PTA Programs in Tennessee: Costs, Ratings and Classes for 2025

Chattanooga State Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in the Physical Therapist Assistant program. The curriculum is a mix of classroom, laboratory, and clinical practice that prepares students to work under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. It covers therapeutic exercise, physical therapy modalities, clinical communication skills, and special treatment procedures based on guidelines from American Physical Therapy Association and Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

The program has consistently achieved high outcomes with graduation rates averaging over 90% for recent years and 100% pass rate on the board examination for PTAs administered by Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy. Employment rates within one year post-graduation have been excellent as well.

Career opportunities are diverse with potential employment areas including hospitals, home health agencies, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, school systems/pediatric centers and outpatient clinics. A strong math and science background is recommended for those considering this field.

The college hosts events like the Physical therapy Forum in conjunction with UTC’s DPT program providing additional learning opportunities for students. The program is accredited by CAPTE ensuring it meets all necessary standards for quality education.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College in Memphis offers an Associate of Applied Science degree that can be completed in as few as 20 months. The curriculum includes hands-on training and externships, teaching students therapeutic exercises, functional mobility and ambulation training, and activities of daily living. The goal is to equip students with the skills needed to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses, regain mobility, manage pain, and educate patients’ families.

Graduates are prepared for a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, private practices, rehabilitation care centers, home healthcare services among others. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there’s a projected national growth in job openings for physical therapy assistants between 2023-2033 indicating promising career prospects.

Notably unique about this program is its blended learning model which combines online coursework with practical application on-campus labs under guidance from experienced instructors. Additionally for those who have successfully completed degrees related to health sciences such as Kinesiology or Athletic Training may receive block transfer credits towards their degree completion.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) is a comprehensive and immersive course that prepares students for a rewarding career in physical therapy. The program can be completed in as few as five semesters, with 18 months dedicated to classroom learning and clinical education experiences offered across the United States. FHU’s PTA program has a unique 1:9 faculty-to-student ratio, ensuring personalized instruction and hands-on learning.

The curriculum integrates Christian values into healthcare education, aiming to produce skilled professionals who are morally and spiritually prepared to serve their communities. This integration supports the mission of the university itself which is providing an excellent healthcare education permeated with Christian values.

Some highlights of this CAPTE-accredited program include maintaining professionalism with patients and healthcare providers, communicating effectively within diverse cultural contexts, participating in medical missions opportunity in Honduras, completing degree in three semesters once accepted into the PTA program, integrating faith into scholarship and service among others.

Career paths available after graduation range from working in hospitals to private practices thus making impact on people’s lives. To be admitted into this competitive PTA Program at FHU one needs to meet certain prerequisites including minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 along with completion of specific courses.

Jackson State Community College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The five-semester curriculum combines general education, physical therapy courses, and clinical education experiences at local healthcare facilities. Courses include Human Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Physical Science, Kinesiology for the PTA among others.

Upon completion of this Associate of Applied Science degree program, students are prepared to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs. Licensure is required in most states to work as a PTA. Graduates can expect an average employment rate of 100% over two years.

The program has specific admission requirements such as possessing a high school or college GPA of 2.5 or higher and submitting proof of 24 hours observation in physical therapy departments along with official ACT results by application deadline.

Career prospects after graduation range from hospitals to private practices and outpatient clinics with further education leading to advanced opportunities within the field. Additionally, Jackson State Community College’s PTA program holds an impressive record with its graduates boasting an average first-time pass rate on their licensure exams at around 78%.

For those looking towards entering the workforce immediately after graduation, this career-ready degree provides hands-on experience taught by instructors with real-world professional knowledge.

Roane State Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). The program is designed to prepare students for careers as PTAs, with a strong job placement rate of 98%. The median wage for graduates is $57,715. The PTA profession requires excellent critical thinking and people skills and involves working closely with patients in various settings.

The curriculum spans two years; the first year consists of prerequisite courses while the second includes three full-time semesters encompassing classroom, laboratory, and off-site clinical instructions. Coursework covers subjects such as human anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, ethics, lifespan development psychology and introductory statistics among others.

Admission into the program is competitive with only 20 spots available each year. Successful applicants typically have GPAs above 3.5. Graduates are eligible to sit for the state licensure examination and apply for Tennessee licensure as a physical therapist assistant.

According to U.S Department of Labor projections employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow by 19% from 2022 to 2032 making it one of top ten fastest growing occupations nationally.

The PTA Program at Roane State Community College boasts exceptional facilities along with over sixty off-campus sites around Knoxville area providing hands-on clinical experience.

The South College in Knoxville offers a Physical Therapist Assistant program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for success in this field. The college is known for its focus on healthcare, business, technology, education, and legal studies programs at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degree levels.

South College has two campuses in Knoxville – the Main Campus on Lonas Drive and the Parkside Campus on Goody’s Lane. These locations feature modern classrooms and specialty labs equipped with relevant equipment necessary for hands-on learning experiences.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program curriculum is designed based on local, regional and national trends to ensure that graduates are prepared to meet current industry demands. Students receive personalized attention from instructors throughout their academic journey.

