Where in Texas Can I Go to School to Become a Physical Therapy Assistant?
Find schools in Texas offering physical therapist assistant (PTA) training programs and courses. Learn about education options for students who want to become physical therapist assistants in the state of Texas.
Becoming a physical therapy assistant requires the completion of a state-approved training program, which can be found at many schools in the Texas area. Read on to gain an understanding of which colleges are available for physical therapy assisting students and to make a decision about where you would like to study.
What You Need to Know
An associate's degree in physical therapy assisting is required to get licensed and work as a physical therapy assistant in Texas, and these two-year programs are found at community colleges in the state. As a student pursuing an associate degree, you can expect to study rehabilitation, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, neurology and therapeutic exercise in the classroom. You will also gain some field experience working with physical therapy professionals at medical facilities and do lab work. Some programs require a comprehensive exam or include a capstone course that prepares you to take your state licensing exam. Read on to explore Texas schools that offer physical therapy assistant programs.
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Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Schools with Physical Therapy Assistant Programs in Texas
El Paso Community College
The curriculum for this physical therapy assistant program includes introductory courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and health care communication. More specialized coursework includes neurology, rehabilitation methods and therapeutic exercise. In addition to classroom learning, you will complete practicum courses that provide you with field experience or workplace training. You'll also complete a capstone course that prepares you to take the licensing exam.
- Program Name: Associate of Applied Science
- 'Specialization:' Physical Therapist Assistant
- Program Length: 2 years
- Tuition & Fees: $3,274 per year in-state, $5,314 per year out-of-state (2020-2021)
- Prerequisites: Professional level CPR certification; HIPAA training; criminal background check; current immunizations; physical exam; drug screening; professional practice insurance
- School Type: 2-year, public; 29,080 students (all undergraduate)
Laredo Community College
The physical therapist assistant program at LCC's Fort McIntosh campus offers you a blended curriculum of lectures, labs and clinical education. Admission into this program is based on a point system; you must earn at least 60% out of 100% in points by completing specific requirements. Throughout the program, you'll complete 3 clinical experiences at hospitals or medical facilities. Additionally, you'll need to pass a comprehensive examination to successfully complete the program.
- Program Name: Associate of Applied Science
- 'Specialization:' Physicsal Therapist Assistant
- Program Length: 2 years
- Tuition & Fees: $3,280 per year in-district, $4,480 per year in-state, $5,728 per year out-of-state (2020-2021)
- Prerequisites: 40 hours of volunteer work in a physical therapy setting
- Requirements: Pre-entrance exam; personal interview; current immunizations; CPR certification; drug screening; physical examination; criminal background check
- School Type: 2-year, public; 10,200 students (all undergraduate)
McLennan Community College
McLennan Community College's physical therapist assistant program prepares you to take the state licensure examination. Through theory-based courses, lab experiences and clinical education, you'll learn to assist physical therapists in providing patient care. You can also join the physical therapy club and take part in various functions around campus and within the community.
- Program Name: Associate of Applied Science
- Specialization:' Physical therapist assistant
- Program Length: 2 years
- Tuition & Fees: $3,640 per year in-district, $4,200 per year in-state, $5,910 per year out-of-state (2020-2021)
- Requirements: High school diploma or GED; 20 hours of physical therapy volunteer work; current immunizations; drug screening; criminal background check; CPR certification
- Prerequisites: ACT score of 19 or at least 12 credits of specified coursework
- School Type: 2-year, public; 8,705 students (all undergraduate)
Northeast Texas Community College
This 2-year program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, and admission is competitive since only 16 students are accepted each year. Decisions are based on a point system in which you're awarded a certain number of points for each admission requirement. Once in the program, you complete a curriculum that prepares you to take the state licensure examination. In addition to general education courses, lab studies and physical therapy courses, you'll complete 3 clinical components to learn about working in a physical therapy setting.
- Program Name: Associate of Applied Science
- Specialization: Physical therapist assistant
- Program Length: 2 years
- Tuition & Fees: $3,149 per year in-district, $5,009 per year in-state, $6,449 per year out-of-state (2020-2021)
- Requirements: High school diploma or GED; 60 observation hours; assessment tests
- School Type: 2-year, public; 2,988 students (all undergraduate)
As you can see, there are a variety of options for students who want to become physical therapy assistants, including the associate's degree programs offered at El Paso Community College, Laredo Community College, McLennan Community College and Northeast Texas Community College.
