The Profession
The field of physical therapy offers careers for men and women who are interested in medical science and who enjoy working with people. Physical therapist assistants are in demand. Graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities. They may be employed by medical groups, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, public agencies or physical therapy schools.
The PTA program at Loma Linda University
The physical therapist assistant program is 15 months in length and leads to the associate in science degree. The program begins with the sophomore year. Instruction begins in June; graduation is the following June. Program completion occurs when clinical affiliations are completed, usually by the end of September.
Clinical experience
Supervised clinical experience is obtained in a variety of settings during the program. Students complete a two-week practicum and three major clinical assignments, each six weeks in length.
All clinical assignments will be made by the coordinator of clinical education or a designate (or program director). Because local facilities are limited, assignments cannot be made based on the student’s family/marital status or personal preference. The department makes an effort to accommodate student preference; however, the student agrees to accept assignment to any affiliated facilities. These affiliated facilities may be local or out of state. Clinical facilities may also require a background check and/or fingerprinting. They may have certain stipulations (ie, immunizations, CPR certification) that need to be met before the student is assigned. Costs for these requirements are the student’s financial responsibility.
Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Loma Linda University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 909-558-4634 or email [email protected].
Loma Linda University is accredited by WASC. Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Pass rates: See our current pass rate report provided by www.fsbpt.org.
2 Year Graduation Rate: 2019 = 88.6% | 2020 = 85.4% | Average: 87%
2 Year Employment Rate*: 2019 = 95% | 2020 = 100% | Average: 97.5%
2 Year Licensure Rate: First-Time Pass Rate: 2019 = 83.3% | 2020= 77.3% | Average: 80.2%
2 Year Licensure Rate: Ultimate Pass Rate: 2019 = 97.6% | 2020 = 93.2% | Average: 95.3%
*=Data from personal conversations and responses to graduate surveys
Data from Class of 2021 does not yet exist
Updated on 11/15/2021
CPR Certification
Students are required to have current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification for all scheduled clinical experiences. We recommend you take this prior to starting the program.
Professional Registration
Satisfactory completion of the degree requirements and clinical affiliation qualifies the student to sit for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing Examination. Licensure is not required in all states for the physical therapist assistant to practice. Information about licensure or registration in the state in which one wishes to practice can be obtained on the web at www.fsbpt.org
Professional Association
Students and graduates are eligible for membership in the American Physical Therapy Association. The objective of the association is to foster development and improvement of service and education. This organization grants membership at a nominal cost to students of approved schools. Students are required to become members of this association while in the program. The national office of the American Physical Therapy Association is at 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Admissions
The application portal for this program is open every year from August 1 through March 30. For the best advantage in the application process, we encourage all applicants to submit an online application early in the admissions cycle, that is, prior to November 1. A new cohort of students enters the program each year in June.
Subject requirements
To be eligible for admission, applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA in both science and non-science prerequisite courses. They must also have completed a minimum 48 quarter units (or 32 semester units) at an accredited college or university. Admission is a selective process. Criteria used include: science and non-science, GPA, completion of subject requirements, interview, essay, recommendations, and work or observation/volunteer experience.
See school admissions page for further information and to apply for this program.
Prerequisite college course requirements for admission
Please complete the check sheet above and bring with you to your advising appointment. You are also encouraged to bring college transcripts from colleges where you have completed your prerequisites. Unofficial copies are ok initially, but official copies must be requested and supplied during the application process.
Deadlines
Deadline for PTA applications is April 1st prior to a June start date. Classes may fill sooner than published deadlines based on early completed applications. Applications submitted early are given priority in the admissions process. We encourage students to apply early within the enrollment period, due to the popularity of this program. Waiting or putting off submitting your application or not completing all admissions requirements early on, may decrease your chances of acceptance.
International students need to apply early for extended processing. See International student information for further details.
PLEASE NOTE: GRADES OF C MINUS (C-) ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE FOR CREDIT. Credits must be from an accredited college.
Program of instruction
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT Associate in Science
The program of instruction outlined below is for students who are enrolled at Loma Linda University. Courses are taught during daytime hours and usually 4-5 days a week depending on the quarter of study. Class times may vary by quarter depending on instructor and classroom availability.
See course descriptions.
A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required for all courses in the program.
