Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in PA
Individuals can receive physical therapy assistant (PTA) education and training through associate's degree programs, a range of which are offered in PA. Such programs include general education classes, traditional instruction in classroom setting, and lab work. In addition to academic coursework, students in a PTA program have an opportunity to gain professional experience in a clinical setting. Compiled below is a list of some of the best training schools for physical therapy assistants in PA. All of the institutions listed are accredited PTA programs in PA.
Butler County Community College
Located in the city of Butler, Butler County Community College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Applied Science program that requires students to complete a minimum of 70 credits. Students take courses in patient practitioner interaction, procedures, physical wellness and therapeutic exercise, to name a few. In order to develop practical experience in the field, students take three clinical education courses.
California University of Pennsylvania
Built in the city of California, this university has a physical therapist assistant associate's degree program that requires 66 credits and can be completed in five semesters. Students take courses in physical therapy procedures, therapeutic modalities and kinesiology, among others. Two internships are also part of the curriculum.
Community College of Allegheny County
The Community College of Allegheny College in Pittsburgh features a physical therapist assistant Associate of Science program. The program is 67-69 credits long and consists of 450 hours of classroom learning, as well as 784 hours of clinical experience. The curriculum includes coursework in physical therapy principles and procedures, human growth and development, injury treatment and prevention, clinical observation and professional exploration.
Harcum College
For those looking for physical therapy assistant programs in Philadelphia, Harcum College is located in Bryn Mawr, a suburb just outside of Philadelphia, and offers students the opportunity to pursue a physical therapist associate's degree. Courses teach students how to work full range of motion with patients. They also learn about electrical stimulation and how to care for injuries. Clinical experiences take place in sports rehabilitation centers, hospitals, nursing homes and other types of medical facilities.
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Lehigh Carbon Community College is located in Schnecksville and offers a physical therapist assistant associate's degree that students can earn by completing 64.5 credits. Students take courses in rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, physical therapy procedures and kinesiology. The clinical experience requires that students complete two seven-week practicums. Each practicum requires 40 hours of work per week.
Montgomery County Community College
Another physical therapy assistant school in Philadelphia (or close by) is Montgomery County Community College. It is less than 25 miles from downtown in Blue Bell. The program can be taken either part-time or full-time and offers extensive preparation for the Physical Therapist Assistant National Physical Therapy Exam at the end of the degree. The pre-technical phase of the program lasts two semesters before students begin the part of the program where clinical hours are completed.
Mount Aloysius College
Mount Aloysius College is situated in Cresson and has a physical therapist assistant associate's degree program. The curriculum includes coursework in physical rehabilitation terminology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise and physical therapy neurology. Students take part in three clinical education courses; the first requires that students complete 130 hours, while the second and third courses require 250 hours each.
Penn State University - Dubois
The physical therapist assistant associate's degree program at Penn State's campus in Dubois is two years in length and includes a summer semester. Students learn how to implement treatment programs and communicate with both patients and the physical therapist. Students also learn about exhibiting professional behavior. In addition to clinical requirements, students are also expected to spend time observing and volunteering in rehabilitation facilities.
Penn State University - Hazelton
The Hazelton campus of Penn State offers a physical therapist assistant associate's degree program that can be completed in five semesters. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation and advanced first aid. Students also learn how to lift and transfer patients and participate in ambulance training. The final semester consists of practicum requirements.
Penn State University - Mont Alto
Students enrolled in Penn State's physical therapist assistant associate's degree program offered in Mont Alto are required to complete four semesters of coursework and one semester of clinical experience. The program is 68 credits long, and courses include physical therapy procedures, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation and pathophysiology. The practicum requirements include two six-week clinical experiences.
Penn State University - Shenango
Another of the great PTA colleges in PA, the Shenango campus of Penn State features a physical therapist assistant program that prepares students to work with physical therapists and implement treatment plans for patients living with disabilities or injuries. The program requires 68 credits, and after completing an introductory physical therapy assistant course, students take courses in kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation, physical therapy procedures and pathophysiology. A license preparation class and practicums are also part of the curriculum.
PTA Programs in PA: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type and Setting | Physical Therapist Assistant Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butler County Community College | 2-year, public; fringe rural | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $5,100 in-district, $8,100 in-state, $11,100 out-of-state* |
| California University of Pennsylvania | 4-year, public; small suburb | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $11,108 in-state, $15,726 out-of-state* |
| Community College of Allegheny County | 2-year, public; large city | Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $4,489 in-district, $8,125 in-state, $11,605 out-of-state* |
| Harcum College | 2-year, private not-for-profit; large suburb | Associate's Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant | $25,000* |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | 2-year, public; large suburb | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $4,260 in-district, $7,710 in-state, $11,160 out-of-state* |
| Montgomery County Community College | 2-year, public; large suburb | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $5,730 in-district, $10,350 in-state, $14,970 out-of-state* |
| Mount Aloysius College | 4-year, private not-for-profit; fringe town | Associate's Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant | $23,680* |
| Penn State University - Dubois | 4-year, public; remote town | Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $13,710 in-state, $22,302 out-of-state* |
| Penn State University - Hazelton | 4-year, public; small suburb | Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $13,988 (associate degree) in-state $22,978 out-of-state** |
| Penn State University - Mont Alto | 4-year, public; fringe town | Associate Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant | $13,710 in-state, $22,302 out-of-state* |
| Penn State University - Shenango | 4-year, public; large suburb | Associate Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant | $13,350 in-state, $21,774 out-of-state* |
Sources: *NCES College Navigator, **Penn State University Budget Office
PTA Career Requirements in PA
The state of Pennsylvania requires that physical therapists and physical therapy assistants obtain licensure to work in the field. After graduating with this degree, individuals can obtain licensure by taking the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs.
