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This page contains complete information and ratings from Google Reviews on PTA schools in Maryland and was last updated on: April 18th, 2025 ✔️
Maryland currently has 9 CAPTE accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Programs that upon completion earn an associate degree and make you eligible to test for your state PTA license.
In the table of contents above and in the table below is a list of Maryland’s PTA programs, to learn more about each program click on the green Request Info button or click on a school’s name to learn more about it’s PTA program.
School | City | Rating | Director | Degree | Phone | Outcomes | Website | Address | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allegany College of Maryland | Cumberland | 4.3 | Melody Kentrus PT, DPT | Associate in Applied Science | mkentrus@allegany.edu | (301) 784-5538 | Outcomes | Website | 12401 Willowbrook Road, Southeast Cumberland, MD 21502-2559 |
Baltimore City Community College | Baltimore | 4.4 | James Dyett PTA, LMT, MEd, PhD | Associate of Applied Science | jdyett@bccc.edu | (410) 462-7776 | Outcomes | Website | Student Services Building - Main 117-F2901 Liberty Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215-7807 |
Carroll Community College | Westminster | 4.3 | Sharon Reid PT, BS, MBA and ACCE | Associate of Applied Science | sreid@carrollcc.edu | (888) 221-9748 | Outcomes | Website | 1601 Washington Road Westminster, MD 21157-6944 |
Cecil College | North East | 3.8 | Deanna Smith PT, MPT | Associate of Applied Science | DSmith@cecil.edu | Not Available | Outcomes | Website | One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901 |
Chesapeake Area Consortium for Higher Education | Arnold | 4.7 | Patricia Brady PT, DScPT, CSCS | Associate of Applied Science | pabrady@aacc.edu | (410) 777-7036 | Outcomes | Website | Anne Arundel Community College101 College Parkway Arnold, MD 21012-1895 |
Frederick Community College | Frederick | 4.5 | Amelia Iams PT, DPT | Associate in Applied Science | aiams@frederick.edu | (301) 846-2503 | Outcomes | Website | 7932 Oppossumtown Pike200 Monroe Frederick, MD 21702 |
Howard Community College | Columbia | 4.5 | Christina Fontanez Garrison PT, DPT, NBC-HWC | Associate of Applied Science | cfontanezgarrison@howardcc.edu | (109) 014-4100 | Outcomes | Website | 10901 Little Patuxtent Parkway Columbia, MD 21044 |
Montgomery College - Takoma Park Campus | Takoma Park | 4.7 | Anniet Glenn MS, PTA | Associate of Applied Science | anniet.glenn@montgomerycollege.edu | (240) 567-5524 | Outcomes | Website | Health Science Center7600 Takoma Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912-4141 |
Wor-Wic Community College | Salisbury | 4.4 | William Bails PT, DPT, MS | Associate of Applied Science | wbails@worwic.edu | (410) 334-2800 | Outcomes | Website | 32000 Campus Drive SH 307K Salisbury, MD 21804 |
Allegany College of Maryland
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
Allegany College of Maryland offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The PTA program is designed to help students gain knowledge and skills in helping others regain function, decrease pain, and improve quality of life. The curriculum covers how the body moves and functions, healing processes, using technology for continual learning and advancement, health and wellness aspects among other areas.
The PTA program operates on a 1+1 model where General Education Courses are completed prior to the Clinical Courses. This model provides flexibility for students who may wish to complete their general education over varying time periods or those with degrees in related fields such as athletic training or exercise science/physiology who wish to work as PTAs.
Graduates will be able to apply fundamental knowledge of ethical, legal, professional values associated with physical therapy practice; demonstrate competence & safety with patient/client care across various settings; effectively collaborate within healthcare teams.
In terms of career outlooks, recent data shows an impressive pass rate on licensure exams at 92% over two years while employment rates within one year after graduation stood at 100%. Graduates can find opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers schools among others.
Baltimore City Community College
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
The Baltimore City Community College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant program, which aims to educate students on restoring and maintaining physical function, wellness, fitness, and quality of life. The program provides academic, technical, and life skills training necessary for graduates to qualify for the National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for national licensure.