PTA Advising
Request Information
If you have questions or wish to set up an appointment regarding our PTA program, feel free to call or email our department. This is a great opportunity for you to see firsthand what Loma Linda University has to offer. Please call or email us to plan your visit. We request that you bring a copy of your transcripts, the prerequisites sheet, and any questions you may have.
R. Jeremy Hubbard, PT, MPT, DSc
Assistant Professor
PTA Program Director
Physical Therapy Assistant At a Glance
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Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) work under the supervision of a physical therapist to help people regain or maintain body motion, ease pain, and lead life to the fullest. The profession is growing fast, and a variety of healthcare facilities need PTAs to help treat patients.
In addition to jobs being in high demand, being a PTA can be a rewarding career.
“What is notable about being a PTA is the impact you can have on people’s lives,” says Marie Scalogna-Watkinson, PTA, LMT, and owner of Spa Chicks on the Go in New York. “It is such an incredible feeling when you can reduce or eliminate another person’s pain and lead them to optimum health. We as PTAs have a unique hand in the rehab process.”
Get information on Physical Therapy Aide programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.
Steps to Become a PTA
Use these steps as a guide to pursue a career as a physical therapy assistant.
Apply to CAPTE-accredited PTA programs.
You must graduate from a physical therapist assistant program to learn the skills of a successful PTA and earn your PTA license. Programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Finish your degree and take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Most PTA programs will take about two years to complete through a combination of classroom and laboratory courses. Most programs also have students complete a clinical experience in a health-care facility as part of their graduation requirements. As you are finishing your degree, you will be eligible to take the NPTE. You must pass this exam in order to obtain licensure.
Apply for a PTA license in your state.
Most states only require that you have a degree from an accredited PTA program and have passed the NPTE in order to earn your PTA license. Be sure to check with your state’s licensing requirements to determine if anything else is needed to get your license.
Find a job as a PTA.
With a PTA degree and license in hand, you may be qualified for many entry-level PTA positions. Some positions and employers may also want a few years of experience and/or additional training.
Consider advancing your credentials.
There are a number of programs available to PTAs to gain additional, specialized skills. Exploring these career development opportunities, such as the American Physical Therapy Association’s PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways program, may make you a more competitive job candidate.
What PTAs Do and Where They Work
A typical day for a physical therapy assistant will depend on where they work. Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and even in-home care agencies employee PTAs.
Despite the various work settings, PTAs usually have the same responsibilities to their patients, including helping them through therapeutic exercises to build strength and endurance, regain motion, and ease pain. PTAs also use massage and help patients fit and adjust medical gear such as braces.
Some patients might be recovering from surgery, an accident, or a sports injury. Others may have suffered a stroke or are trying to compensate for the symptoms of a chronic disease.
Physical therapy assistants help patients through therapeutic exercises to build strength and endurance, regain motion, and ease pain.
Typical responsibilities for PTAs include:
Important Skills and Traits
Do you like interacting with people in a fast-paced environment? Are you a collaborator willing to pitch in? Here are some skills and traits that can play a role in the success of a physical therapy assistant.
Be a team player:
A PTA will work with multiple medical professionals as a team. “You need to be able to carry out the treatment plan and direction of your supervising PT, yet also be able to give directions to aides,” says Scalogna-Watkinson.
Time management skills:
It’s key that a PTA has excellent time management skills. For example, says Scalogna-Watkinson, being late to work can have a snowball effect on your entire day and cause delays in patient appointments.
Ability to multitask:
You’ll often treat multiple patients at the same time. Being able to juggle time and tasks is paramount to success as a PTA.
Empathy:
PTAs should be compassionate and caring because their patients many times are in pain or experiencing physical difficulty. “You should be able to be present and truly listen to them,” says Scalogna-Watkinson.
Good communication skills:
“The success of any team depends on everyone listening to each other, having mutual respect, and being able to pitch in to help another staff member,” she says.
Physical Therapist Assistant vs. Physical Therapist
The roles may sound similar, but they are separated by education, responsibilities, and salary, as this chart shows.
Physical Therapist AssistantPhysical TherapistEducation Required:Associate Degree (2-3 years)Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree (4 years for bachelor’s degree, plus 3 years for DPT degree)Responsibilities:Assisting PT in executing treatment plan; also, possible clerical dutiesEvaluating and diagnosing patients and developing individual treatment plansMedian Nationwide Salary:$59,770$91,010
Salary source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020
Education
Many community colleges and universities have associate degree programs for physical therapy assistants. While location and tuition costs may be primary reasons for choosing a school, here are some other factors to consider.
