PTA Schools in Arizona (AZ)

Accredited PTA Schools in Arizona

The 6 currently accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Programs in Arizona are listed below. Admissions into some Arizona PTA programs require a high school diploma while others only require a GED paired with specific prerequisite coursework. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is typically required for admission into a PTA program in Arizona. Each of the programs listed below provides an accredited physical therapy education for Physical Therapist Assistants, including required clinical experience training with a licensed physical therapist. PTA students may opt to earn an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.

Interested in learning more about these PTA programs? Click the green button to request more info directly from each degree program below to learn more about them.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Brookline College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree that can be completed in as little as 80 weeks, preparing students for an in-demand career in healthcare. The program combines classroom instruction with 650 hours of clinical practicum, focusing on current physical therapy practices. Core courses include Kinesiology, Therapeutic Exercise, and Neurologic Rehabilitation.

Brookline College emphasizes hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed physical therapists while also providing essential coursework in medical terminology and patient care. Graduates are equipped to assist in therapeutic techniques and patient mobility, enhancing overall health and wellness.

With an impressive 100% employment rate for graduates from the 2022-2023 academic year and a 95% first-time pass rate for licensure exams, the program demonstrates a solid track record of student success. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in PTA employment by 2032, with a median salary around $65,000.

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the PTA program is recognized for its commitment to quality training. Located in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, Brookline College offers flexible schedules and personalized support to ensure that students can achieve their educational and career goals.

GateWay Community College (GWCC) offers a comprehensive Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, recognized as the only one within the Maricopa Community Colleges. This Associate in Applied Science degree equips students with the necessary skills to assist patients recovering from injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions, paving the way for a meaningful career in healthcare. The curriculum includes hands-on training, courses designed to prepare students for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy certification exam, and in-depth exposure to clinical environments.

The program prepares students to work effectively as physical therapy assistants in Arizona, with courses that cover anatomy, therapeutic practices, and patient care techniques. Graduates can expect favorable employment opportunities, as the demand for PTA professionals continues to grow in the healthcare sector.

GateWay takes pride in its accredited status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, ensuring that students receive a quality education. Unique to GWCC is its emphasis on practicality through the HUG Clinic, which provides real-world experience for students. With an estimated program cost ranging from $9,517 to $12,285, GWCC is committed to affordability and accessibility, making it a strong choice for those looking to enter the health professions. Students can attend virtual information sessions for detailed enrollment guidance and prepare for a rewarding career aimed at improving patients’ lives.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Mohave Community College (MCC) offers an accredited Associate of Applied Science degree. The program prepares students through a rigorous 5-semester curriculum that includes essential courses designed to train future PTAs in providing patient care under the supervision of licensed Physical Therapists.

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences across various clinical settings, including hospitals and outpatient clinics, where they complete a series of clinical education courses. With a small admission class of 20 students each August, the program emphasizes personalized instruction; it also gracefully accommodates working students, though enrollment is demanding.

Upon graduation, program alumni are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), ensuring they meet the necessary requirements to practice in Arizona and potentially other states. Career prospects for PTAs in Arizona are promising, with many opportunities available in diverse settings, including rehabilitation centers and sports medicine clinics. Job growth in this field is strong, given the increasing demand for rehabilitation services.

Unique to MCC, the PTA program is directed by experienced faculty, such as Program Director Julie Weiss and Clinical Coordinator Tamra Coleman, enhancing the educational environment with expertise and mentorship. MCC itself is recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), promoting access to quality education for a diverse population.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Pima Medical Institute’s Mesa Campus offers an Associate Degree designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in rehabilitation. This intensive, 18-month program integrates clinical skills with theoretical knowledge, covering essential courses such as anatomy, kinesiology, and medical ethics.

Students benefit from hands-on training that includes practical experiences through clinical externships, allowing them to work directly with patients under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. The curriculum aims to equip graduates with the competencies needed to assist in patient recovery from injuries and improve mobility.

Career prospects for PTA graduates are promising. With increasing demand due to an aging population and rising chronic health issues, job opportunities can be found in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home healthcare services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for physical therapist assistants is notably strong, reflecting industry growth.

Uniquely, Pima Medical Institute also offers a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant, allowing alumni to further their education and career potential. Founded on a commitment to student success, PMP provides robust career services to support job placement and professional development post-graduation. This combination of hands-on experience and academic rigor positions students for success in the health care field.

PTA Careers in Arizona

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in Arizona have diverse employment opportunities across various healthcare settings, reflecting the state’s varied geography and population needs.

• Urban centers such as Phoenix and Tucson offer numerous positions in hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and specialty orthopedic centers, catering to a large and diverse patient population.
• In addition, skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities throughout the state provide PTAs with opportunities to work in geriatric care. Rural areas, including regions like Flagstaff and Yuma, present unique roles in community health clinics and wellness programs, addressing underserved populations.
• Furthermore, PTAs can find employment in educational institutions and sports medicine facilities, supporting athletic programs and injury prevention statewide.

These varied settings enable PTAs to apply their skills in multidisciplinary teams, contributing significantly to patient recovery and mobility across Arizona.

PTA Schools Near Arizona

The surrounding states around Arizona are listed below, each offers some great accredited physical therapist assistant schools to choose from to start your education and begin taking classes.

• Texas
• New Mexico
• Colorado
• California

Selecting a PTA School in Arizona

There are a number of factors to consider when selecting physical therapy assistant programs. Here is a quick list of a couple of the most significant considerations to keep in mind as you research for your PTA program:

• PTA School size
• Pass-rate of the NPTAE test
• Classroom and labroom resources
• University costs and opportunities for financial aid
• PTA School admittance requirements

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding on the best school for you. You may want to focus on which school is closest to you, or you may want to go with the highest ranked school that can provide you with a quality education.

When searching for physical therapist assistant schools, you may want to talk with present-day college students as well as recent graduates of the physical therapist assistant schools of interest. Talking to people who have actually studied in these programs can provide you with additional insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each school and how well it prepared them for their national PTA licensure exam.

More PTA Info for Arizona:

Apply for Arizona PTA License
Research PTA Salary in Arizona