent choice for aspiring physical therapist assistants.

Calhoun Community College offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that provides students with a pathway to obtain an Associate in Applied Science degree. This program, recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed for supporting licensed physical therapists in various healthcare settings.

The curriculum encompasses a range of courses including anatomy, physiology, therapeutic modalities, and clinical practice. Through hands-on experiences, students develop practical skills needed to assist with patient rehabilitation programs. Graduates are prepared to excel in a growing job market, as the demand for physical therapist assistants continues to rise, particularly in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.

Calhoun’s PTA program boasts a high success rate, with many graduates passing their licensure exams on the first attempt. Unique to Calhoun is its commitment to personalized instruction, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty, ensuring students receive individualized attention throughout their training.

Overall, the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Calhoun Community College provides an excellent educational foundation for those looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare. The program not only meets Alabama’s state education requirements but also prepares graduates for diverse job opportunities in the healthcare sector.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at George C. Wallace Community College (WCC) offers students a pathway to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. Established in 1996, the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and has successfully prepared thousands of graduates for healthcare careers. Students can expect a comprehensive curriculum that combines traditional and technology-based instruction, equipping them with both academic knowledge and clinical skills necessary for effective patient care.

Key courses in the PTA program cover topics such as anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and patient management. Graduates are trained to be adaptable, reliable, and service-oriented, making them valuable members of healthcare teams. They are also eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is essential for obtaining licensure to practice in various states.

The career outlook for PTA graduates is positive, with a growing demand for physical therapy services across the United States. WCC’s focus on community needs further enhances job opportunities for graduates.

With a commitment to quality education and practical training, the PTA program at WCC stands out as a reputable choice for students looking to enter the healthcare field. For more information, prospective students can contact Dr. Heather Wells or visit the college’s website.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Jefferson State Community College (JSCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, equipping students to support physical therapists in various rehabilitation settings. The program requires one year of prerequisite coursework followed by a year of professional courses. Students develop competencies in applying physical modalities, exercise programs, and patient education.

JSCC provides both an On-Campus Program, supported by the Canvas course-management system, and a hybrid Online Track Program. Students are required to attend the Shelby-Hoover Campus for labs and certain assessments.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board Exam for state licensure, emphasizing ethical, competent care of patients with diverse medical conditions. Career prospects for PTA professionals are robust, with employment opportunities in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and sports medicine. The program boasts a favorable faculty-to-student ratio of 1:12 in labs, fostering personalized learning.

JSCC’s PTA program is dedicated to continuous improvement and emphasizes feedback from students to enhance educational quality. The department is located at the Shelby-Hoover Campus, featuring a state-of-the-art lab and essential therapy resources, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their careers in physical therapy.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (LBWCC) offers an Associate in Applied Science degree designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in physical therapy. The program follows a “”one plus one”” structure, requiring two semesters of general education prerequisites before entering the technical phase, which spans four consecutive semesters of intensive coursework in both classroom and clinical settings.

Students engage with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, gaining experience under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. Graduates are equipped to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants upon completion, significantly enhancing their employability in a rapidly growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a robust job outlook for PTAs, highlighting the profession’s increasing demand.

LBWCC, with campuses in Andalusia, Greenville, and Opp, is dedicated to workforce training and community engagement. Its PTA Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, though currently on probationary status, indicating ongoing efforts for quality improvement. Each cohort is competitive, with limited slots each year, making the program both rigorous and respected.

Prospective students must attend an information session before applying, with the next application period opening in early 2025. This program’s unique structure and intensive training make it an excellent choice for aspiring PTAs.

The Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program at South University – Montgomery is designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in physical therapy. This accredited program, delivered in six academic quarters, encompasses a comprehensive curriculum focused on fundamental concepts and rehabilitation procedures, integrating lecture, laboratory, and clinical coursework. Classes are conveniently scheduled in the evenings.

Unique to the program are two full-time clinical education experiences totaling 640 hours, providing students with hands-on learning in diverse settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities. An integrated clinical experience occurs early in the program, followed by a terminal nine-week clinical practicum that culminates their training. The program also includes a course on Current Rehabilitation Issues, bridging clinical placements with academic learning.