What to Look for in a School
Accreditation:
You’ll need to attend a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Accreditation ensures that a PTA program provides quality education to its students. If your program isn’t accredited, you won’t be able to take the national exam required for state licensure, which means won’t be able to work as a PTA.
Flexibility:
Most PTA programs are full time, but you may find a few that offer some classes online, if you need that flexibility due to other responsibilities. However, you’ll still be required to attend clinics, internships, and labs in person.
Connections with local medical institutions:
Take the time to look at a school’s relationship with local hospitals, nursing care homes, outpatient clinics and other settings. This can be an indicator of where you might end up doing clinical internships.
Prerequisites
In addition to a high school diploma or GED, some colleges and universities also require prerequisite classes like anatomy, introduction to physical therapy, and medical terminology. This can vary by school, so you should do your research to determine requirements.
PTA programs can also require immunizations, CPR certification, and drug screenings upon enrollment.
Curriculum
PTA programs focus on coursework related to the human body. Some of the courses you can expect include:
Time to Complete
An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. This includes an average of 16 weeks of full-time clinical experience. Because of this, PTA programs usually are not offered part time.
Clinical Requirements
PTA students usually spend 75% of their time in the classroom and lab. The remaining 25% is dedicated to clinical internships and gaining hands-on experience.
Most programs include about 16 weeks of clinical experience, and students are expected to work full time during these internships.
Clinical experience usually begins in the second year of school, when students work with a clinical instructor to apply what they’ve learned in a physical therapy setting.
While some programs will let you get all your clinical experience in one type of workplace, others will place you in several healthcare settings—such as a hospital, nursing home, or rehab clinic—for a wider variety of work experience.
Most programs include about 16 weeks of clinical work, and students are expected to work full time during their internship.
Online PTA Programs
A PTA program may have some coursework online, but internships and lab classes are in person. You may be able to find institutions that are willing to let students take prerequisites and a limited amount of coursework online.
PTA Certifications and Licenses
Physical therapy assistants must be licensed to work. To qualify, they must graduate from an accredited PTA program and take a version of the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Passing the exam demonstrates that a person has the knowledge to do their job safely.
Certification
Professional PTA certifications are optional, but they’re worth serious consideration because they can demonstrate a PTA’s knowledge or skills.
“I highly suggest taking continuing ed and certification courses that apply to your specialty,” says Scalogna-Watkinson. “For instance, if you work in a hospital or nursing home setting, you may want to take a vestibular certification. If you work in a sports orthopedic office, you may want to take an orthopedic taping course.”
Taking courses or earning certifications will not increase your salary as much as they would for a physical therapist, Scalogna-Watkinson says, “but they will make you stand out in a crowd.”
Depending on your specialty, some possible certifications or courses include:
Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP):
Kinesio taping lifts the skin to ease pain and encourage lymphatic drainage, which can reduce swelling.
Myofascial Release:
This technique helps relax contracted muscles to improve blood flow and lymphatic circulation.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification (VRC):
This therapy helps improve balance and reduce dizziness.
You can also choose the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)-sponsored PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways program. A physical therapy assistant can specialize in one of these areas:
There are a few prerequisites for this certification program. A person must be a licensed PTA and a member of the APTA. They will also need to complete a few courses covering topics such as ethics and professionalism.
Is PTA a Stepping Stone to Physical Therapy?
Many physical therapy programs require applicants to have previous healthcare experience. Working as a PTA can help cover the mandated 1,500-5,000 hours that PA programs look for in an applicant. You will also need to earn a bachelor’s degree and cover the prerequisite coursework to be considered for acceptance into a doctoral program.
But if your career goal is to become a physical therapist, it may not be best to start as an assistant.
“If you want to be in the PT field, I would urge students to go straight into a PT program,” says Scalogna-Watkinson. “If you become a PTA first, it will take about three years of your time, plus a tuition bill at the end.”
Some PTA and general education credits may fulfill prerequisites for PT programs, but the coursework is significantly different for these fields. That means that a physical therapy assistant looking to become a physical therapist might have to start from scratch with an undergraduate degree if their previous credits are more than seven to 10 years old.
However, there are limited PTA-to-PT bridge programs designed to help physical therapy assistants interested in becoming physical therapists. This may be an option if you live near the campuses that offer these programs.
