Physical Therapy Career Requirements
In order to become a physical therapist assistant (PTA) in the state of Texas, individuals must receive a license from the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Aspiring PTAs need to complete a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This program is usually at the associate's degree level. After completing an accredited program, students must successfully pass a national licensure exam known as the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The PTA exam consists of 200 multiple choice problems related to physical therapy data collection, disease or conditions and interventions of a body system. The exam also tackles nonsystems such as safety and protection and therapeutic modalities. The licensure must be renewed through continuing education.
PTA Programs in Texas
In Texas, students can find associate degree programs in physical therapy assisting at many 2-year colleges. Physical therapy assistant programs in Texas combine classroom work with several clinical experiences. Courses cover anatomy, human development, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation and patient care. Some programs have a competitive admission process. Below are 10 physical therapy assistant schools in Texas that offer CAPTE-accredited PTA programs; course and tuition information are also mentioned.
Amarillo College
This college in Amarillo features a PTA associate's degree program that teaches students about the clinical and interpersonal skills necessary to work in the field. Courses cover topics in patient care, neurology and therapeutic exercise. The program also requires a practicum.
Austin Community College District
This community college in Austin has a 71-credit PTA associate's degree program. Two clinical experiences are part of the program. The curriculum also teaches students about neurology, therapeutic exercise, human development, neurological disorders and rehabilitation.
Blinn College
Located in Bryan, Blinn College teaches students about rehabilitation in the PTA associate's degree program. The program has a total of 70 semester hours, and students take courses in neurological disorders, neurology and pathophysiology. They also complete practicums in the field.
Del Mar College
Del Mar College in Corpus Christi provides a PTA associate's degree program. Associate's degree students complete five semesters, and they study topics in pathophysiology and therapeutic exercise. They also participate in practicums that provide real-world experience.
El Paso Community College
The PTA associate's degree program at this school in El Paso can be completed in five semesters. Students take courses in functional anatomy, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation techniques and neurology. Three practicums are part of the program.
Houston Community College
This Houston College provides a five-semester PTA associate's degree program. Forty students are accepted annually into the program. Students take courses like pathophysiology and therapeutic exercise. They also participate in practicums, clinical experiences and labs.
Lone Star College - Montgomery
Located in Conroe, Lone Star College offers a 67-credit PTA associate's degree program that includes clinical training and academic courses. Courses cover topics in patient care skills, functional anatomy and pathophysiology. The entire program takes two years to complete.
San Jacinto Community College
Houston's San Jacinto Community College has a PTA associate's degree program that has 72 credits of coursework. Admission to the program is competitive. Students learn about rehabilitation skills and neurological disorders. Three clinical experiences are also required.
South Texas College
Students in McAllen can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant at South Texas College. The two-year program covers topics in therapeutic exercise, neurologic disorders and patient care. Students must also complete three practicums.
Tarrant County College District
Located in Fort Worth, Tarrant County College District offers a PTA associate's degree program that lasts two years. Admission to the program is competitive. The program covers topics in pathophysiology, healthcare communications and therapeutic exercises. In addition to didactic coursework, students also participate in clinical experiences.
PTA School Comparison
| School Name | School Type and Setting | Physical Therapy Assistant Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo College | 2-year, public; midsize city | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $2,136 in-district, $3,168 in-state, $4,704 out-of-state |
| Austin Community College District | 2-year, public; large city | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $2,550 in-district, $10,830 in-state, $13,020 out-of-state |
| Blinn College | 2-year, public; distant town | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $2,832 in-district, $4,200 in-state, $8,040 out-of-state |
| Del Mar College | 2-year, public; large city | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $2,729 in-district, $4,029 in-state, $5,334 out-of-state |
| El Paso Community College | 2-year, public; large city | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $3,010 in-state, $4,858 out-of-state |
| Houston Community College | 2-year, public; large city | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $1,632 in-district, $3,360 in-state, $3,756 out-of-state |
| Lone Star College - Montgomery | 2-year, public; small city | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $1,600 in-district, $3,880 in-state, $5,200 out-of-state |
| San Jacinto Community College | 2-year, public; large suburb | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $1,548 in-district, $2,628 in-state, $4,188 out-of-state |
| South Texas College | 4-year, public; midsize city | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $3,780 in-district, $4,080 in-state, $7,680 out-of-state |
| Tarrant County College District | 2-year, public; large city | Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant | $1,661 in-district, $3,132 in-state, $7,560 out-of-state |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
