PTA Schools in Arkansas (AR)

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Arkansas State University (A-State) offers a comprehensive Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree designed for aspiring physical therapist assistants. Spanning two years, the program combines 26 hours of prerequisite general education courses with 38 hours of specialized professional coursework, primarily conducted on the Jonesboro campus. Key courses cover patient evaluation, treatment methodologies, and rehabilitation techniques, enabling students to assist licensed physical therapists effectively.

Graduates are prepared to implement care plans, conduct treatments, and report patient progress, adhering to the professional core values of accountability, altruism, and excellence outlined by the American Physical Therapy Association. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical education, with three distinct clinical rotations to ensure graduates attain practical experience in diverse healthcare settings.

Career prospects for PTA graduates are promising, with a reported employment rate of 100% for recent cohorts. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring it meets rigorous educational standards necessary for licensure.

Unique to A-State’s PTA program is its strong commitment to community health and wellness, instilling a sense of social responsibility among students. The university also prides itself on fostering a supportive environment where personalized academic growth occurs, making it an appealing choice for future healthcare professionals.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist physical therapists in enhancing patients’ mobility and independence through therapeutic treatments. Upon completion of the program, students earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree and are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTE), a requirement for licensure.

The PTA program offers two distinct formats: a traditional program with daytime classes on campus and a hybrid program combining online coursework with intensive lab sessions held on campus every few weeks. Both pathways require three semesters of technical and clinical courses, along with extensive hands-on practice, including evenings and weekends for study and clinical internships.

NWACC’s PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring it meets educational standards for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Graduates benefit from a strong career outlook, with opportunities in various healthcare settings as the demand for PTAs continues to grow.

Overall, NWACC provides a supportive learning environment with flexible options tailored to meet the needs of diverse students, making it an excellent choice for future physical therapist assistants.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at South Arkansas College combines rigorous theoretical and applied learning to prepare students for careers in physical therapy. This program operates on a 1 + 1 format, requiring completion of 32 semester hours of prerequisite courses before applying. Once admitted, students engage in three semesters of full-time studies, which include classroom instruction and clinical internships, typically totaling 30-40 hours per week.

Graduates of the PTA program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to sit for the national licensure examination, allowing them to pursue careers in various clinical settings. The program is designed with a limited enrollment of 20 students per cohort, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), South Arkansas College’s PTA program ensures that its curriculum meets high educational standards, which enhances graduates’ employability. The college offers strong support services, including career counseling, to assist students throughout their academic journey.

With a focus on practical experience and a dedicated faculty, South Arkansas College stands out as a premier institution for aspiring physical therapist assistants, providing a solid foundation for success in this in-demand field.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at UA Cossatot offers an Associate of Applied Science degree, preparing students for a rewarding career in the growing field of physical therapy. Spanning 18 months, the program encompasses essential coursework including prerequisite general education, anatomy, and technical PTA courses, blending classroom instruction with clinical experiences. Graduates are equipped to provide rehabilitative services under licensed physical therapists to help patients with a variety of conditions.

Admission to the PTA program is competitive, accepting only 16 students annually based on a point system evaluating GPA, reference input, entrance exam scores, and performance in a physical test. Key coursework is delivered on the Ashdown campus, Monday to Friday. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring high educational standards.

Career prospects for graduates are promising, with a 100% employment rate for 2022-2023, alongside a first-time pass rate of over 94% for the National Physical Therapy Examination. Unique to UA Cossatot, students can benefit from additional financial aid options and collaborative programs with other institutions. Overall, the PTA Program at UA Cossatot stands as an excellent pathway to entering the healthcare profession with robust support for students throughout their educational journey.”

PTA Careers in Arkansas

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in Arkansas have diverse employment opportunities across various settings, reflecting the state’s healthcare landscape. They commonly work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home health agencies.

• For example, in Little Rock, PTAs can find roles at major medical centers like the Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), known for comprehensive rehabilitation services.
• In Northwest Arkansas, cities such as Fayetteville and Bentonville offer positions in outpatient orthopedic clinics and sports medicine facilities, supporting a growing population and active communities.
• Additionally, rural areas across Arkansas present opportunities in skilled nursing facilities and home health care, addressing the needs of underserved populations.

This regional diversity allows PTAs to specialize in various patient care environments while contributing significantly to Arkansas’s healthcare system.

What to Consider in PTA Schools in Arkansas

There are a couple of of factors to consider when comparing physical therapy assistant schools. Here’s a short list of a couple of the most significant factors to remember as you research for your PTA school:

• University size
• Passing rate of the National licensure test
• Lecture room and lab-room facilities
• Program costs and opportunities for financial aid
• School admission criteria

While you bring all these physical therapist assistant school factors into consideration, it can be beneficial to talk with present-day college students as well as former students of the physical therapy assistant programs of curiosity. Also, talking to employers who have hired these graduates may provide you more insight to each programs strengths and weaknesses.

More PTA Info for Arkansas:

PTA Licenses in Arkansas (AR)
PTA Salary in Arkansas (AR)