PTA Schools in Pennsylvania (PA)

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Butler County Community College (BC3) is a comprehensive Associate in Applied Science Degree course. This academically-based program prepares students for employment as a Physical Therapist Assistant, working ethically and effectively under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. The program includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical components.

Courses include Seminar I & II, Procedures I-IV, Fundamentals of Therapeutic Exercise, Functional Anatomy, Pathophysiology and Clinical Education I-III among others. Students will also take courses such as Human Anatomy and Physiology I-II, Intermediate Algebra or Elementary Statistics and Health Science or Physical Wellness.

As part of their role in healthcare teams students learn to carry out treatment plans designed by physical therapists; documenting relevant aspects of the treatment process; communicating any changes that require reassessment by the physical therapist.

Upon completion of this program graduates are prepared for licensure exams allowing them to practice professionally within their field.

The BC3’s PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). For further information about admission requirements or other queries you can contact BC3 Admissions at 724.284.8501 or via email: admissions@bc3.edu.

Central Penn College offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that equips students with problem-solving, critical thinking, and independent skill performance. The program only accepts a limited number of students each academic year, thus providing small class sizes with individualized attention.

The degree offered is an Associate in Applied Science. Courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Fundamentals of Physical Therapy, Applied Kinesiology, Neurological Rehabilitation, and Therapeutic Exercise among others. These courses are delivered through daytime or evening classes available on accelerated terms for faster degree completion.

One unique feature about the PTA program at Central Penn College is its 2+2 Healthcare Management Pathway which allows students to earn their associate degree followed by a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management (HCM), preparing them for leadership roles in the healthcare industry.

In addition to classroom learning, the PTA program includes hands-on real-world learning experiences such as internships. According to recent surveys conducted by the college itself, more than 90% of graduates find employment within their chosen field or continue their education within one year after graduation.

The Central Penn College PTA Program has been accredited since March 1988 by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduation rates over two years average around 77% for day programs and approximately 67% for evening programs while employment rates remain high at around 100%.

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program at its Boyce Campus. This associate degree program is designed to prepare students for entry-level physical therapy roles under the supervision of a licensed professional. The curriculum includes 450 hours of classroom learning, paired with 715 hours of supervised clinical experience in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities and private practices.

Graduates are prepared to use therapeutic modalities, exercise and other techniques to assist patients in pain relief and restoration of optimal function. After completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

The job outlook for physical therapist assistants is promising with a projected growth rate of 21.14% nationally over the next ten years. Starting salaries range from $41k-$55k per year or $20-$26.91 per hour.

Admission into this limited enrollment program requires completion of certain prerequisites with a grade “C” or better, including General Biology (BIO 151), Introduction to Biological Sciences (BIO 110) and Anatomy and Physiology I taken within the last ten years.

Harcum College offers a comprehensive Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, designed to prepare students for careers in the dynamic field of physical therapy. The curriculum includes a variety of courses such as anatomy, kinesiology, and pathology which equip students with the knowledge necessary to provide effective patient care under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.

The PTA program at Harcum College leads to an Associate in Science degree that can be completed within two years. It is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring that it meets national standards for quality and relevance.

Students are expected to develop skills like therapeutic exercise application, electrotherapy usage, and patient interaction during their course of study. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam required for licensure as a PTA.

The career outlook for PTAs is promising with employment opportunities projected to grow faster than average over the next decade according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Graduates can work in settings ranging from hospitals and rehabilitation centers to private practices or home health agencies.

One unique aspect about Harcum’s PTA program is its commitment towards hands-on clinical experience through partnerships with more than 60 clinical sites across Pennsylvania where students gain practical exposure amidst real-world scenarios.

Johnson College offers a five-semester Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree program. The mission of the program is to prepare students to be competent and caring entry-level physical therapist assistants who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist in various settings. The curriculum includes courses on patient care, therapeutic exercise principles, applied kinesiology, pathophysiology, prosthetics design, human anatomy & physiology among others.

Clinical education forms a significant part of the program with students required to complete criminal background checks, fingerprinting, child abuse clearance and drug testing prior to their clinical experiences.

