PTA Schools in North Carolina (NC)

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that prepares students for direct patient care in various settings under the supervision of physical therapists. The curriculum is divided into two phases: general education and technical, which are performed over six consecutive semesters including two summer sessions. Students progress through the technical phase with a cohort, completing courses in a prescribed order together.

The PTA program focuses on teaching students to interpret established plans of care accurately, deliver safe and effective patient interventions, make clinical judgments based on legal and ethical standards, educate patients and colleagues about optimal healthcare delivery, uphold quality care standards through administrative duties, and continuously acquire knowledge to maintain professional integrity.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) but must pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam for licensure eligibility. Each state may have different licensing standards such as reference checks or criminal background checks.

The PTA program at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Admission to this competitive program is limited with only 24 students accepted annually.

Graduates can look forward to promising career prospects as demand for PTAs increases due to growing healthcare needs among older populations and individuals with chronic conditions.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Central Piedmont Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree. The curriculum includes general studies courses as well as program-specific ones, and requires the completion of 75 credit hours full-time over five consecutive semesters (two years). Students must achieve a grade of 74% or higher in all program courses.

In addition to classroom learning, students also complete four clinical education courses from the second fall semester onwards, spending 40 hours per week in clinical facilities under supervision. This hands-on experience is crucial for converting theoretical knowledge into practical skills.

Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for licensure. Licensed physical therapist assistants can work in various healthcare settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, homes and schools among others.

The job outlook for this profession is positive with opportunities available across North Carolina and most U.S states. For detailed career requirements and salary information prospective students can visit Central Piedmont’s Career Coach or the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This program at Central Piedmont is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring its quality and standards align with professional expectations.

Craven Community College offers a nationally accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. The PTA program provides students with the skills to treat individuals with muscular, skeletal, cardiopulmonary, and nervous system disorders under the direction of a Physical Therapist. Students learn therapeutic exercises, ambulation training, activities of daily living, and administration of physical agents such as heat and cold. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for national certification by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

The PTA program focuses on job-related skills including safe patient intervention practices; providing appropriate instruction to patients; developing plans for continuing education or career development incorporating evidence-based practice; demonstrating ability to meet entry-level job responsibilities including academic preparedness and ensuring patient safety.

Career opportunities for graduates include outpatient clinics, home healthcare agencies, hospitals, nursing homes private practices and schools. The college also provides application requirements guidance along with deadlines information on their website.

The PTA Program at Craven is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Furthermore it’s unique as you can earn your bachelor’s degree without leaving Craven County.

Fayetteville Technical Community College offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program. This associate degree, known as A45620, requires five semesters of study and is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure in North Carolina through the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

The curriculum prepares students to work in direct patient care settings under supervision of physical therapists, with coursework covering human anatomy and physiology, disease pathology or injury consequences, and physical therapy treatment across various patient conditions.

Admission into the program is competitive; students must complete all prerequisites and gain competitive points for approval. Once approved, information regarding books, uniforms, supplies and equipment will be provided.

Program outcomes show a 31% acceptance rate with a high graduation (92%) and employment rate (97%). The first-time licensure pass rate stands at 79%, while ultimate licensure pass rate is impressive at 94%.

Estimated costs are subject to change based on decisions by the State Board of Community Colleges and North Carolina General Assembly. For enrollment queries or assistance contact an Admissions Counselor or apply directly via their website.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) prepares students for direct patient care roles in various healthcare settings. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). GTCC itself is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), allowing it to award associate degrees and other credentials.

The PTA program boasts impressive outcome data, including a two-year graduation rate of 73%, a first-time licensure exam passing rate of 91%, an ultimate passing rate of 97% and a graduate employment rate of 100%. Two credentialing options are offered: an Associate in Arts, Pre-Physical Therapist Assistant Pathway, and a Physical Therapist Assistant AAS degree.

Faculty associated with this program include Joey Jeffers, PT, MA, DPT who serves as the PTA Program Director and Keith Jenkins who acts as the PTA Program Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education. Financial aid is available for qualifying students. The estimated total cost for the PTA Program comes around $7,800 which includes tuition fees based on credit hours taken per semester along with other costs like textbooks and supplies.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Martin Community College is a comprehensive course that prepares students for careers in physical therapy under the supervision of professional therapists. The curriculum includes studies on human anatomy and physiology, disease or injury consequences, and treatment of various patient conditions across all life stages. Practical experience is provided through clinical education at cooperating hospitals, healthcare facilities, and private therapy centers.

Upon completion of the program, graduates may be eligible to take the licensure examination administered by the NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Career opportunities are available in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities, specialty hospitals, home health agencies, private clinics and public school systems.

Acceptance into this program involves a scoring system based on interviews academic observation hours educational level completed character reference letters grades achieved etc. It should be noted that students entering clinical externships might need to provide a criminal background check and pass drug screening tests as per requirements from some clinical sites.

Martin Community College boasts state-of-the-art equipment for instruction including computerized ultrasound machines mechanical traction whirlpools treadmills step machines electronic isokinetic equipment etc. Classroom instruction also utilizes multimedia technology like interactive software for enhanced learning experiences.

This PTA Program has been accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Furthermore it aims to retain 80% or more admitted students achieve 100% pass rate for PTA 260 course & become premier program in region as evidenced by data collection.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Nash Community College is a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to work in direct patient care settings under the supervision of physical therapists. The coursework includes human anatomy and physiology, disease or injury consequences, and physical therapy treatment for various patient conditions across all ages.