Students are taught treatment techniques that help patients recover mobility and maximize their physical abilities as part of a rehabilitation team under the supervision of a physical therapist. Career options include working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities sub-acute facilities schools & pediatric centers private practices outpatient clinics sports & fitness facilities home health care agencies.
BCCC’s advantage includes small classes with student-centered instruction; experienced advisors instructors community partners; more than 90% pass rate on licensure exam; accessible and affordable education within Baltimore City and its surrounding areas.
The PTA Program at BCCC is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates from this two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program can work as PTAs in various settings including hospitals rehab centers extended care sub-acute facilities schools pediatric centers private practices outpatient clinics sports fitness facilities home health care agencies.
Carroll Community College
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
Carroll Community College offers a selective admission A.A.S. Physical Therapist Assistant degree program that prepares students for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination and licensure as a PTA. The curriculum covers areas such as rehabilitation services, therapeutic exercise, balance and equilibrium, developmental techniques, patient care and fiscal management.
The 69-credit program includes hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs with one-on-one faculty support and an in-house clinic for early patient interaction. It also provides opportunities to serve the community through outreach initiatives. All faculty are practicing clinicians ensuring current skills transfer.
On completion of the program, students can apply for a Maryland PTA license and take the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Examiners exam at local testing centers. Successful pass results enable application to other states without retaking the test.
Career prospects are promising due to increasing demand especially among older adults facing chronic illness or limited mobility conditions. Median annual salaries range from $47k – $52k depending on setting with scope for supervisory roles after gaining experience.
In terms of unique features, Carroll’s PTA Program has its own Facebook page where job opportunities are posted by both Program graduates and employers.
Cecil College
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
Cecil College offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). The program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), consists of 24 general education course credits and 46 PTA course credits. It includes three clinical experiences at physical therapy facilities in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Students must complete a PTA application each fall to be considered for spring admission.
The five-semester program prepares students to help people with medical problems or health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in daily life. Graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs, required for practice in all states.
Unique features of Cecil’s program include its participation in NC-SARA allowing it to offer limited supervised clinical field experiences across three U.S states and its commitment towards meeting community healthcare needs through educating competent PTAs.
Career outlooks remain promising due to high demand fueled by an aging population, active baby-boomers, and increasing survival rates among trauma patients. Upon completion of the curriculum graduates can work under licensed physical therapists’ supervision across various settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics etc., thereby contributing positively towards improving patient mobility and quality of life.
Chesapeake Area Consortium for Higher Education
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at the Chesapeake Area Consortium for Higher Education (CACHE) is a two-year, five-term program that offers an Associate of Applied Science degree. The consortium includes Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), Chesapeake College and the College of Southern Maryland (CSM). Students complete their general education requirements at their home college while physical therapist assistant classes are held at AACC. Clinical practice rotations are completed locally when possible.
The CACHE Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, qualifying it to meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification across all states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S Virgin Islands.
Graduates from this program can expect a promising career outlook as employment opportunities in this field are projected to grow 19% from 2022 to 2032 due to increasing health care needs resulting from an aging population and rising rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Unique aspects about this school include its state-of-the-art laboratory equipment where students develop treatment techniques before attending clinical practice sessions within the community. Additionally, some residents of Maryland may be eligible for in-county tuition rates if enrolled by the first day of term due to its designation as a Health Manpower Shortage Tuition Reduction Program since January 1, 2010.
Frederick Community College
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
Frederick Community College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) program that prepares students for careers in physical therapy. The program is limited to 25 students per cohort and requires an unweighted 2.5 GPA from high school or cumulative college work, along with pre-requisites including Statistics or higher math and Principles of Biology.
The PTA A.A.S. degree equips students to work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists across various settings like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and schools. Students gain hands-on experience through classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences in diverse settings.
To progress within the program, students must earn a grade “C” or better in all general education courses and a “B” or higher in each technical course. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for state licensure within the US.
The job outlook is promising; PTAs can expect median pay of $64k/year with projected job growth over 25% from 2023-2033 according to Bureau Labor Statistics data.
