PTA Schools in New Jersey (NJ)

Essex County College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that prepares students to work under the supervision of physical therapists in various healthcare settings. The PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapist Education (CAPTE). Students learn to implement selected components of patient/client interventions, obtain data related to these interventions, and make modifications as necessary.

The PTA program boasts high student success rates. As per recent statistics, the graduation rate stands at an average of 87.1% for two years while both employment and first-time licensure pass rates are at 100%.

All applicants must be accepted into Essex County College before they can apply for the PTA program. High school graduates or those with a GED are eligible for admission. However, all potential health profession students must undergo a Criminal Background Check due to requirements from clinical facilities.

It’s important to note that having a criminal background may prevent placement in a clinical site and/or becoming licensed. Some clinical sites may also require drug screenings as part of their placement conditions.

For more information about this well-regarded program, prospective students can reach out directly via phone or email.

Mercer County Community College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that grants an Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.). The PTA Program is committed to preparing highly qualified physical therapist assistants, with faculty members who advocate for PTAs and students aiming to join the profession. Curriculum content includes didactic, laboratory and clinical activities designed to meet or exceed standards set by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

The program has eight key goals including maintaining high-quality courses, fostering environments that value diversity and respect, managing resources effectively, developing community connections with quality physical therapy providers and ensuring students develop into adaptive learners with professional commitment.

The PTA Program at Mercer County Community College is accredited by CAPTE. Complaints about the program should be directed to pta@mccc.edu where they will be reviewed by both the PTA Program Coordinator and Academic Dean.

Important changes are expected in 2023 regarding this program. MCCC promotes an inclusive learning environment valuing all students regardless of disability, age, sex, gender identity among others characteristics.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Rowan College of South Jersey offers an Associate in Applied Science degree. The PTA is a clinician who provides treatment interventions for patients with impairments from illness or injury under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs to determine competence for licensure application.

Admission into the program is selective and takes place once yearly during the Spring semester, with technical coursework commencing in Fall and concluding with two 6-week full-time clinical affiliations just prior to graduation in May.

The mission of this program is to prepare entry-level PTAs capable of providing safe, ethical, contemporary and effective physical therapy services while valuing professionalism and lifelong learning. The goals include preparing graduates who can work professionally under a physical therapist’s supervision, value lifelong learning through continued education and professional development, deliver safe therapeutic services ethically & effectively; all within an innovative supportive environment.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates qualify for employment as a Physical Therapist Assistant after completing advanced degrees or certifications.

Union County College offers an accredited two-year Physical Therapist Assistant Program. The six-semester course includes specialized physical therapy courses, planned clinical training, and general education. Emphasis is placed on anatomy during the first year while writing and communication skills are integrated into the curriculum. As students progress through the semesters, more time is dedicated to applying physical therapy procedures learned in class.

Upon completion of the program, graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and become eligible to take the state licensure examination. Graduates will have acquired skills in standard therapeutic procedures such as heat application, cold treatment, light therapy, massage techniques etc., along with functional activities and exercises.

The program prepares graduates for a variety of work settings including hospitals, private practice clinics rehabilitation centers among others where they will be required by law to work under supervision of licensed physical therapists.

Admission applications for fall 2025 semester begin from February 10th until May 23rd 2025; prerequisites must be completed before this deadline.

It’s important to note that federal laws may preclude persons with criminal backgrounds from contact with children or patients which could impact fieldwork placement or future employment.

PTA Careers in New Jersey

New Jersey offers a diverse range of employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) across various settings.

• In urban areas like Newark and Jersey City, PTAs can find positions in bustling hospitals and rehabilitation centers, providing care to patients recovering from surgeries and injuries.
• Suburban regions, such as Morris and Bergen Counties, host outpatient clinics where PTAs assist in rehabilitative programs for sports injuries and chronic pain management.
• Additionally, facilities in coastal towns like Cape May cater to tourists and residents alike, offering specialized therapies for seasonal ailments.

With a growing elderly population, skilled nursing facilities throughout the state also require PTAs to support geriatric care.  This variety of environments ensures that PTAs in New Jersey can find fulfilling careers tailored to their interests and expertise.

Comparing PTA Schools in New Jersey

There are a few of considerations when choosing amongst physical therapy assistant programs. Here’s a list of some of the most significant considerations to take into account as you research for your physical therapist assistant program:

• School size
• Pass rate of the license exam
• Course room and lab-room facilities
• College expenses and potential opportunities for financial aid
• School admission requirements

While you take these physical therapy assistant program things into consideration, it may be beneficial to talk with present-day college students and recent graduates of the physical therapy assistant programs of curiosity. Also, interviewing employers whom have hired these graduates can provide you more insight to each programs strengths & weaknesses.

More PTA Info for New Jersey:

NJ PTA Licenses
NJ PTA Salaries