PTA Schools in Utah (UT)

Provo College offers an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that can be completed in as little as 21 months. The curriculum is a blend of online and in-person instruction, providing students with flexibility. Graduates are equipped to provide competent care under the supervision of a physical therapist, demonstrate professional behavior, and pass the national licensing exam for PTAs.

The PTA program at Provo College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). It boasts impressive rates for employment and passing the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE), with a 100% employment rate and NPTAE pass rate for 2023.

Courses include medical terminology, therapeutic procedures, applied kinesiology among others totaling to 76 credits. The college provides personalized counseling from student finance advisors to help make education more affordable through various financial aid options available to qualifying students.

According to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), demand for PTAs is expected grow by 19 percent by 2032 due largely attributed aging baby-boomer population thus offering promising career outlooks. BLS also reports average salary of PTAs around $65,000 subject variation depending upon location and experience levels.

Located near parks, restaurants and shops Provo College offers easy access for commuting students along with extensive healthcare facilities simulation training & experienced instructors.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) offers students a challenging but rewarding career path. The program emphasizes patience, empathy, and analytical skills in its student-centered curriculum that integrates technology and e-Education. Students participate in an on-site physical therapy pro bono clinic for hands-on clinical experience in various settings such as hospitals, care centers, private practices, rehabilitation agencies, and schools.

The SLCC PTA program boasts impressive statistics with 90% of admitted students graduating from the program. Additionally, 100% of surveyed graduates are employed and have passed the national PTA licensing exam based on a three-year average.

One unique aspect about SLCC’s School of Health Sciences is their accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S Department of Education. This ensures that credits earned at SLCC can be transferred to other state institutions or most private institutions without having to restart when pursuing higher degrees.

Students enjoy small class sizes taught by experienced Physical Therapists who bring years of knowledge to the learning environment. With these benefits along with systematic evaluation processes for continuous improvement and support against retaliation practices make SLCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program an excellent choice for aspiring professionals in this field.

Utah Tech University offers a two-year Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that prepares students to become skilled, caring physical therapy care providers. The curriculum emphasizes human interaction, technical skills, critical reasoning and lifelong learning. Graduates of the program are equipped with cognitive, affective and psychomotor interventions under the supervision of a physical therapist.

The PTA program at Utah Tech includes courses that emphasize evidence-based physical therapy practice for professional growth within the profession. Additionally, graduates will be able to uphold ethical conduct in all areas of practice as identified by the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association).

Graduates from this course can demonstrate entry-level PTA skills in carrying out plans of care and work effectively as part of a PT/PTA team. They also acquire effective oral and written communication skills necessary for interacting with patients, their families, caregivers, other healthcare providers and community members.

Upon completion of this accredited program by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). This is a required step towards receiving a PTA license which is mandatory to practice physical therapy in Utah state.

PTA Careers in Utah

Utah offers a diverse array of opportunities for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) across several regions, catering to varying patient needs and settings.

• In urban areas like Salt Lake City, PTAs can find employment in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers that serve a large population, including sports medicine facilities focusing on athletic injuries.
• In contrast, rural regions such as St. George or Logan present unique opportunities in community health clinics, nursing homes, and home health services, where PTAs play a crucial role in providing care to underserved populations.

The scenic beauty of Utah enhances the work environment, allowing PTAs to thrive in both professional and personal realms, contributing to overall wellness in their communities.

Selecting a PTA School in Utah

There are a few of things to consider when choosing between PTA schools. Here’s a list of a few of the most significant considerations to bear in mind as you search for your physical therapist assistant program:

• PTA Program size
• Pass rates of the National License test
• Classroom and lab facilities
• School costs and potential opportunities for financial aid
• College admittance criteria

While you bring these physical therapist assistant program factors into consideration, it may be useful to talk with present-day students in addition to recent graduates of the PTA programs of interest. Also, talking to firms whom have hired these students can give you more insight to each schools strengths and weaknesses.

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