PTA Schools in Virginia (VA)

ECPI University offers an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that prepares students for roles as PTAs under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. The curriculum includes hands-on training in managing conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries, neurological impairments, and post-surgical recovery. Students learn therapeutic techniques, clinical competence, and physical and cognitive skills through exercises and treatments like heat, ice, ultrasound massage etc.

The university stands out with its year-round accelerated schedule allowing students to earn their degree in just 18 months. ECPI also provides hands-on experience through clinical training simulations and supervised rotations at campuses located in Newport News VA, Richmond VA and Orlando Lake Mary FL.

The PTA program boasts high graduation rates for 2022-2023: 88% at the Newport News campus; 89% at the Richmond campus. It also has impressive employment rates within a year of graduation -100% for Newport News graduates seeking employment; 95% for those from the Richmond campus.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), affirming its commitment to quality education standards. ECPI University itself holds institutional accreditation from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Germanna Community College prepares students to provide care under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. The program is designed for students with strong academic abilities who desire to make a difference in the lives of others affected by physical impairments, dysfunction, and disabilities.

The PTA program at Germanna offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree upon completion. It is a full-time commitment spanning five semesters and comprising 68 credits. Graduates are prepared to take the National Licensing Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Student outcomes from 2023-2024 show an impressive graduation rate of 88% at Locust Grove campus and 50% at Laurel Ridge expansion, with all graduates successfully securing employment post-graduation. Additionally, licensure pass rates were excellent across both campuses.

Students must meet health requirements including proof of immunization against MMR, influenza, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B and possibly COVID-19 depending on clinical facility requirements. A background check is also required upon acceptance into the program.

Germanna’s PTA curriculum meets state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states due to its accreditation by CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education). This makes graduates eligible to apply for licensure not only within Virginia but also throughout U.S., District Of Columbia,Puerto Rico,and U.S Virgin Islands.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers an Associate Degree designed to prepare students for a career in physical therapy. The two-year, full-time course provides comprehensive training in preventing, detecting, and correcting movement dysfunctions. Students are equipped with philosophical, theoretical, and clinical knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality patient care under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Upon successful completion of the program, students must pass a licensing examination to begin their careers as Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). Graduates can find employment opportunities in various healthcare settings such as acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and schools.

The PTA program at NOVA is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring its quality and adherence to industry standards. Moreover, it boasts excellent student outcomes with 2021 statistics showing a 93.8% graduation rate and a 100% licensure exam pass rate.

Prospective students are required to attend an Information Session before applying for admission into the program. This mandatory step allows them to learn more about the field of physical therapy and ask questions about the application process.

According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics data cited by NOVA, employment opportunities for PTAs are expected grow by 26% over next decade which is significantly higher than average growth rates across all occupations.

Patrick & Henry Community College offers a two-year Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) associate degree program. The program prepares students to work under the supervision of a physical therapist in various settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and more. Students are trained to administer physical therapy treatments that improve mobility, strength and coordination.

The PTA program at Patrick & Henry is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to obtain licensure.

In 2022-2023, the graduation rate for this program was 75%, with an ultimate pass rate on national exams at 57%. All graduates who sought employment as a PTA were employed within 12 months of graduation.

Employment prospects for PTAs are robust with projected growth rates at 41% from 2014-2024 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages range from $52,210 – $64,030 annually.

The course requires commitment and adherence to high standards both academically and behaviorally. It includes expectations related to personal responsibility, acceptance of constructive criticism and compliance with college policies including dress code and social media usage guidelines.

Riverside College of Health Sciences offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree. The full-time day option includes four 16-week semesters and one four-week summer semester, with occasional evening and weekend hours required. The course combines theoretical instruction with laboratory simulations and clinical experience in modern medical centers and affiliated clinical sites.

Students need to complete prerequisite college courses including Anatomy & Physiology with Lab, English Composition, College Math, Psychology: Gen/Intro/Developmental, Medical Terminology before applying for the PTA program. Graduates are eligible to take a national examination from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to become licensed PTAs.

The PTA program at Riverside is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (CAPTE). Students graduating from CAPTE-accredited programs are eligible to apply for licensure in all states including District Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S Virgin Islands.

Career prospects include working across various practice settings like hospitals, private practices, nursing homes etc. Financial aid is available for students who qualify along with career planning services provided by Riverside Health Career Planning services.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at South University, with campuses in Richmond and Virginia Beach, offers an Associate of Science degree. This program prepares students to work under the supervision of physical therapists in a healthcare setting. The curriculum includes lectures, labs, coursework and hands-on fieldwork that equips students with professional knowledge and skills in physical therapy modalities, rehabilitation procedures and patient education.

