PTA Schools in Minnesota (MN)

Anoka Ramsey Community College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The PTA program is a special admission course that accepts applications once per year in February. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements and are scored based on their grades in biology courses, general education courses, and standardized tests or proof of bachelor’s degree documentation.

The curriculum meets state educational requirements for PTA licensure across all U.S jurisdictions. Graduates from the Anoka-Ramsey program have shown impressive results with an ultimate licensure exam pass rate of 100% over two years (2023-2024). Upon completion of the program, graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Licensing Exam (NPTE).

Career prospects for graduates are promising as they typically find employment soon after graduation with an employment rate at 100%. Students aspiring to work outside Minnesota are advised to contact relevant state licensing boards where they wish to practice or be employed.

Complaints about the PTA Program can be submitted via email to Lisa.Lentner@anokaramsey.edu who will respond within 14 days.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Lake Superior College is a comprehensive course that prepares students for a career in physical therapy. The on-campus program accepts applications throughout the year, with fall admission deadlines annually set for March 1. For those unable to meet this deadline, late applications are accepted as space permits.

In addition to classroom learning, students are required to complete job shadowing experiences. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting visitors at clinics and hospitals, alternate assignments may be offered in lieu of traditional job shadowing.

Lake Superior College also offers an online PTA Military Bridge program designed specifically for military personnel interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy post-service. Applications for spring admission into this unique program are reviewed after May 20 every year.

For students with disabilities or special accessibility needs, Lake Superior College provides reasonable accommodations and makes information available in alternative formats like large print or audio tape upon request.

The college encourages prospective students interested in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program to observe treatments firsthand at their Physical Therapy Clinic or other similar facilities. This allows them to understand the physical requirements associated with working as a PTA better.

Overall, Lake Superior College’s PTA programs equip students with practical skills needed for successful careers within healthcare while offering support and flexibility tailored towards individual student needs.

Northland Community and Technical College offers an accredited Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). The program, which requires 74 credits for completion, equips students with the skills to work under the supervision of a physical therapist and perform various physical therapy services as outlined in a patient’s care plan.

The curriculum includes courses specific to the field, providing comprehensive training for aspiring PTAs. While laptops are optional for this program, they can be beneficial tools for coursework.

Graduates from Northland’s PTA program have promising career outlooks. They find employment in diverse settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, pediatric facilities, schools, home health agencies and long-term care facilities.

Unique to Northland is its accreditation by both the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring high-quality education that meets industry standards. For further inquiries about their PTA program or application process assistance, prospective students can directly contact admissions representatives via phone call or text message.

Rasmussen University’s Hennepin Anoka campus offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Associate’s Degree program that can be completed in as few as 18 months. The CAPTE®-accredited curriculum features a unique blend of online courses and immersive on-campus labs, providing flexibility for students and hands-on experience. On-campus lab time is concentrated over several days in a row, reducing commuting time and allowing uninterrupted skill development. Students also gain clinical practice at healthcare facilities to ensure real-world training.

The PTA program prepares students to work directly with diverse groups of people across their lifespan, helping them regain strength and mobility. Graduates are qualified to work in various settings such as clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and sports rehab centers.

Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission while the PTA program itself is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Additionally, Rasmussen offers self-directed assessments which allow students who have already achieved certain skills or knowledge to bypass specific courses – saving both time and money.

This innovative approach combining online instruction with intensive on-site labs provides an effective learning environment for aspiring PTAs looking for flexible study options without compromising practical experience.

St. Catherine University offers a comprehensive Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that can be completed in as little as 19 months. This associate degree prepares students to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), granting eligibility to become a licensed PTA. The curriculum is primarily online, providing flexibility for students while maintaining high-quality education standards.

The PTA program at St. Kate’s was among the first of its kind and continues to lead with innovative learning experiences including clinical placements in acute care, skilled nursing facilities/rehabilitation, or outpatient settings within their extensive network in Minnesota and nationally.

Unique features include collaborative learning opportunities with Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students through blended tutorial sessions, cadaver lab reviews, joint service-learning courses, and co-curricular activities. These shared experiences provide invaluable insight into each other’s roles within clinical settings.

Applications are accepted annually with new cohorts beginning each fall semester. Prospective students may enroll one or more semesters prior to starting major coursework to complete required liberal arts and sciences prerequisites.

The PTA program at St. Catherine University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). With an unwavering commitment towards educating women leaders who influence healthcare outcomes positively.

PTA Careers in Minnesota

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

• In urban areas like Minneapolis and Saint Paul, PTAs can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers, providing essential care to a wide range of patients, from post-surgical recovery to sports injuries.
• In the more rural regions, such as Brainerd and Rochester, PTAs are vital in community health clinics and long-term care facilities, often serving populations with limited access to specialized healthcare services.
• Additionally, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester is renowned for its advanced rehabilitation programs, presenting unique career opportunities for PTAs seeking to work in a leading medical environment.

Overall, the combination of urban and rural settings in Minnesota creates a robust job market for physical therapist assistants.

How to Select a PTA School in Minnesota

There are a few of things to consider when comparing physical therapist assistant schools. Here’s a quick list of a few of the most important considerations to take into account as you research for your physical therapy assistant school:

• PTA School size
• Pass-rates of the NPTAE exam
• Classroom and lab-room resources
• Campus expenses and opportunities for financial aid
• University admittance criteria

As you take all these physical therapist assistant program things into thought, it may be useful to survey present-day college students in addition to recent graduates of the physical therapy assistant programs of interest. Also, interviewing firms whom have actually hired these students can give you more insight to each schools strengths & weaknesses.

More PTA Info for Minnesota:

MN PTA Licenses
MN PTA Salaries