PTA Programs Online: Choosing the School for You
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Physical TherapyHealthcare AdminPhysical therapist assistant (PTA) is a patient-focused profession. So how does a training program work online? Online PTA programs combine online learning modules with in-person training to help students graduate faster and with the right credentials. Use EduMed’s guide to learn how it all works, what it costs, see top schools, and discover what it takes to go from graduation to getting hired.
How Online PTA Programs Work
Working as a PTA requires in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills, all of which you can learn in an accredited PTA program.
- Didactic PTA coursework – typically presented online – includes detailed study of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, clinical pathology, communication, ethics, neuroscience, and more.
- Hands-on skills are those that PTA students develop during the in-person components of their degree program (labs, clinicals, practicums, internships) while working directly with patients under the direction of instructors, doctors, and practicing physical therapists.
Let’s take a more detailed look at the standard knowledge and skills taught in PTA programs.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Online Coursework
Anatomy and Kinesiology:
A strong, foundational understanding of the human anatomy – particularly the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, nervous, integumentary, and endocrine systems – is crucial to physical therapy practice. Closely related to anatomy, kinesiology concerns human body movement, focusing specifically on the biomechanical, physiological, and psychological principles and mechanisms of movement. PTA students should expect comprehensive coverage of both topics in their coursework.
Exercise Physiology:
Covering some of the same basic ground as anatomy and kinesiology, but related specifically to the physiology of the human body during exercise. Emphasis is placed on the neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary systems, as well as the metabolic processes involved in the production and storage of energy as it applies to acute and chronic exercise. Pathological conditions relevant to exercise and physical therapy practice are included.
Communication:
PTAs spend the majority of their workday interacting with clients, physical therapists, doctors, medical staff, and others. PTAs must be able to receive information from all of these sources and competently record that information in written form for later use by themselves and others. Superior communications skills are, therefore, a must. Communication topics covered in coursework include oral comprehension and expression, speech clarity, written comprehension, and writing competency.
Hands-on Training
Patient Treatment:
This is the real “hands-on” part of the physical therapist assistant’s job. PTAs not only teach their patients specific stretches and exercises as part of their plans of care, they also help patients perform those stretches and exercises during treatment sessions. PTAs additionally perform a variety of massage techniques on patients as part of treatment. PTAs also instruct patients in the use of various types of rehabilitation and exercise equipment, as well as assistive devices like walkers and crutches.
Patient Diagnosis and Evaluation:
Through observation and testing, and under the direct supervision of physical therapists, PTAs help diagnose the movements and functions of their patients, and assist in the development of plans of care. PTAs are also responsible for observing their patients before, during, and after treatment in order to evaluate and report on patient status and progress to the supervising physical therapist.
Compassion:
As much a personal quality as a skill. Compassion can be defined as the consciousness of the pain of others, and the desire to help alleviate that pain. Compassion for the suffering of one’s patients, along with the equally-important quality of patience, must be at the very core of every PTA’s professional practice.
What to Look for in an Online PTA Program
In addition to having the benefits of decreased tuition costs, the ability to set your own learning pace, and avoiding a lengthy commute, any online PTA program you consider should meet the following foundational qualifications:
- Accreditation
Of foremost importance for online PTA programs is accreditation. Proper accreditation assures students that their program meets or exceeds foundational standards of quality. It’s also something that employers weigh heavily when assessing the qualifications of potential hires. In the U.S., entry-level PTA programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). - NPTE Pass Rates:
Working as a physical therapist assistant in the U.S. requires state licensure, and licensure in all 50 states requires passing the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). Therefore, potential PTA students may want to consider first those programs with higher NPTE pass rates for their graduates. Information on PTA program pass rates can often be found on program websites. If not, you can access them from this Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) webpage. - Quality In-Person Training:
All physical therapist assistant programs online include some form of clinical practicum/internship component that must be completed in-person. If possible, consider those programs that provide access to quality clinical facilities near your home, and at times that best fit your schedule. Clinical practicum/internship components normally require full-time participation, but some programs may offer the flexibility of part-time attendance.
Paying for Your Program
Going after a college degree, even an associate degree, can be expensive. In fact, cost is often the biggest barrier faced by prospective students. Fortunately, PTA students have access to the same financial aid options as anyone else:
Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants have the great advantage of not having to be paid back. The problem is that many students never bother to consider scholarships or grants because they assume there’s no chance of qualifying for them. The truth is, though, that there are organizations out there that sponsor scholarships and grants specifically for PTA students, and many awards are earmarked for students with particular backgrounds (low income, members of a minority group, etc.).