South University’s PTA program meets licensure requirements for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia; however it cannot guarantee passage of required licensure examinations controlled by outside agencies. In 2021-2022 the university reported a 94% licensure exam pass rate.

Students have access to one-on-one support from faculty experienced in the physical therapy field as well as practical experience opportunities at local healthcare facilities.

As an institutionally accredited private university by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges**, South University focuses on academic growth along with personal & professional development. It also provides grants for new eligible students to help fund their education.

Overall this PTA program is designed not only to provide comprehensive training but also foster motivation among its students towards achieving career success within the health sector.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Tidewater Community College (TCC) is a nationally accredited program offering an Associate of Applied Science degree. The curriculum includes studies in kinesiology, pathological conditions, therapeutic interventions, and orthopedic and neurologic rehabilitation. Students also participate in three clinical rotations. Graduates are qualified to sit for the national licensing exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Admission into this competitive program requires a separate application aside from general college admission, with applications due by April 15th for fall admission each year. Applicants must also attend an information session held monthly on the Virginia Beach Campus.

Program outcomes are impressive: almost every student secures employment before completing the course and there has been a 100% pass rate over the last two years for licensure exams. This high success rate makes physical therapy one of TCC’s fastest-growing career fields among allied health professions.

Unique to TCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program is its movement science lab which provides students hands-on education opportunities. Accreditation concerns can be directed to both local administration or directly to CAPTE ensuring quality control.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science degree. This comprehensive and contemporary curriculum prepares students for a rewarding career as integral members of rehabilitation teams in various healthcare settings. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Courses cover effective communication skills, evidence-based physical therapy practice, patient-centered care, and working with diverse communities. Graduates are competent entry-level PTAs able to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

The estimated tuition cost is $12,420 for 69 credit hours over two years. Financial aid is available and VWCC provides support services like academic advising, tutoring, testing center access etc.

Admission applications for Fall 2026 will be accepted until February 15th, 2026. For unresolved complaints or grievances related to PTA program one can contact Program Director Jordan Tucker or Dean Martha Sullivan directly; alternatively they can file complaints with the accrediting body CAPTE.

Moreover, current and prospective students outside Virginia considering licensure elsewhere should review disclosure information provided by VWCC regarding professional license disclosures for out-of-state students.

In addition to academics, VWCC also encourages community service among faculty & students which strengthens local communities.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Wytheville Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree over a two-year period. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist physical therapists in enhancing patient mobility, relieving pain, and reducing functional limitations due to physical disabilities.

Graduates are prepared for employment in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, schools etc. They work under the supervision of a physical therapist providing interventions like exercises, massage therapy and recording patient responses.

Founded in 1986 to provide new career opportunities for western and southwestern Virginia residents. All general education co-requisites can be taken at local community colleges while specific assistant classes are enrolled through WCC.

Wytheville Community College maintains high standards with graduation rates between 85% -100% from 2022-23. Its Licensure Examination Ultimate Pass Rate is impressive ranging from 85%-100%. Further confirming their commitment towards excellence is their consistent employment rate which has been maintained at 100%.

Admissions require completion of certain prerequisites by March each year including completion of biology & chemistry courses (minimum grade C), shadowing hours with a licensed therapist among others.

This program doesn’t transfer credits towards bachelor’s degrees elsewhere or towards becoming a full-fledged physical therapist; it’s designed as terminal degree program.

Overall Wytheville’s PTA Program provides comprehensive training meeting rigorous performance expectations while maintaining excellent graduate outcomes.

PTA Careers in Virginia

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

• In urban areas such as Richmond and Northern Virginia, PTAs can find roles in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers, catering to a broad spectrum of patient needs. For example, the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond provides advanced rehabilitation services, while the Inova Health System in Northern Virginia encompasses multiple facilities that require skilled PTAs.
• In more rural regions, facilities like the Carilion Clinic in Roanoke serve as vital healthcare providers, ensuring that PTAs play a crucial role in community health.

These varied environments highlight the versatility and demand for PTAs throughout the state.

PTA Schools in Virginia

There are a few of considerations when choosing PTA programs. Here’s a quick list of some of the most significant factors to bear in mind as you search for your PTA program:

• Program size
• Pass-rate of the NPTAE exam
• Lecture room and labroom resources
• School expenses and opportunities for financial aid
• University admission criteria

While you bring all these physical therapist assistant program things into thought, it may be helpful to survey present-day students in addition to former students of the physical therapy assistant programs of curiosity. Also, interviewing companies who have hired these students may provide you more insight to each programs strengths and weaknesses.

More PTA Info for Virginia: