PTA Schools in Massachusetts (MA)

Berkshire Community College (BCC) offers an Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). The PTA program combines scientific knowledge with personal interactions, requiring creativity and flexibility from the therapist. BCC enrolls up to 20 students each fall and its graduates are eligible to take the national examination for licensure as a PTA.

The program has shown strong outcomes, with recent classes showing graduation rates around 63%, first-time licensure pass rate of 80%, ultimate licensure pass rate of 93% and employment rate at 100%.

Career prospects for PTAs are promising, with job growth projected at 30% between 2016-2026. Median annual wage was $58,520 in May 2019. PTAs can work in diverse settings including hospitals, private practices, schools or rehabilitation centers.

Unique aspects of BCC’s program include articulation agreements allowing transfer of credits from other accredited institutions and support for further education after graduation. The Program Coordinator assists students planning on transferring to baccalaureate or graduate schools. Notably, the PTA Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Alumni testimonials emphasize how impactful this program has been on their professional development and career trajectory.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) is part of the college’s Allied Health Program. This interdisciplinary studies degree provides a strong foundation for students aiming to begin an entry-level healthcare position or apply for selective healthcare degrees such as nursing, dental hygiene, physical therapist assistant, and paramedic technology.

The core curriculum includes subjects like human anatomy, psychology, growth and development along with electives related to different areas of healthcare including nursing, dental hygiene, nutrition, yoga and pharmaceuticals among others. The Physical Therapist Assistant course specifically prepares students for careers in physical therapy under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Choosing an Allied Health major at MWCC allows students to complete prerequisite coursework before beginning a selective healthcare program. Please note that these programs require additional application components and have limited enrollment slots.

Located in Gardner MA with campuses in Leominster and Fitchburg also available; this community college offers flexible learning options suitable for all types of learners.

North Shore Community College (NSCC) offers an Associate in Science degree program for Physical Therapist Assistant. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work under the supervision of a physical therapist in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum includes courses that cover both theoretical concepts and practical application, including mandatory information sessions and student orientation.

Learner outcomes are emphasized throughout the course, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their future careers. A dedicated advisory board oversees the program to ensure it meets high academic standards and is relevant to current industry trends.

The career outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants is positive, with opportunities available in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports facilities and more. NSCC’s comprehensive approach ensures students are equipped not only with technical skills but also communication abilities needed in this patient-facing role.

One unique aspect about NSCC is its commitment towards community engagement through strategic partnerships which provide valuable resources for students during their time at college as well as post-graduation support.

Quincy College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program that prepares students for licensure and employment in various healthcare settings. The program leads to an Associate of Science degree, with the curriculum designed to meet the standards of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Students are trained under faculty who aim to produce confident, knowledgeable clinicians capable of working under a physical therapist’s supervision.

The PTA program is offered as a full-time two-year course, which includes clinical experience between year one and two. It starts every fall at Plymouth Campus and every spring at Quincy Campus via a hybrid format. The total cost excluding textbooks, fees & materials is approximately $50,017 based on 2023-2024 academic year fee schedule.

Graduates have high graduation rates (60%-100%) over recent years and have demonstrated excellent pass rates on licensing exams (88.9%-100%). Moreover, graduates report 100% employment within six months after graduation.

Admission requirements include official high school transcripts or HiSET/GED records along with completion of specific courses such as General Biology or Anatomy & Physiology I among others with satisfactory grades. Applicants must also complete 20 hours of observation in the field prior to application.

The program emphasizes lifelong learning opportunities through service to community and membership in professional organizations while promoting personal development.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) is a two-year associate degree course, recognized as one of the oldest accredited programs in the country. The curriculum follows guidelines established by the American Physical Therapy Association and combines anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, disease processes, psychological and interpersonal relations with an emphasis on ethical and legal considerations. Students also gain practical experience through supervised practice in selected clinical settings and under faculty supervision in the Campus Rehabilitation Clinic at STCC.

Graduates from this program are prepared to work as PTAs under physical therapists’ supervision to perform therapeutic techniques for patients with various injuries or conditions such as burns, spinal cord injuries or orthopedic issues. Techniques include gait training; heat and cold applications; massage; use of assistive devices that improve people’s independence affected by congenital or traumatic processes.

The US Department of Labor projects a 29 percent growth rate for PTA employment from 2019 to 2029 due to increased demand for physical therapy services because of an aging population and chronic health conditions prevalence.

STCC’s PTA Program aims to transform students into outstanding PTAs who pass their national licensure exam on their first attempt. It focuses on cultivating students’ critical thinking skills, professional decision-making abilities, effective communication skills while promoting lifelong learning.

PTA Careers in Massachusetts

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

• In urban areas like Boston, PTAs can find positions in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics, such as the renowned Massachusetts General Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.
• In the suburban regions, facilities like Newton-Wellesley Hospital and various private practices provide additional roles that support community health.
• In more rural areas, PTAs can work in skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, where they deliver essential care to patients with mobility challenges.

The combination of academic institutions, healthcare systems, and community-focused practices makes Massachusetts a vibrant landscape for PTAs seeking fulfilling careers.

Selecting PTA Schools in Massachusetts

There are a number of things to consider when choosing physical therapist assistant programs. Here’s a quick list of a few of the most crucial factors to bear in mind as you research for your physical therapist assistant program:

• School size
• Passing-rates of the National licensure test
• Lecture room and lab buildings
• Program expenses and opportunities for financial aid
• PTA Program admission requirements

As you bring all these physical therapy assistant school factors into thought, it may be useful to talk with current college students in addition to recent graduates of the physical therapy assistant programs of curiosity. Also, talking to companies who have employed these students may provide you more insight to each schools strengths and weaknesses.

More PTA Info for Massachusetts:

MA PTA Licenses
MA PTA Salaries