For example, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) sponsors a number of scholarships specifically for PTA students, three of which are awarded to minority group members. Additionally, there are dozens of scholarships and grants that are non-PTA specific, but nonetheless open to PTA students.
Learn about more scholarships you may be eligible for by visiting EduMed’s dedicated scholarships guide for PTA students.
Student Loans
Student loans are the most common form of financial aid for college. Student loan sources include state governments and private funds, but the bulk of loans are made through the federal government. Access to all federal student loans, as well as many scholarships, grants, and work-study jobs, requires filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Visit EduMed’s Pay Less for Education: How to Take Charge of Your Financial Aid for more on student financial aid opportunities.
Earning Your License
You can’t practice as a physical therapist assistant in the U.S. without a license. Licensure of PTAs is handled by regulatory agencies in each individual state, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Specific licensure requirements and procedures vary by jurisdiction, but all mandate that applicants pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) to be licensed. Other requirements may include such items as a criminal background check, CPR certification, and payment of a license application processing fee.
Some states additionally require applicants to be at least 18 years of age. Also, licensure is good only within the jurisdiction that issues it, so PTAs who work in more than one state, or are planning to move to a new state, must obtain the proper license for that jurisdiction before starting practice.
PTA students are advised to become familiar with the licensure process in their jurisdiction as early as possible.
About the NPTE
The NPTE for PTAs is a computer-administered exam that consists of 200 multiple choice questions. The exam is given four times a year on specific dates and must be taken at one of the many Prometric test centers located throughout the United States.
The test need not be taken in the test taker’s chosen practice jurisdiction. Test takers have up to five hours to complete the exam. Test scores range from 200 to 800, with 600 as the minimum passing score. The exam may be repeated consecutively up to three times, and up to six times in total.
The current cost for taking the exam is $485.00. The administration of the NPTE is supervised by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSTBP). Detailed exam information is available on this APTA webpage, and full exam eligibility requirements can be found here.
There’s a wealth of exam preparation materials available, a few of which can be gotten for a nominal price or even free-of-charge. Contact your school’s library or bookstore for prep material availability, or check out this FSTBP resource list.
Career Growth, Salary & Outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants
| U.S. | |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,020 |
| Median | $65,510 |
| 90th Percentile | $87,630 |
| Alabama | |
| 10th Percentile | $47,550 |
| Median | $60,890 |
| 90th Percentile | $77,500 |
| Alaska | |
| 10th Percentile | $62,960 |
| Median | $76,310 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,470 |
| Arizona | |
| 10th Percentile | $31,610 |
| Median | $66,110 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,100 |
| Arkansas | |
| 10th Percentile | $30,260 |
| Median | $67,230 |
| 90th Percentile | $94,300 |
| California | |
| 10th Percentile | $55,380 |
| Median | $79,410 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,210 |
| Connecticut | |
| 10th Percentile | $50,560 |
| Median | $74,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $81,970 |
| Delaware | |
| 10th Percentile | $38,620 |
| Median | $63,410 |
| 90th Percentile | $82,690 |
| District of Columbia | |
| 10th Percentile | $43,500 |
| Median | $54,660 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,000 |
| Florida | |
| 10th Percentile | $52,730 |
| Median | $66,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $82,070 |
| Georgia | |
| 10th Percentile | $42,150 |
| Median | $71,530 |
| 90th Percentile | $92,660 |
| Hawaii | |
| 10th Percentile | $48,480 |
| Median | $62,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $71,640 |
| Idaho | |
| 10th Percentile | $47,840 |
| Median | $58,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $73,000 |
| Illinois | |
| 10th Percentile | $51,560 |
| Median | $64,630 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,310 |
| Indiana | |
| 10th Percentile | $49,110 |
| Median | $62,890 |
| 90th Percentile | $79,220 |
| Iowa | |
| 10th Percentile | $46,810 |
| Median | $60,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $76,460 |
| Kansas | |
| 10th Percentile | $47,600 |
