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This page contains complete information and ratings from Google Reviews on PTA schools in Washington and was last updated on: April 24th, 2025 ✔️
Washington currently has 7 CAPTE accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Programs that upon completion earn an associate degree and make you eligible to test for your state PTA license.
In the table of contents above and in the table below is a list of Washington’s PTA programs, to learn more about each program click on the green Request Info button or click on a school’s name to learn more about it’s PTA program.
School | City | Rating | Director | Degree | Phone | Outcomes | Website | Address | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Green River College | Auburn | 4.1 | Pam Kikillus PT, DHSc | Associate of Applied Science | pkikillus@greenriver.edu | (253) 833-9111 | Outcomes | Website | Health Sciences Division12401 Southeast 320th Street Auburn, WA 98092-3622 |
Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Kirkland | 4.1 | Molly Verschuyl PT, MPT | Associate of Applied Science | Molly.Verschuyl@lwtech.edu | Not Available | Outcomes | Website | 11605 132nd Avenue NE Kirkland, WA 98034 |
Olympic College | Bremerton | 4.5 | Lyndon Bartlett PT, MPTDirector | Associate in Applied Science | lbartlett@olympic.edu | (360) 473-2865 | Outcomes | Website | 1600 Chester Avenue Bremerton, WA 98337-1600 |
Pima Medical Institute - Seattle Campus | Seattle | 4 | Daphne Joslyn PTA, MLA | Associate of Occupational Science | djoslyn@pmi.edu | (206) 322-6100 | Outcomes | Website | 9709 Third Avenue NE, #400 Seattle, WA 98115 |
Spokane Falls Community College | Spokane | 4.3 | Renee Compton PTA, MSEd | Associate in Applied Science | Renee.Compton@sfcc.spokane.edu | (509) 279-6224 | Outcomes | Website | Bldg 27MS 30292917W Whistalks Way Spokane, WA 99224-5204 |
Whatcom Community College | Bellingham | 4.6 | Brenda Henoch PT, MPT | Associate in Applied Science | bhenoch@whatcom.edu | (360) 383-3000 | Outcomes | Website | 237 West Kellogg Road Bellingham, WA 98226-8033 |
Whatcom Community College - (Expansion) | Bellingham | 4.5 | Brenda Henoch PT, MPT | Associate in Science | bhenoch@whatcom.edu | (237) 000-0000 | Outcomes | Website | 237 West Kellogg Road Bellingham, WA 98226 |
Green River College
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
Green River College (GRC) offers a comprehensive and accessible Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, which awards an Associate in Applied Science degree. The PTA program is dedicated to preparing students for successful employment as PTAs under the supervision of physical therapists across diverse healthcare settings. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, technical physical therapy courses, and practical clinical experiences in area health care facilities.
The PTA program at GRC emphasizes competence, critical thinking, discernment and adaptability within the ever-changing environment of healthcare. It also promotes legal, ethical and effective practices among its graduates who are prepared to provide quality patient care.
One unique aspect about this program is that all of GRC’s PTA graduates seeking employment have found jobs in their field with many securing positions prior to graduation. This highlights the strong career outlook for students graduating from this program.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Green River College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring high standards of education are met.
Prospective students can book information sessions with an OTA/PTA advisor through a provided link or contact the institution directly for more information or appointments.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) offers a Physical Therapist Assistant program that combines immersive hands-on learning with strong theoretical foundations. The course is guided by expert instructors and features practical lab sessions, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios. With small class settings, LWTech ensures personalized attention and comprehensive training for an enriched learning experience.
Upon graduation from the program, students are equipped with skills needed to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant successfully. They also become eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and apply for state licensure as a PTA – a requirement in Washington State.
The degree obtained through this program serves not just as an academic achievement but also opens up numerous career opportunities in health sciences. Admission into the PTA program requires completion of LWTech’s general online application along with additional qualifications specific to the course.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at LWTech is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates must pass the NPTE to be eligible for employment.
Students interested can attend online information sessions via Microsoft Teams held every 1st Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m., where they can learn more about prerequisites and other details about the PTA program.
Olympic College
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
Olympic College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant program that prepares students for immediate employment in the field of physical therapy. The two-year course, leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree, includes general education courses, physical therapy theory and practical instruction as well as clinical education. Graduates are prepared to work in various healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, private outpatient practice, schools and home health.
The program boasts high success rates with 100% of students gaining employment within their first year post-graduation since 2011. Students can expect to enter the workforce earning around $64K per year upon completion of the six-quarter program.
Graduates are also eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for licensure and have access to resources from Washington State Department of Health for assistance with examination application process and license renewal requirements.