Graduates from this accredited program have an impressive track record with recent data showing graduation rates above 80%, NPTE pass rate averaging at 81.5% over two years and job placement rate hitting 100%. Career opportunities for graduates are diverse including hospitals, rehabilitation settings, skilled nursing facilities etc.

The college also ensures that educators meet student needs through maintaining current licensure in PA., participating in professional competence related teaching responsibilities and using effective instructional methods during didactic laboratory sessions.

Unique aspects include special fees covering all clearances plus additional drug tests as well as mandatory membership into the American Physical Therapy Association for students enrolled in this course.

Lackawanna College offers a two-year Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) associate degree program with an emphasis on hands-on lab experiences. The program boasts a 100% employment rate for graduates who pass the national licensure exam, with a median annual wage of $61,180 as of May 2021. The field is expected to grow by 32% over the next decade.

The curriculum aligns with standards set by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). It includes courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Ethics, Medical Terminology, Introduction to PTA, Therapeutic Modalities and Orthopedic Rehab/Basic Skills among others.

In February 2024, Lackawanna College partnered with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology to enable PTA students to transfer into their Exercise Science bachelor’s degree program upon graduation. This agreement allows qualifying students from LC to transfer up to 56 credits into HU’s Exercise Science program.

Graduates can work in various settings including hospitals, physical therapy clinics, nursing homes, rehab facilities schools and sports facilities. The application process involves completion of college applications along with separate applications for the PTA program which are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Mercyhurst University offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Associate of Science degree program. The PTA program, which first received accreditation in 1996 and most recently in 2021, prepares students for entry-level positions under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. The curriculum includes foundational coursework in basic sciences and technical courses specific to physical therapy. Students must complete a minimum of 71 credits with a GPA of at least 2.0.

The clinical education sequence starts in the second year, where students undertake three full-time rotations across various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehab facilities, and nursing homes nationwide. Graduates are expected to demonstrate professional behaviors during patient interactions and perform interventions effectively within their scope of practice.

There is high demand for PTAs nationwide with projected growth rates over the next decade standing at 26.5%. Additionally, around 95% of recent graduates found employment within one year after graduation.

Unique features include scholarship opportunities like the Danny Bilski PTA Assistance Fund established in memory of a graduate to support current PTA students financially throughout their studies.

Graduates often find jobs across different states or progress into managerial roles while some pursue further studies in fields including chiropractic medicine or athletic training among others.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Montgomery County Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program, taught at the college’s state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center, consists of 70 credits and prepares students to take the national examination for physical therapist assistant certification/licensure. Students will learn how to assist physical therapists in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and sports medicine facilities.

The course curriculum is divided into a pre-technical phase and technical phase with courses including Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Technical Physics, Fundamentals of Physical Therapist Assisting and Data Collection among others. All pre-technical courses must be completed before enrollment into the technical phase courses.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to demonstrate proficient entry-level knowledge and skills in implementing a comprehensive plan of care; adhere to legal, ethical and professional regulations; communicate effectively with patients, families and other healthcare providers; exhibit values-based behaviors indicative of commitment to PTA roles.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Admission requirements include submitting a completed Petition for Physical Therapist Assistant Admission along with specific credentials matching programs admission guidelines.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Mount Aloysius College is an associate degree program that takes five semesters to complete. The program prepares students for a rewarding career as a paraprofessional in the field of physical therapy, with emphasis on patient well-being and academic focus.

Students benefit from small class sizes and the support of dedicated faculty who provide quality clinical partners. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination and enter their profession competently.

Unique features of this PTA program include various clinical experiences offered in healthcare settings, making it one of Pennsylvania’s best programs. Students also have options to complete both their PTA degree and a bachelor’s degree within four years.

Career opportunities for graduates span skilled nursing facilities, outpatient physical therapy offices, home care, hospitals, rehabilitation centers (both inpatient and outpatient), K-12 education schools, pediatrics among others.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data provided by the college website, demand for PTAs is expected to rise 24% from 2021-2031—an increase of 33,900 jobs—with an average median wage being $49,180.