Graduates are equipped to meet Alabama’s licensure requirements and will gain key competencies in providing safe, effective interventions under a supervising physical therapist. Career outlook for physical therapist assistants remains strong, driven by an increasing demand for rehabilitative services. Though the program does not guarantee employment or licensure, it aims to produce professionals who exemplify the highest standards of practice. South University’s commitment to excellence in education ensures graduates are well-prepared to impact patients’ lives positively. For further information or to apply, prospective students can contact the program directly.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Southern Union State Community College is a structured educational pathway featuring a “one plus one” format. Students are required to complete two semesters of general education prerequisites before applying to the technical phase, which consists of four consecutive semesters that blend classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences. This comprehensive approach allows students to engage with physical therapy concepts, skills, and principles while gaining invaluable hands-on experience working with patients under the guidance of licensed professionals.

Upon completion of the program, graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant and are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination, meeting requirements set by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The PTA profession is both challenging and rewarding, offering a strong career outlook as demand for health services continues to grow.

Southern Union State Community College emphasizes ethical responsibilities and clinical competence, preparing students to be productive healthcare team members. The program’s faculty includes experienced professionals dedicated to rigorous academic and personal growth. Prospective students seeking to join the 2025-2026 cohort can access application materials starting January 8, 2025, with important prerequisites including a mandatory information session available online.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, equipping them with the skills to assist physical therapists in improving patients’ mobility and functional abilities. This program stands out for its impressive licensure and job placement rates, consistently exceeding 90%.

Students in the PTA program benefit from small class sizes and instruction from an award-winning faculty. The curriculum includes essential courses that cover rehabilitation techniques for various conditions, ranging from orthopedic and neurological issues to sports-related problems. Graduates emerge prepared to work in diverse settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home health care.

The career outlook for PTA graduates is robust, with the demand for their services continuously increasing. Wallace State’s PTA program also provides a cost-effective pathway to a rewarding career, allowing students who wish to further their education to potentially transfer to a four-year institution with two years of applicable credits already completed.

With a supportive learning environment and comprehensive training, Wallace State Community College’s PTA program offers a valuable start for those pursuing a career in health care, making it an excellent choice for aspiring physical therapist assistants.

PTA Schools Near Alabama

The following surrounding states to Alabama offer many great accredited physical therapist assistant schools to choose from to begin your education and start taking classes.

• Florida
• Georgia
• Mississippi
• Tennessee

PTA Careers in Alabama

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in Alabama have diverse employment opportunities across various healthcare settings, reflecting the state’s growing demand for rehabilitative services. PTAs can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies.

• For example, in Birmingham, a major metropolitan area, PTAs often find positions in large hospital systems like UAB Hospital, which offers extensive rehabilitation services.
• In Huntsville, PTAs may work in outpatient orthopedic clinics serving a population involved in aerospace and manufacturing industries.
• Mobile and Montgomery provide opportunities in long-term care facilities and community health centers, addressing the needs of aging populations.

These regional variations illustrate Alabama’s broad spectrum of practice environments for PTAs.

How to Select a PTA School in Alabama

There are a few things to consider when selecting physical therapist assistant schools. Here is a shortlist of a few of the most important considerations to keep in mind as you search for your physical therapist assistant school:

• University size
• Passing-rate of the National licensure test
• Course room and lab facilities
• College costs and potential opportunities for financial aid
• PTA Program admittance criteria

While you bring these physical therapy assistant program factors into consideration, it can be useful to talk with present-day college students as well as recent graduates of the physical therapist assistant schools of interest.

Also, talking to businesses that have actually hired these students can provide you additional insight to each school’s strengths and weaknesses.

Physical Therapist Assistant Programs in Alabama are not all the same. A big factor in where you decide to go to school will be based on your financial needs and wants.

You may want to go to the school that is closest to you, or you may want to go to the best school that can provide you with a quality education. You’ll want to consider both the physical therapy department itself and the general education provided by the university or college. Either way, you will want to do your research and find the right school for your needs.

It should also be noted that physical therapist assistants and PT Aides can advance their careers by completing PT School and becoming Physical Therapists.

More PTA Info for Alabama:

Apply for Alabama PTA License
Research PTA Salary in Alabama