PTA Schools in Kentucky (KY)

Jefferson Community and Technical College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that trains students to provide services under the direction of a licensed physical therapist. The PTA degree is an Associate in Applied Science (AAS), requiring two years to complete after admission, with coursework spanning over four semesters.

The curriculum consists of approximately 26 – 29 credit hours of general education courses along with 40 credit hours of PTA core courses. Admission into the program is selective, involving specific qualifications and requirements including attendance at a pre-admission conference. Applications must be completed and submitted by April 1 for Fall enrollment consideration.

The school’s PTA program has consistently high outcomes, with graduation rates ranging from 89.5% to 100%, ultimate pass rates on the national licensing exam for PTAs between 82% -92%, and all graduates obtaining employment within six months post-graduation in recent years.

The PTA Program at Jefferson Community and Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Unique features include its availability to Kentucky residents who don’t already have an associate’s degree or higher, allowing them to earn up to 60 credit hours tuition-free without any work or apprenticeship requirement.

Madisonville Community College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant program that prepares students to perform interventions and data collection under the supervision of a physical therapist. The curriculum combines general education with physical therapy courses, and provides clinical experiences in various facilities. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the national licensing examination for physical therapist assistants.

Enrollment in this program is limited and follows a selective admissions process. Students must achieve at least a “C” grade in each required course and pass all clinical practicum courses to complete the program. Applicants must meet certain criteria including having completed specific courses with a minimum grade of C, submission of ACT/SAT scores, official transcripts from previous colleges attended, attendance at a preadmission conference among others.

The MCC PTA Program has shown strong outcomes over recent years such as an average graduation rate above 80% between 2019-2024 and employment rates consistently reaching 100%. However, new applications are currently on hold for fall 2025 but interested students can fill out an online form to receive updates about the program.

Unique aspects include its commitment to developing entry-level graduates who provide best-practice physical therapy services while engaging rural communities’ needs.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Maysville Community and Technical College’s Montgomery Campus is a two-year program that prepares students to become skilled assistants working under the supervision of a physical therapist. The program uses a selective admissions process, with new students admitted once yearly. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates for entry-level employment as physical therapist assistants who can perform duties in an ethically competent manner.

Students must complete prerequisite courses (BIO 137, ENG 101, and MAT 150) with a “C” or better before admission and are required to attend a PTA Program Admissions Conference. Additionally, they must complete an approved CPR course.

The program outcomes include understanding the scope and function of the physical therapist assistant role, performing patient interventions within care plans based on clinical indications and observed patient status, documenting patient care according to state regulations among others.

Graduates will be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states due to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Unique aspects about this college include offering up-to-date facilities like classrooms, laboratories located on-site at their Montgomery Campus; free tuition eligibility for Kentucky residents meeting certain criteria; provision of financial aid options; lower tuition rates compared with other institutions in Kentucky.

Somerset Community College offers a two-year Physical Therapist Assistant program, leading to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. This program trains students to work under the supervision of a physical therapist, helping patients alleviate physical impairments and restore function. The curriculum consists of 26-30 hours of general education coursework and 38 hours of technical courses specific to the program, including three clinical experiences at various sites.

Admission into this selective admissions program is limited and does not guarantee acceptance into the college. New students are admitted once yearly with PTA courses beginning in the Fall Semester. Graduates are prepared for certification examinations and meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states due to its accreditation by CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education).

The SCC’s PTA Program is located on Somerset Campus north, where classroom instruction takes place unless otherwise specified in course syllabi. General education courses can be completed at any KCTCS institution or transferred from other accredited institutions.

This affordable program provides financial aid options along with low tuition costs making it accessible for Kentucky residents who have a high school diploma or working towards their GED but do not already possess an associate degree or higher.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is a two-year associate in applied science degree that prepares students to become PTAs. The PTA program trains individuals to perform selected components of interventions and data collection under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national licensing examination for physical therapist assistants.

Enrollment in this program is limited, so there’s a selective admissions process. Students can earn up to 60 credit hours tuition-free, making it an affordable option for Kentucky residents with a high school diploma or those working on their GED who don’t already have an associates degree or higher.

The curriculum includes courses such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology and therapeutic procedures. After completing the coursework, students should be able to provide healing help to people of all ages recovering from illness or injury.

Career prospects are promising as demand for PTAs is expected to grow due to the healthcare needs of an aging population. This makes it a great choice for those interested in joining the growing field of physical therapy.

For more information about this program you can contact Heather McKnight Program Coordinator at hmcknight0012@kctcs.edu or call (855) 246-7528.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) offers a Physical Therapist Assistant Program that prepares students to work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. The program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), provides an Associate of Applied Science degree upon completion.

The coursework includes both theoretical knowledge and practical training. Students are required to complete at least one semester of classes prior to admission into four semesters of PTA program courses. Graduates must pass a national certification exam to become registered, with state licensure required in all states.

Unique aspects about this college include its low tuition costs, financial aid options, and free tuition eligibility for Kentucky residents who have a high school diploma or are working on their GED but do not already possess an associate’s degree or higher.

Career prospects for graduates from WKCTC’s PTA program are promising as they can apply for licensure in all states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S Virgin Islands due to CAPTE accreditation satisfying state educational requirements across these regions.

Additionally, the college hosts regular information sessions providing prospective students with detailed insight into what the course entails.

PTA Careers in Kentucky

Kentucky offers a diverse array of employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) across various settings.

• In urban areas like Louisville, PTAs can find roles in hospitals such as Norton Healthcare and various outpatient clinics that cater to a wide range of patient needs.
• In Lexington, the University of Kentucky Healthcare provides additional opportunities, emphasizing rehabilitation services for post-operative patients.
• Rural regions, such as Bowling Green, also require PTAs, particularly in community health centers and long-term care facilities like Maple Villa and Christian Health Center.

These settings highlight the essential role PTAs play in promoting recovery and enhancing the quality of life for Kentuckians statewide.

What to Consider in a PTA School in Kentucky

There are a number of things to consider when choosing between PTA schools. Here is a list of some of the most crucial considerations to always remember as you research for your physical therapy assistant program:

• Campus size
• Passing rates of the licensure test
• Lecture room and labroom facilities
• PTA Program costs and opportunities for financial aid
• PTA School admission criteria

While you take these physical therapy assistant program things into thought, it may be helpful to talk with current students and former students of the physical therapist assistant schools of interest. Also, talking to employers who have hired these graduates may give you more insight to each programs strengths and weaknesses.

More PTA Info for Kentucky:

KY PTA Licenses
KY PTA Salaries