Unique advantages include working in a clinical environment which usually excludes weekends, nights or holidays. Olympic College also has a direct transfer agreement with The Evergreen State College allowing seamless transition between institutions.
The college provides support through Student Success Coaches who assist with advising services among other resources such as connecting with faculty and finding campus resources.
Pima Medical Institute – Seattle Campus
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute’s Seattle Campus is an Associate Degree Program that can be completed in approximately 18 months. The curriculum includes courses on anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, disease and conditions, medical terminology and ethics and law. Students also gain hands-on training in physical therapy interventions, treatment plans, data collection and administrative procedures under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Physical therapist assistants work with patients recovering from injuries or illnesses to improve their movement through exercises and activities guided by a licensed physical therapist. Upon graduation from the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (for physical therapist assistants).
Graduates find employment opportunities in various settings including offices of physical therapists, hospitals, nursing care facilities home healthcare services outpatient clinics and school systems. Demand for this profession is expected to increase due to aging population needs.
Pima Medical Institute also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Assistant program for those who wish to further their education while working within the field. The institute provides student support services such as career advice and job placement assistance.
Spokane Falls Community College
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
Spokane Falls Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science – Physical Therapist Assistant program that prepares students for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. The curriculum includes courses on anatomy, physiology, and social science, as well as special techniques and equipment used to treat patients. Students also gain hands-on experience through clinical placements at local healthcare settings.
The SFCC PTA Program seeks applicants who demonstrate qualities such as perseverance, adaptability, commitment, strong work ethic, empathy, inclusivity excellence and collaboration. Informational meetings are held during fall and winter quarters for prospective students interested in learning more about the application process.
Upon completion of the program graduates will be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure across all states thanks to its accreditation by CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education). Graduates can expect employment opportunities with median annual wages ranging from $45.1K to $90.6K depending upon experience level.
SFCC emphasizes developing diverse patient-centered service-minded professionals with critical thinking skills who support community health needs equitably. Their mission also promotes empathy cultural awareness inclusivity professionalism lifelong learning within physical therapy field.
The faculty consists of experienced professionals from various backgrounds including rehabilitation orthopedics neuroscience pediatric rehab among others offering their expertise guidance throughout course duration ensuring comprehensive understanding of subject matter.
Applications for this program open regularly with a closing date set for April 22nd 2025 this cycle indicating continuous intake opportunity potential candidates interested pursuing career path within physical therapy sector
Whatcom Community College
- Degrees Earned: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Duration: 2 years
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Whatcom Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, consisting of prerequisite courses and a core set of physical therapy application courses. The program includes practical clinical experience and is available in two formats: full-time on campus or part-time online/hybrid. Graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam for licensure in Washington state.
Courses cover diverse topics including English composition, business math, general psychology, human anatomy and physiology among others. Students also need to meet certain essential skills related to mobility, sensory abilities, communication skills, behavioral attributes and critical thinking capabilities.
The PTA program aims to produce entry-level PTAs capable of working under supervision while providing safe patient services. It emphasizes ethical practice awareness about diversity; lifelong learning; clinical problem-solving; personal wellness promotion including physical activity.
Upon completion students can apply their knowledge in various healthcare settings or pursue further education if desired. However it’s noted that few PTA-specific classes will transfer to universities so students planning a doctoral degree should consult with an academic advisor first.
Whatcom Community College’s PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The college encourages prospective students from other states intending to become licensed PTAs elsewhere to check with respective licensing agencies before starting the program.
PTA Careers in Washington
In Washington State, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) have a diverse array of employment opportunities across various settings.
- In urban areas like Seattle, PTAs can work in rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, and outpatient facilities, providing care for patients recovering from surgeries or managing chronic conditions.
- In Spokane, community health centers often seek PTAs to support underserved populations, while in Tacoma, assisted living facilities employ PTAs to help residents maintain mobility and independence.
- Additionally, PTAs can find roles in school systems throughout the state, working with children who require physical therapy services for developmental delays or injuries.
- The scenic coastal region, including areas like Olympia, also offers opportunities in aquatic therapy settings, leveraging the therapeutic benefits of water for rehabilitation.
Each of these regions presents unique challenges and rewards for PTAs, making Washington a vibrant state for those in the profession.
Comparing PTA Schools in Washington
There are a number of considerations when choosing between physical therapy assistant schools. Here is a list of a few of the most significant factors to remember as you research for your PTA program:
- College size
- Pass rate of the licensure test
- Lecture room and lab-room buildings
- College costs and potential opportunities for financial aid
- Program admittance criteria
While you take these physical therapist assistant program things into consideration, it may be helpful to survey present-day college students and recent graduates of the PTA programs of curiosity. Also, talking to businesses who have hired these graduates may give you more insight to each schools strengths and weaknesses.