PTA Schools in New York (NY)

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Bryant & Stratton College – Southtowns prepares students for a rewarding career in the healthcare sector. Graduates of this associate degree program meet the educational standards to become Physical Therapist Assistants, often referred to as PTAs. These professionals work under qualified Physical Therapists and help patients regain physical function lost due to illness, injury or other medical issues.

Courses cover various aspects of patient care including specific exercises and activities for strength, mobility, balance and coordination; massage and range-of-motion techniques; equipment usage such as crutches or walkers; patient education on treatment expectations etc.

Employment opportunities are diverse with offices of therapists (physical, occupational speech), home healthcare services, hospitals (state, local private), physician’s offices and nursing care facilities being major employers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 26% growth in employment from 2022-2032 with about 24,300 openings annually over the decade.

Licensing is required in all states which usually involves passing the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs after graduation from an accredited associate degree program. Some states may also require state-level exams demonstrating knowledge of state regulations on PTA practice. Continuing education courses may be necessary for license maintenance.

Bryant & Stratton College has been serving students’ needs flexibly for over 170 years providing personal success teams along flexible class schedules.

Genesee Community College (GCC) offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, providing students with the necessary skills to pass the national licensing exam and excel in clinical practice. The rigorous curriculum includes hands-on lab experiences in areas like functional anatomy, kinesiology, pain management, massage therapy, orthopedic therapeutic exercise and neurological treatment techniques. Students also gain practical experience through on-site internships at healthcare facilities.

The program boasts a high success rate; 92.3% of graduates from 2022 & 2023 who took the National PTA Licensing Examination passed it while 77% passed on their first attempt. Furthermore, all graduates seeking employment within one year found jobs as PTAs.

Financial assistance may be available for prospective students via scholarships such as the Dupin New Beginning Scholarship. GCC also hosts information sessions where potential enrollees can learn more about this career path before committing financially.

Despite being academically demanding and requiring robust study outside class hours, this degree can be completed in two years of full-time study or part-time for those needing flexibility.

Unique aspects include its accreditation by both the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and Middle States Commission on Higher Education along with registration by New York State Education Department making it fully credentialed to award Associate Degrees upon successful completion.

Herkimer County Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science degree through its Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. The PTA program, which consistently achieves two-year pass rates over 90% and a 100% employment rate for the past two decades, prepares students to become skilled healthcare providers under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. Courses include active or passive exercise, physical agents for pain relief and healing, hydrotherapy, wound care prevention, wellness instruction among others.

Admission is competitive with high school graduates needing an average of 80 or better in Biology/Living Environment and other science courses along with specific SAT/ACT scores. Transfer students must have a GPA of 3.0 or better with certain grades in college-level math and Anatomy & Physiology I.

Clinical education forms an integral part of the program with full-time supervised fieldwork experiences at various clinical settings including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers etc., Students are expected to fulfill their own living and travel needs during these assignments.

Graduates from this program demonstrate theoretical knowledge base for physical therapy practice ethically while respecting individual differences. They also possess problem-solving skills relevant to patient care functions under PT supervision; thereby fulfilling market demand.
The recent classes have achieved impressive results on boards exams as well as employer satisfaction surveys indicating safety competency, documentation skills among other essential aspects related to physical therapy environment.

Kingsborough Community College, part of The City University of New York, offers a Physical Therapist Assistant program that prepares students to work under the supervision of physical therapists in various settings. The program was initiated in 1999 and has since seen hundreds of graduates go on to rewarding careers across the United States.

The college provides dedicated faculty, advanced laboratory spaces, state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment and over 100 clinical education sites for hands-on learning experience. Students who complete the program are awarded an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Physical Therapist Assistant and become eligible for licensure.

The curriculum includes comprehensive study aids and ample computer access for student convenience. The U.S Department of Labor Statistics predicts physical therapist assistant will remain one of the fastest growing occupations from 2023-2033.