Mount Aloysius College has accreditation from Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Furthermore its PTA Program boasts impressive outcomes: a graduation rate of 60%, NPTAE pass rate at 100% over two years with a first-time pass rate at 75%, employment rate stands at solid 100%.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pennsylvania College of Technology offers students an immersive, hands-on experience in a growing field. The two-year program includes coursework such as Medical Terminology Survey, Introduction to Physical Therapy, Clinical Kinesiology and more. Students also participate in three clinical experiences across 65+ diverse sites throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.

Admission into the major requires additional criteria beyond college admission due to limited availability of clinical sites and accreditation requirements. Graduates can expect career opportunities in acute care, outpatient orthopedic settings, rehabilitation centers among others.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), which satisfies state educational requirements for licensure or certification across all states.

A unique feature of this school’s PTA program is its expansive lab space that encourages collaboration while providing a realistic learning environment. Additionally, there is expected growth of 19% demand for physical therapist assistants through 2030 showing promising career prospects for graduates.

For more information about the curriculum or admissions process contact pta@pct.edu or call 570-320-4439.

Pennsylvania Western University offers a rigorous two-year Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The curriculum includes foundational courses in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, therapeutic exercises, functional training, patient care techniques and medical terminology. Students also gain hands-on experience through clinical internships.

Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and PTA licensure. Graduates become skilled healthcare professionals ready to assist physical therapists in improving patients’ mobility and quality of life across various settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers and private practices.

The demand for PTAs is increasing with Pennsylvania Workforce Development classifying it as a high-priority career offering family-sustaining wages. The university’s PTA program has demonstrated success rates with 69% graduation rate for the classes of 2023-2024 while NPTE passing rates averaged at 93% over two years.

Unique features include access to a cadaver lab providing insight into human anatomy and physiology. Also offered is membership in the PTA Club where students can network with industry professionals and attend local/national conferences amongst other benefits.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at PennWest California campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring its quality.

The Pennsylvania State University offers an associate degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) at its Eberly, Hazleton, Mont Alto, and Shenango campuses. The program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), provides students with a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology and therapy interventions. Through hands-on labs and clinical rotations at renowned healthcare facilities, students gain practical experience working with diverse patient populations.

Courses include Human Musculature and Functional Anatomy, Applied Kinesiology, PTA Procedures, Therapeutic Exercise, Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation and Clinical Reasoning for the PTA. Students also participate in practicums to apply their skills in real-world settings under professional guidance.

After completing the two-year PTA degree program which is offered across four convenient locations – Penn State Fayette, Hazleton Mont Alto and Shenango; there are options available for students to bridge into bachelor’s or graduate-level studies in fields like occupational science or other healthcare-related areas.

According to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), PTAs are entering a rapidly growing field with 100% employment rate for Penn State’s graduates who earn a median salary of $64K per year. The university also supports its students through clubs that provide leadership experiences as well as preparation for licensure exams.

PTA Careers in Pennsylvania

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

• In urban areas like Philadelphia, PTAs can find positions in well-established hospitals such as Jefferson Health or Penn Medicine, where they assist in rehabilitation for a wide range of patient populations.
• In Pittsburgh, facilities like UPMC provide specialized care, allowing PTAs to engage in innovative treatment modalities.
• Additionally, in more rural regions such as Erie, PTAs may work in outpatient clinics or community health centers, addressing the needs of local populations.

Overall, Pennsylvania’s healthcare landscape presents PTAs with numerous avenues to advance their careers while contributing to patient wellness.

How to Select PTA Schools in Pennsylvania

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

• Program size
• Pass rate of the National License test
• Class and labroom buildings
• PTA School expenses and potential opportunities for financial aid
• School admittance criteria

While you bring all these physical therapy assistant school factors into consideration, it can be useful to survey current students and recent graduates of the physical therapy assistant schools of curiosity. Also, interviewing employers whom have hired these graduates can give you more insight to each programs strengths and weaknesses.

More PTA Info for Pennsylvania:

PA PTA Licenses
PA PTA Salaries