PTA Schools in Rhode Island (RI)

The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) offers a Physical Therapist Assistant Program under the Rehabilitative Health Department. This program prepares students to work as physical therapist assistants who provide services such as exercise, massage, electrical stimulation, heat/cold treatment, ultrasound, traction and hydrotherapy. The goal is to improve patients’ strength, flexibility and quality of life while relieving pain.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring that it meets high standards for professional education in physical therapy. Graduates are equipped with skills to improve ambulation, body mechanics, posture and athletic performance among their patients.

In terms of career outlooks for graduates from this program at CCRI: they can expect favorable job prospects given the growing demand for physical therapy services due to an aging population and increased rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity.

Unique aspects about this school include its affordability – it’s one of the most affordable colleges in New England. Furthermore all Rhode Islanders coming right out of high school can attend tuition-free. It’s also worth noting that CCRI is the largest public institution of higher education in Rhode Island offering a wealth of opportunities across various fields.

The New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) offers an Associate of Science (AS) Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree program, which prepares students to become effective members of a physical rehabilitation team. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist patients in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and more. Students can earn their associate degree in as few as 18 months and are prepared for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), required for licensure.

Students without a PTA license can apply for the PTA associate degree program. Those who already hold a PTA license but lack a bachelor’s degree can apply for NEIT’s health practice management bachelor’s degree program, which serves as a bridge into NEIT’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

With robust classroom instruction and clinical courses off campus, graduates are well-prepared to sit for the NPTE. Upon passing this exam, they may find employment opportunities in various settings where they treat patients with physical disabilities.

In addition to its rigorous academic curriculum led by experienced professionals committed to excellence in education and patient care; NEIT also provides multiple pathways that accommodate individuals at different stages of their journey towards becoming PTAs or physical therapists.

The demand for PTAs is projected to grow by 19% through 2033 due to increasing need across various healthcare settings.

PTA Careers in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers a variety of employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) across diverse settings.

• Hospitals such as Rhode Island Hospital in Providence provide acute care environments where PTAs can assist in rehabilitation programs.
• Outpatient clinics, like the Ocean State Physical Therapy in Warwick, allow PTAs to work closely with patients recovering from surgeries or injuries.
• Skilled nursing facilities, such as Greenwich Farms in Warwick, present opportunities for PTAs to aid elderly patients in regaining mobility and independence.

Additionally, pediatric clinics, such as the Pediatric Rehabilitation Clinic in Cranston, cater to children with developmental challenges, further expanding the scope of practice for PTAs in the state.

How to Select PTA Schools in Rhode Island

There are a couple of of things to consider when comparing physical therapy assistant schools. Here is a quick list of some of the most significant considerations to remember as you research for your physical therapist assistant program:

• PTA Program size
• Pass rates of the NPTAE exam
• Lecture room and lab resources
• Campus costs and potential opportunities for financial aid
• School admission criteria

As you take these PTA program factors into thought, it can be helpful to survey present-day college students as well as recent graduates of the physical therapist assistant programs of interest. Also, interviewing businesses whom have hired these students can provide you more insight to each schools strengths and weaknesses.

More PTA Info for Rhode Island:

RI PTA Licenses
RI PTA Salaries