Upon completion of the program students can expect positive career outcomes due to South College’s commitment to providing high-quality education that meets market needs. Graduates have gone onto successful careers as physical therapist assistants across various healthcare settings.

Financial aid opportunities such as scholarships and grants are available for qualifying students including Tennessee Promise Scholarship or Hope Scholarship among others depending upon student location.

Unique aspects about South College include no waitlist policy for many programs which allows enrolled students immediate access to start their chosen course of study; online classes offering flexibility; Competency-Based Education (CBE) delivery model allowing self-paced learning especially beneficial for working professionals.

Southern Adventist University offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The PTA is an in-demand field with a 41 percent growth rate expected between 2014 and 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in the US. PTAs are skilled healthcare workers who conduct physical therapy treatments under the supervision of a physical therapist.

The program at Southern Adventist University runs for 15 months starting each August and ending December of the following year. Students must apply and be selected annually. The curriculum includes three major clinical rotations: one four-week rotation and two six-week rotations.

Graduates can expect to work alongside other professionals such as nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, physicians, recreational therapists, dietitians, psychologists etc., aiming to restore patients to their highest level of function.

Potential workplaces include hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation agencies medical groups and schools. Complaints about this program should be addressed first to PTA Program Director Christopher Stewart or alternatively Senior Vice President for Academic Administration Robert Young.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Volunteer State Community College is an accredited two-year associate degree that equips students with the knowledge and skills required to provide physical therapy services under the supervision of a professional physical therapist. The comprehensive curriculum includes general education, physical therapy lectures, laboratory courses, and clinical education. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for licensure in any state and sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination.

Unique to this college’s PTA program is its partnership with the Clay Walker Foundation which supports those living with multiple sclerosis (MS). This collaboration offers students valuable hands-on experience as faculty deliver interventions to individuals diagnosed with MS.

To enroll in this program, potential applicants must attend one of their monthly information sessions held virtually via Zoom where they discuss details about class schedules, application procedures, enrollment requirements and acceptance policies.

The career outlook for PTAs is promising due to growing demand across various settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers and outpatient clinics among others. Graduates have successfully met educational requirements for PTA licensure or certification in all states thanks to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

For further inquiries about Volunteer State Community College’s PTA Program contact them directly through phone or email.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Walters State Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program prepares students to provide care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, with potential work settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics. Students are prepared for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination upon graduation.

The 70-credit hour program is career-ready and based in Morristown. Admission requires completion of specific courses no later than spring semester of the year students plan to participate in fall semester PTA class selection.

Walters State highlights include twice being awarded Tennessee Community College of the Year, small classes focused on student success, a 98% job placement rate for technical education graduates, seamless transfer options through Tennessee Transfer Pathway program and articulation agreements.

Funding opportunities include federal, state institutional aid sources. A non-refundable $25 per credit hour Allied Health Course Fee applies throughout the duration of the program.

Program outcomes show consistently high graduation rates (85.7% two-year average), ultimate pass rates (100% two-year average) and employment rates (100% across three years). The program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

PTA Careers in Tennessee

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

• In urban areas like Nashville, PTAs can find positions in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals, catering to a growing population in need of rehabilitation services.
• In Memphis, facilities such as the Regional One Health provide comprehensive care, allowing PTAs to specialize in post-surgical recovery and sports medicine.
• Rural regions, like those in East Tennessee, also require PTAs in skilled nursing facilities and community health centers, addressing the needs of aging populations.

Each region presents unique challenges and opportunities, making Tennessee an excellent state for burgeoning PTA careers.

What to Consider in PTA Schools in Tennessee

There are a few of things to consider when selecting physical therapy assistant programs. Here’s a list of some of the most significant factors to always remember as you search for your PTA program:

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

While you bring these PTA program things into thought, it can be beneficial to survey present-day college students as well as former students of the physical therapist assistant schools of interest. Also, talking to employers whom have hired these graduates may give you additional insight to each programs strengths and weaknesses.

More PTA Info for Tennessee:

Our PTA Program Data 🛈

Our Physical Therapist Assistant Program Data is carefully researched and curated from the following government and higher education organizations.

• CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) – CAPTE is the official agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit entry-level education programs for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
• IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) – A comprehensive database of U.S. colleges and universities.
• Peterson’s Database – Includes detailed college information and their Distance Learning Licensed Data Set.
• College Scorecard – A U.S. Department of Education tool offering key statistics on college costs, graduation rates, and student outcomes.
• NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) – The primary federal source for data and analysis on education in the U.S. such as cost of tuition. Our data shows average cost of tuition and fees for Public 2 year institutions per state.
• BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) – May 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides Data for Salary and Employment. Our data shows the mean annual salary and the total number of employed PTAs per state.
• MIT (Living Wage Calculator) – A comprehensive database of the cost of living in each U.S. state.