| Median | $63,010 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,250 |
| Kentucky | |
| 10th Percentile | $23,850 |
| Median | $62,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,580 |
| Louisiana | |
| 10th Percentile | $22,180 |
| Median | $61,340 |
| 90th Percentile | $82,590 |
| Maine | |
| 10th Percentile | $49,950 |
| Median | $60,830 |
| 90th Percentile | $72,040 |
| Maryland | |
| 10th Percentile | $35,480 |
| Median | $71,770 |
| 90th Percentile | $94,170 |
| Massachusetts | |
| 10th Percentile | $61,440 |
| Median | $77,780 |
| 90th Percentile | $88,800 |
| Michigan | |
| 10th Percentile | $30,380 |
| Median | $59,510 |
| 90th Percentile | $74,900 |
| Minnesota | |
| 10th Percentile | $55,700 |
| Median | $63,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $76,270 |
| Mississippi | |
| 10th Percentile | $31,410 |
| Median | $61,220 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,190 |
| Missouri | |
| 10th Percentile | $47,950 |
| Median | $60,940 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,170 |
| Montana | |
| 10th Percentile | $51,390 |
| Median | $62,540 |
| 90th Percentile | $74,960 |
| Nebraska | |
| 10th Percentile | $43,980 |
| Median | $60,430 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,150 |
| Nevada | |
| 10th Percentile | $29,190 |
| Median | $73,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $88,390 |
| New Hampshire | |
| 10th Percentile | $50,720 |
| Median | $67,150 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,350 |
| New Jersey | |
| 10th Percentile | $37,560 |
| Median | $74,780 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,870 |
| New Mexico | |
| 10th Percentile | $35,380 |
| Median | $59,330 |
| 90th Percentile | $81,310 |
| New York | |
| 10th Percentile | $39,090 |
| Median | $64,660 |
| 90th Percentile | $81,690 |
| North Carolina | |
| 10th Percentile | $52,260 |
| Median | $63,930 |
| 90th Percentile | $81,380 |
| North Dakota | |
| 10th Percentile | $24,710 |
| Median | $59,970 |
| 90th Percentile | $76,440 |
| Ohio | |
| 10th Percentile | $49,920 |
| Median | $62,140 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,450 |
| Oklahoma | |
| 10th Percentile | $29,810 |
| Median | $62,380 |
| 90th Percentile | $79,970 |
| Oregon | |
| 10th Percentile | $50,690 |
| Median | $69,510 |
| 90th Percentile | $83,260 |
| Pennsylvania | |
| 10th Percentile | $47,100 |
| Median | $61,610 |
| 90th Percentile | $77,460 |
| Rhode Island | |
| 10th Percentile | $57,850 |
| Median | $63,410 |
| 90th Percentile | $75,770 |
| South Carolina | |
| 10th Percentile | $52,430 |
| Median | $68,340 |
| 90th Percentile | $85,470 |
| South Dakota | |
| 10th Percentile | $38,960 |
| Median | $49,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $63,950 |
| Tennessee | |
| 10th Percentile | $48,670 |
| Median | $62,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $79,640 |
| Texas | |
| 10th Percentile | $30,180 |
| Median | $76,250 |
| 90th Percentile | $95,230 |
| Utah | |
| 10th Percentile | $27,910 |
| Median | $61,110 |
| 90th Percentile | $81,610 |
| Vermont | |
| 10th Percentile | $58,640 |
| Median | $67,990 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,130 |
| Virginia | |
| 10th Percentile | $49,640 |
| Median | $73,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $97,860 |
| Washington | |
| 10th Percentile | $37,420 |
| Median | $72,950 |
| 90th Percentile | $92,490 |
| West Virginia | |
| 10th Percentile | $44,950 |
| Median | $60,270 |
| 90th Percentile | $83,780 |
| Wisconsin | |
| 10th Percentile | $47,720 |
| Median | $61,890 |
| 90th Percentile | $76,420 |
| Wyoming | |
| 10th Percentile | $50,260 |
| Median | $60,850 |
| 90th Percentile | $82,760 |
Source: Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Curr. Jobs | 100,700 |
| Proj. Jobs | 126,900 |
| New Jobs | 26,200 |
| Growth % | 26.00% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 18,100 |
| Alabama | |
| Curr. Jobs | 2,050 |
| Proj. Jobs | 2,570 |
| New Jobs | 520 |
| Growth % | 25.40% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 370 |
| Alaska | |
| Curr. Jobs | 100 |
| Proj. Jobs | 110 |
| New Jobs | 10 |
| Growth % | 10.00% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 20 |
| Arizona | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,480 |
| Proj. Jobs | 2,180 |
| New Jobs | 700 |
| Growth % | 47.30% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 320 |
| Arkansas | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,400 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,790 |
| New Jobs | 390 |
| Growth % | 27.90% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 250 |
| California | |
| Curr. Jobs | 7,900 |
| Proj. Jobs | 11,200 |
| New Jobs | 3,300 |
| Growth % | 41.80% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 1,620 |
| Colorado | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,560 |
| Proj. Jobs | 2,120 |
| New Jobs | 560 |