This accredited program by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is rigorous and selective, ensuring high-quality education that reflects the ethnic diversity present within Kingsborough’s community. It aims at producing well-qualified entry-level professionals ready to contribute effectively to their field.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at LaGuardia Community College is an accredited program that develops students into ethical, knowledgeable, and responsible rehabilitation professionals. Students begin in the pre-clinical phase before progressing to the technical phase of the program through a competitive acceptance process. The curriculum includes general education and elective courses, as well as specific PTA core courses like Clinical Kinesiology, Orthopedic Therapeutic Exercise, and Neuromuscular Rehabilitation.

Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.50 in their key courses when applying for candidacy to enter the technical phase. They are ranked according to a scoring system based on grades from these key courses and any pre-clinical courses completed up until application.

Unique features of this major include heavy emphasis on manual therapeutic intervention and physical training to address patient limitations and pathology. Career opportunities for graduates range from working in hospitals or private practices to becoming adjunct instructors or athletic trainers.

However, it’s important to note that this degree does not lead directly towards being a Doctor of PT. There are only few DPT programs offering transitional programs for PTAs with specific requirements across US. Those interested in advancing their career further will need to complete additional higher-level degrees.

Nassau Community College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program has been operational since 1969 and is among the first PTA programs in the country. Students are admitted only during fall and must be available for full-time study during their last semester. The program can be completed in five semesters.

The NCC PTA Program is highly rated due to its small student-faculty ratio, comprehensive curriculum, active learning laboratories, clinical affiliation experiences, and faculty expertise. It prepares students for careers as physical therapist assistants working under the supervision of physical therapists.

Physical therapy involves rehabilitating individuals with temporary or permanent disabling conditions such as sports injuries or congenital conditions. A prospective student should enjoy sciences, have good interpersonal skills, an interest in helping those with disabilities and appreciate physically demanding work.

The program affiliates with over 100 clinical sites across New York metropolitan area including sports medicine clinics, hospitals and pediatric care centers where students gain hands-on experience from their first year onwards.

After completing this two-year career-oriented program leading to employment upon graduation; students who later complete a baccalaureate degree will also become eligible to apply for admission into doctorate level physical therapy programs.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Onondaga Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) degree. The two-year, full-time, in-person course teaches students to guide patients through recovery and help them regain physical abilities with ethics and compassion. Students can find employment as entry-level physical therapist assistants in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools etc., after which they can take a national exam for certification and practice nationwide.

However, the college cannot guarantee that its curriculum meets licensure requirements outside of New York state; hence students intending to practice elsewhere are advised to review their chosen state’s requirements. The program boasts a 100% employment rate aggregate between 2022 & 2023, along with a high licensure exam pass rate of 94.7% (aggregate of 2021 & 2022). Graduation rates stand at around 84%.

Onondaga’s program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring quality education standards are met. Students also have access to free support services beyond the classroom setting throughout their educational journey.

Notably, financial aid options are available making this program affordable compared to traditional four-year colleges.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange) is a comprehensive and accredited program that equips students with the academic knowledge and clinical skills to become certified/licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). The program, which enjoys accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), provides hands-on training where PTAs work under physical therapists’ direction to carry out patient care programs.

Students learn vital tasks such as monitoring vital signs, lifting patients and equipment, training patients in therapeutic exercises, wound care, using whirlpool and electrical stimulation during treatment procedures, applying heat and cold modalities, patient education. They also assist physical therapists in performing complex treatment procedures.

Graduation rates for 2023-24 were recorded at 62.55%, while employment rates for both years reached 100%. These figures reflect the program’s success in preparing graduates for immediate entry into the workforce.

Orange County Community College offers a supportive environment with various resources including financial aid services and career & internship services. Any concerns or complaints about the program can be directed to CAPTE via their official website.

This rigorous yet rewarding program invites those ready for a demanding but fulfilling career path in physical therapy to apply.

The State University of New York College of Technology at Canton offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, which involves two years of liberal arts courses, technical coursework in physical therapy, and clinical education experiences. Upon completion of the PTA curriculum, students graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible to take a National Licensing Examination for certification as a physical therapist assistant.

Career opportunities for PTAs include hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitative centers, certified home health care agencies, private practices and schools. The Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022 projects employment growth for PTAs at 24% between 2021-2031. It is ranked among the top ten high-demand jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree.