FCC’s PTA Program prides itself on its commitment to excellence by providing educational experiences reflecting high academic standards resulting in quality healthcare delivery.
Howard Community College
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
Howard Community College (HCC) offers a Physical Therapist Assistant program that equips students with the skills needed to become licensed technical healthcare workers. The full-time, daytime associate career degree program starts every fall semester and prepares graduates for the National Physical Therapy Examination required for licensure and employment.
The curriculum includes instructions on therapeutic soft tissue massage techniques, patient education, exercise training, use of electrotherapy and ultrasound modalities, as well as measuring patient response to treatment. Students also gain clinical practice experience through a student skills lab and at a clinical site.
The HCC’s PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). It has made public its cohort student outcomes for graduation rate, licensure examination pass rate, and employment rate over recent years in compliance with CAPTE standards.
Additional costs associated with this program include specialized equipment purchase and travel expenses to various clinical education sites. Effective 2022 onwards, students will be required to have health insurance coverage.
HCC celebrates diversity; it respects all differences in age, gender orientation race religion ethnic backgrounds ability/disability along with equal rights access treatment values within its PTA Program. For more information or admission inquiries about this or any other HCC allied health or nursing programs contact Office of Admissions Advising.
Montgomery College – Takoma Park Campus
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Montgomery College’s Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers as licensed physical therapist assistants (PTAs). PTAs provide limited patient care services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist in various health care settings. The program consists of classes, patient care skills laboratories, and full-time clinical internships.
Students who complete the five-semester PTA program earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. Many students may require additional time to fulfill admissions requirements and prerequisites. Graduates are eligible to take the licensure board exam.
The PTA Program at Montgomery College has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) since 1996 and is designated as a statewide program by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). It received its latest accreditation renewal in November 2020, valid until June 30, 2031.
Aside from its robust curriculum, one unique feature of this program is that it offers numerous resources including academic learning centers and tutoring services. Students also have access to information sessions about their chosen career path.
Career outlook for graduates includes opportunities in hospitals, clinics among other healthcare settings with potential growth due to increasing demand for physical therapy services.
Wor-Wic Community College
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
Wor-Wic Community College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that prepares students to provide physical therapy services under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. The program is built on core principles including self-responsibility and professionalism, with an emphasis on technical education. It integrates general education courses, technical courses, and clinical experiences.
The curriculum adheres to standards set by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs – a requirement for state licensure.
Admission into this competitive program requires completion of prerequisite classes and attendance at a mandatory prospective student meeting. Students must also complete eight hours of observation split between inpatient and outpatient settings.
The PTA program has limited spaces available each year with selection being made on a competitive basis. In order to be considered for admission into the fall start date, prospective students must complete all admission requirements by mid-July.
Graduates from this accredited PTA program can expect positive career prospects with 248 annual job openings projected through 2028 in the region. Median hourly earnings are reported as $35.34 according to data specific to their region.
PTA Careers in Maryland
Maryland offers a diverse range of employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) across various settings.
- In urban areas like Baltimore, PTAs can find positions in acute care hospitals such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, where they assist in rehabilitation for post-surgical patients.
- In suburban regions like Montgomery County, outpatient clinics such as Physical Therapy First provide specialized services to athletes and the elderly, focusing on injury recovery and prevention.
- Additionally, PTAs can work in skilled nursing facilities like the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, delivering care to residents with chronic conditions.
The diverse environments across Maryland ensure that PTAs can find fulfilling roles tailored to their skills and interests.
Deciding Between a PTA School in Maryland
There are a couple of of things to consider when selecting physical therapist assistant schools. Here is a short list of a few of the most important considerations to keep in mind as you search for your PTA school:
- University size
- Pass rate of the license exam
- Classroom and lab facilities
- College costs and potential opportunities for financial aid
- University admittance criteria
As you take all these physical therapist assistant school factors into thought, it may be beneficial to talk with present-day students as well as former students of the PTA programs of interest. Also, talking to employers whom have actually hired these students may give you more insight to each programs strengths and weaknesses.