| Growth % | 35.90% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 310 |
| Connecticut | |
| Curr. Jobs | 850 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,050 |
| New Jobs | 200 |
| Growth % | 23.50% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 150 |
| Delaware | |
| Curr. Jobs | 300 |
| Proj. Jobs | 410 |
| New Jobs | 110 |
| Growth % | 36.70% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 60 |
| District of Columbia | |
| Curr. Jobs | 70 |
| Proj. Jobs | 80 |
| New Jobs | 10 |
| Growth % | 14.30% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 10 |
| Florida | |
| Curr. Jobs | 7,430 |
| Proj. Jobs | 10,230 |
| New Jobs | 2,800 |
| Growth % | 37.70% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 1,480 |
| Georgia | |
| Curr. Jobs | 3,140 |
| Proj. Jobs | 4,050 |
| New Jobs | 910 |
| Growth % | 29.00% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 580 |
| Idaho | |
| Curr. Jobs | 540 |
| Proj. Jobs | 760 |
| New Jobs | 220 |
| Growth % | 40.70% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 110 |
| Illinois | |
| Curr. Jobs | 4,460 |
| Proj. Jobs | 5,490 |
| New Jobs | 1,030 |
| Growth % | 23.10% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 780 |
| Indiana | |
| Curr. Jobs | 2,080 |
| Proj. Jobs | 2,570 |
| New Jobs | 490 |
| Growth % | 23.60% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 360 |
| Iowa | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,260 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,720 |
| New Jobs | 460 |
| Growth % | 36.50% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 250 |
| Kansas | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,000 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,180 |
| New Jobs | 180 |
| Growth % | 18.00% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 170 |
| Kentucky | |
| Curr. Jobs | 2,280 |
| Proj. Jobs | 2,840 |
| New Jobs | 560 |
| Growth % | 24.60% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 400 |
| Louisiana | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,580 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,990 |
| New Jobs | 410 |
| Growth % | 25.90% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 280 |
| Maine | |
| Curr. Jobs | 500 |
| Proj. Jobs | 570 |
| New Jobs | 70 |
| Growth % | 14.00% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 80 |
| Maryland | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,880 |
| Proj. Jobs | 2,450 |
| New Jobs | 570 |
| Growth % | 30.30% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 350 |
| Massachusetts | |
| Curr. Jobs | 780 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,010 |
| New Jobs | 230 |
| Growth % | 29.50% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 140 |
| Michigan | |
| Curr. Jobs | 3,320 |
| Proj. Jobs | 4,020 |
| New Jobs | 700 |
| Growth % | 21.10% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 570 |
| Minnesota | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,320 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,640 |
| New Jobs | 320 |
| Growth % | 24.20% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 230 |
| Mississippi | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,130 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,420 |
| New Jobs | 290 |
| Growth % | 25.70% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 200 |
| Missouri | |
| Curr. Jobs | 2,520 |
| Proj. Jobs | 3,240 |
| New Jobs | 720 |
| Growth % | 28.60% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 460 |
| Montana | |
| Curr. Jobs | 300 |
| Proj. Jobs | 420 |
| New Jobs | 120 |
| Growth % | 40.00% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 60 |
| Nebraska | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,120 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,450 |
| New Jobs | 330 |
| Growth % | 29.50% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 210 |
| Nevada | |
| Curr. Jobs | 640 |
| Proj. Jobs | 860 |
| New Jobs | 220 |
| Growth % | 34.40% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 120 |
| New Hampshire | |
| Curr. Jobs | 370 |
| Proj. Jobs | 480 |
| New Jobs | 110 |
| Growth % | 29.70% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 70 |
| New Jersey | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,740 |
| Proj. Jobs | 2,330 |
| New Jobs | 590 |
| Growth % | 33.90% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 340 |
| New Mexico | |
| Curr. Jobs | 890 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,310 |
| New Jobs | 420 |
| Growth % | 47.20% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 190 |
| New York | |
| Curr. Jobs | 4,260 |
| Proj. Jobs | 5,470 |
| New Jobs | 1,210 |
| Growth % | 28.40% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 120 |
| North Carolina | |
| Curr. Jobs | 2,760 |
| Proj. Jobs | 3,730 |
| New Jobs | 970 |
| Growth % | 35.10% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 540 |
| North Dakota | |
| Curr. Jobs | 150 |
