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Physical therapy assistant training programs prepare you to support patients recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions, working under a licensed physical therapist. DegreeFlex can match you with accredited PTA programs that fit your goals.
Physical therapy assistant programs cover the hands-on skills needed to help patients recover mobility and manage pain, working directly under a physical therapist’s supervision. PTA programs online typically combine coursework with in person clinical training.
Physical therapy assistant training programs prepare graduates for a hands-on, patient facing healthcare career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist assistants earned a median annual wage of $68,380 as of May 2025. Physical therapist assistants and aides combined held about 157,100 jobs, with employment projected to grow 17% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, and about 24,900 openings projected each year.
A few of the accredited schools you could be matched with.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Don’t just go back to school — come back and move forward with Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults.
For decades, CU Online has helped students build rewarding careers. With personalized support from day one to graduation, you’ll stay on track to reach your goals.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Don’t just go back to school — come back and move forward with Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults.
For decades, CU Online has helped students build rewarding careers. With personalized support from day one to graduation, you’ll stay on track to reach your goals.
Physically demanding, involves lifting and assisting patients
Working hours may include evenings or weekends at some clinics
Working hours may include evenings or weekends at some clinics
Career growth beyond PTA typically requires returning to school for a DPT
The standard entry point and typical requirement to become a licensed PTA
Working PTAs or related healthcare workers advancing their credential
A physical therapist typically holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy and can evaluate and design treatment plans independently. A physical therapy assistant works under a physical therapist’s supervision to carry out those treatment plans.
Becoming a licensed physical therapy assistant typically requires completing an accredited physical therapy assistant associates degree and passing a licensure exam in your state.
Most states require graduation from an accredited PTA program, typically an associate degree, along with passing a national licensure exam.
Some coursework can be completed online, but PTA programs also require in person, supervised clinical hours that cannot be completed remotely.
Yes, in nearly all states, an accredited associate degree plus licensure is the standard requirement to work as a physical therapy assistant.
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