Median Annual Salary
For many, becoming a physical therapy assistant is appealing because you don’t need to spend many years in school to earn a decent salary. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2021 data reports PTAs earn a median annual wage of $61,180.
Take a look at the salary you could earn in your state.
Physical Therapist Assistants
National data
Median Salary: $61,180
Projected job growth: 26.5%
10th Percentile: $37,280
25th Percentile: $48,670
75th Percentile: $75,870
90th Percentile: $80,170
Projected job growth: 26.5%
State data
State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10% Alabama $61,040 $46,210 $79,690 Alaska $60,360 $29,640 $100,150 Arizona $58,910 $30,740 $79,640 Arkansas $60,960 $28,620 $80,250 California $76,940 $47,410 $97,630 Colorado $61,280 $38,460 $80,260 Connecticut $66,800 $48,420 $82,370 Delaware $71,730 $29,020 $98,260 District of Columbia $48,480 $37,130 $77,240 Florida $62,270 $45,710 $81,850 Georgia $61,040 $29,640 $83,730 Hawaii $61,560 $47,730 $98,070 Idaho $47,780 $22,940 $63,080 Illinois $61,740 $37,020 $78,320 Indiana $60,620 $46,240 $78,500 Iowa $49,240 $46,500 $63,340 Kansas $59,820 $30,810 $76,740 Kentucky $55,580 $22,770 $77,480 Louisiana $59,930 $23,010 $77,760 Maine $51,330 $47,230 $62,860 Maryland $61,160 $27,100 $80,530 Massachusetts $64,980 $58,080 $79,970 Michigan $49,410 $29,550 $63,050 Minnesota $60,360 $46,380 $63,020 Mississippi $57,850 $30,100 $77,870 Missouri $58,050 $41,010 $70,280 Montana $60,110 $47,040 $63,150 Nebraska $50,290 $47,040 $64,700 Nevada $49,250 $23,600 $77,840 New Hampshire $61,560 $44,600 $77,880 New Jersey $73,750 $60,360 $80,360 New Mexico $59,590 $30,130 $78,070 New York $61,290 $45,260 $78,240 North Carolina $60,720 $47,040 $77,930 North Dakota $48,820 $35,870 $63,360 Ohio $61,560 $47,550 $78,570 Oklahoma $59,930 $23,530 $80,130 Oregon $61,460 $32,150 $79,250 Pennsylvania $57,300 $38,560 $73,990 Rhode Island $68,320 $60,360 $80,690 South Carolina $60,960 $38,510 $81,030 South Dakota $47,980 $37,590 $61,200 Tennessee $61,690 $45,980 $80,130 Texas $71,950 $32,660 $94,820 Utah $61,150 $46,210 $81,640 Vermont $61,230 $48,460 $78,840 Virginia $60,730 $24,910 $80,340 Washington $61,120 $36,600 $78,280 West Virginia $49,180 $38,460 $76,070 Wisconsin $59,200 $38,550 $64,780 Wyoming $49,380 $29,770 $78,580
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 median salary; projected job growth through 2031. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
While education and experience may make a difference in your salary, there are other factors that can also play a role.
For many, becoming a physical therapy assistant is appealing because you don’t need to spend many years in school to earn a decent salary.
For instance, where you work can also be a factor. According to the BLS, the highest-paying metropolitan areas are:
Metro Area Median Annual Salary San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $91,300 Midland, TX $79,440 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $78,050 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $78,010 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $77,900 San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA $77,240 Santa Rosa, CA $77,220 San Diego-Carlsbad, CA $76,920 Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT $76,920 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $76,920
The medical setting in which you work also can affect your salary, partly because demand is higher in some types of workplaces. The BLS says the highest-paying facilities are:
WorkplacesMedian Annual SalaryNursing care facilities$69,890Home healthcare services$75,130Hospitals$58,460Offices of physical therapists$56,290Offices of physicians$55,150
Job Outlook
PTA employment is projected to grow by a notable 26% through 2031, a rate that’s much higher than the average for all occupations. This is partly because the U.S. population is aging and needs more healthcare in general and for chronic conditions.
Take a look at the demand for physical therapy assistants in the highest and lowest ranking states.
States with the Highest Demand
States with the Lowest Demand
Written and reported by:
Sara J. Nguyen
Contributing Writer
With professional insight from:
Marie Scalogna-Watkinson, PTA, LMT
Owner of Spa Chicks on the Go