| Proj. Jobs | 190 |
| New Jobs | 40 |
| Growth % | 26.70% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 30 |
| Ohio | |
| Curr. Jobs | 6,050 |
| Proj. Jobs | 7,170 |
| New Jobs | 1,120 |
| Growth % | 18.50% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 1,010 |
| Oklahoma | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,700 |
| Proj. Jobs | 2,050 |
| New Jobs | 350 |
| Growth % | 20.60% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 290 |
| Oregon | |
| Curr. Jobs | 840 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,160 |
| New Jobs | 320 |
| Growth % | 38.10% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 170 |
| Pennsylvania | |
| Curr. Jobs | 4,990 |
| Proj. Jobs | 6,280 |
| New Jobs | 1,290 |
| Growth % | 25.90% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 890 |
| Rhode Island | |
| Curr. Jobs | 380 |
| Proj. Jobs | 480 |
| New Jobs | 100 |
| Growth % | 26.30% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 70 |
| South Carolina | |
| Curr. Jobs | 2,110 |
| Proj. Jobs | 2,910 |
| New Jobs | 800 |
| Growth % | 37.90% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 420 |
| South Dakota | |
| Curr. Jobs | 340 |
| Proj. Jobs | 450 |
| New Jobs | 110 |
| Growth % | 32.40% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 60 |
| Tennessee | |
| Curr. Jobs | 2,640 |
| Proj. Jobs | 3,680 |
| New Jobs | 1,040 |
| Growth % | 39.40% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 530 |
| Texas | |
| Curr. Jobs | 8,480 |
| Proj. Jobs | 11,180 |
| New Jobs | 2,700 |
| Growth % | 31.80% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 1,600 |
| Utah | |
| Curr. Jobs | 650 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,090 |
| New Jobs | 440 |
| Growth % | 67.70% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 160 |
| Vermont | |
| Curr. Jobs | 140 |
| Proj. Jobs | 170 |
| New Jobs | 30 |
| Growth % | 21.40% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 20 |
| Virgin Islands | |
| Curr. Jobs | 20 |
| Proj. Jobs | 20 |
| New Jobs | – |
| Growth % | 0.00% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | – |
| Virginia | |
| Curr. Jobs | 2,770 |
| Proj. Jobs | 3,560 |
| New Jobs | 790 |
| Growth % | 28.50% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 510 |
| Washington | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,770 |
| Proj. Jobs | 2,310 |
| New Jobs | 540 |
| Growth % | 30.50% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 390 |
| West Virginia | |
| Curr. Jobs | 800 |
| Proj. Jobs | 1,020 |
| New Jobs | 220 |
| Growth % | 27.50% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 150 |
| Wisconsin | |
| Curr. Jobs | 1,830 |
| Proj. Jobs | 2,170 |
| New Jobs | 340 |
| Growth % | 18.60% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 300 |
| Wyoming | |
| Curr. Jobs | 180 |
| Proj. Jobs | 240 |
| New Jobs | 60 |
| Growth % | 33.30% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 30 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Your Pressing Questions, Answered
What is the difference between a PT and a PTA?
Physical therapist assistants provide support to physical therapists (PTs). Though most of the techniques they can perform are the same, PTAs are not able to “perform an initial evaluation or create a plan of care”. Official diagnoses are evaluated and executed by PTs, who are licensed to do so.
Expert Insight
In my experience, PTAs truly are the experts when it comes to treatment. They develop in-depth knowledge of therapeutic exercise, soft tissue mobilization, and a wide variety of treatment interventions. Because of their extensive hands-on training, PTAs play an essential role in carrying out care plans and helping patients achieve their goals.
What is the best major for a physical therapist assistant?
The best undergraduate degree majors for PTAs include kinesiology, exercise science, health science, biology, and even psychology. These major programs offer an easy transition into your chosen career and can give you all of the skills and knowledge you’ll need to help your patients well.
Expert Insight
I’ve had classmates from all kinds of backgrounds! What matters the most is choosing a major where you feel confident in learning anatomy and patient care basics as you can always build from there.
EduMed’s Top Online PTA Programs
EduMed’s Best in Class initiative celebrates high-quality, affordable colleges and universities helping students land rewarding careers in healthcare. We researched and analyzed more than 7,000 regionally accredited schools, ensuring every program we feature delivers exceptional value, comprehensive training, and strong student outcomes.
We break down our rankings methodology below, giving you a clear view of how we identified these standout programs. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to compare top options, explore our list of the best online PTA programs to find the perfect fit for your goals and future success.