The degree requires specific major core courses such as Introduction to Phy. Therapy, Gross & Functional Anatomy, Pathology, Therapeutic Procedures among others. Additionally, students must take other major courses including Anatomy and Physiology I & II and an introduction to computers along with general education subjects like public speaking, writing and inquiry etc.

Graduates may be eligible for licensure examination administered by the NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners leading to employment opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities etc. Notably only grades “C” or higher in non-PTA courses count towards completion of the degree while PTA courses require a grade of “B” or higher.

The program boasts impressive outcomes with an average acceptance rate of 39.44%, overall program completion rate of 82.95% and graduation rate (CAPTE) standing at 94.60%. The first-take pass rate for licensure stands at 82.5% with an overall pass rate of 93%. Remarkably every graduate found employment within one year based on responses.

This accredited program has annual application period from September 1 – June 2.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree. The course includes subjects like Introduction to Physical Therapy, Functional Anatomy, Therapeutic Exercise, and Pathophysiology among others. Graduates of the program are expected to be able to teach patients exercise for mobility, strength coordination and training for activities such as walking with crutches or walkers.

The PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). To become a licensed PTA, students must graduate from an accredited PTA program and pass the national examination. Program costs include tuition fees ($5,624), textbooks ($2,070 per program), lab fee ($1,550), Admissions – TEAS ATI ($120) Student Activity Fee ($151) Technology Fee ($180) Campus Access Fee ($100) Graduation Fee($50).

Program outcomes show high success rates: 77.8% graduation rate in 2022; 93% first-time licensure exam pass rate; ultimate licensure exam pass rate of 100%; employment within 12 months of graduation was also at a full 100%.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2020 cited by RCCC’s website , PTAs have an average salary of $61,090 in North Carolina where employment opportunities are projected to grow by a significant margin -21 percent- between years 2018-2028.

South College offers a comprehensive physical therapist assistant program at its Asheville Campus, nestled in the scenic mountains of western North Carolina. The college is known for its specialized focus on healthcare programs and boasts modern labs and classrooms equipped with relevant technology. South College’s curriculum is designed to promote development of knowledge and skills in associated disciplines, preparing students for their future careers.

The physical therapist assistant program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, ensuring students are ready to step into their roles upon graduation. Graduates can expect improved career prospects given the high demand for trained professionals in this field.

Besides offering quality education, South College also provides scholarship and grant opportunities to assist students financially during their educational pursuits. These include the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, Hope Scholarship, Florida EASE Grant among others depending on student location.

Unique features of this school include no wait list for most programs and continuous development of new academic programs based on trends. Additionally, once enrollment is complete, students can immediately join the next class of South College students.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Southwestern Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science degree. The curriculum is designed to equip students with knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, disease or injury consequences and physical therapy treatment for various patient conditions affecting humans throughout their lifespan. The coursework includes subjects like Anatomy and Physiology, Intro to Physical Therapy, Pathophysiology, Functional Anatomy and Therapeutic Exercise among others.

Graduates can expect a positive career outlook as job opportunities are abundant in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities, specialty hospitals, home health agencies, private clinics and public school systems. In addition to the comprehensive academic training provided by the college’s experienced faculty members and state-of-the-art facilities.

Southwestern Community College also offers unique opportunities such as C-STEP (Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program), Evergreen Honors Program and partnerships with STEM/NASA which provide enriching experiences for students beyond regular classroom learning.

This program prepares its graduates not just for employment but also contributes towards their personal growth by helping them learn how to help patients recover from surgery or injury while setting and achieving goals together during the healing process.

Surry Community College offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that prepares graduates to work under the supervision of physical therapists in direct patient care settings. The curriculum includes courses on human anatomy, physiology, disease consequences and injury, and physical therapy treatment for various patient conditions across the lifespan. Graduates may be eligible to take the licensure examination administered by the NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

The PTA program admits a maximum of 16 students each Fall Semester with competitive admissions expected due to its rigorous nature. Applicants must complete additional requirements including a TEAS Test before applying. The completion rate averages at 75% while employment rates are consistently at 100%.

Graduates can find employment in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, specialty hospitals, home health agencies, private clinics and public school systems. According to Surry’s goals for their PTA Program graduates: they will demonstrate entry-level proficiency; participate in community outreach programs; pass all skill checks; obtain licensure; attain employment within one year of graduation and provide safe equitable innovative patient care.

Notably unique about this program is its emphasis on diversity amongst faculty and student body reflecting communities served by Surry Community College.

PTA Careers in North Carolina

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

• In urban areas like Charlotte, PTAs can find positions in bustling hospitals and outpatient clinics, addressing the needs of a growing population.
• The Research Triangle, encompassing Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, is home to numerous rehabilitation centers and academic institutions, providing PTAs the chance to work alongside leading healthcare professionals.
• Coastal regions, such as Wilmington, also present opportunities in outpatient facilities and wellness centers, catering to residents and tourists alike.

Each of these regions highlights the versatility and demand for PTAs in North Carolina’s healthcare landscape.

Comparing PTA Schools in North Carolina

There are a number of considerations when selecting physical therapy assistant programs. Here is a list of a couple of the most significant considerations to remember as you search for your physical therapy assistant school:

• College size
• Passing rate of the licensure exam
• Course room and lab resources
• PTA Program costs and potential opportunities for financial aid
• University admittance criteria

While you take these physical therapy assistant program factors into consideration, it may be beneficial to talk with current college students in addition to former students of the physical therapy assistant schools of curiosity. Also, interviewing employers whom have actually employed these graduates may give you additional insight to each schools strengths and weaknesses.

More PTA Info for North Carolina:

NC PTA Licenses
NC PTA Salaries