Students also have the option to continue their studies through SUNY Canton’s Bachelor of Technology program in Health and Fitness Promotion to enhance employment opportunities or meet admissions requirements for graduate or doctoral programs.

SUNY Canton’s PTA Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Any concerns about this program can be directed to CAPTE following their policy guidelines or expressed directly to the institution.

Suffolk County Community College offers a four-semester Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The PTA assists licensed physical therapists in providing services to individuals with changes in their physical function due to injury, disease, or other causes. Coursework includes instruction in therapeutic exercise and functional training, use of specialized equipment and biophysical agents, documentation of treatment sessions, interaction with other healthcare providers, patients and their families. Students also gain clinical experience in various settings.

Completion of the program and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination are prerequisites for certification as a PTA in New York State. Graduates can work in hospitals, private physical therapy offices, rehabilitation facilities, schools or skilled nursing facilities.

Admission requires good communication skills and aptitude for science; no transfer credits will be accepted for PTA designated courses. This is not designed as a transfer program but rather as terminal one leading directly into employment.

The curriculum is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The college has its own admissions criteria which include proof of immunizations along with annual physical examinations and CPR certification.

SUNY Broome Community College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program which equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to function as physical therapist assistants. The program focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving, diversity, lifelong learning and community responsibility. It graduated its first class in 1989 and has since been training PTAs who provide interventions such as exercises for strength enhancement, pain relief techniques, instruction in daily living activities and use of assistive devices under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.

Upon successful completion of the PTA curriculum, students earn an Associate in Applied Science degree making them eligible to take a National Licensing Examination for certification as a PTA. Coursework includes biology, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology among others.

The school also requires volunteer clinical hours prior to enrollment in PTA courses where students can observe various conditions and illnesses while reflecting on their experiences through journal entries.

Program outcome measures include graduation rate (70% – 2023-2024), licensure examination pass rate (90.6% average of 2022-2023) and employment rate (100% average of 2022 – 2023).

Additionally SUNY Broome’s PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Villa Maria College of Buffalo offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that immerses students in various settings such as hospitals, community health centers, nursing homes, sports facilities and rehabilitation centers. The PTA program boasts a high licensure exam pass rate and 100% job placement for those who pass their exam. With a small class size featuring a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio for classrooms and 15:1 for lab work, students receive individualized attention from faculty members.

The program emphasizes hands-on experience to prepare students for the real-world environment. Graduates are prepared to demonstrate entry-level competence in various clinical settings under the supervision of a physical therapist. As part of the graduation requirement, students must complete three full-time internships under licensed professionals.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for PTAs is projected to grow by 31% over the next decade due to an aging population and increasing chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity.

The PTA program at Villa Maria College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Admission into this competitive program requires high school or college GPA requirements along with specific coursework prerequisites.

PTA Careers in New York

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in New York have a variety of employment opportunities across diverse settings.

• Major metropolitan areas, such as New York City, offer PTAs positions in hospitals like NYU Langone Health and Mount Sinai, where they collaborate with physical therapists in acute care and rehabilitation settings.
• Suburban regions, like Westchester County, provide additional prospects in outpatient clinics and community health centers, such as the Westchester Medical Center, focusing on orthopedic and sports rehabilitation.
• In upstate New York, facilities like the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester emphasize geriatric care, presenting PTAs with unique challenges and rewarding experiences in diverse patient populations.

Choosing a PTA School in New York

There are a couple of of things to consider when choosing amongst PTA programs. Here is a quick list of some of the most significant considerations to keep in mind as you research for your physical therapist assistant school:

• School size
• Pass-rate of the National licensure exam
• Lecture room and lab-room facilities
• Program expenses and opportunities for financial aid
• College admittance criteria

As you bring these physical therapy assistant program things into consideration, it can be beneficial to talk with current college students as well as former students of the physical therapy assistant schools of curiosity. Also, talking to employers who have hired these graduates can give you more insight to each schools strengths and weaknesses.

More PTA Info for New York:

NY PTA Salaries