10 Community Colleges With Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

If you’re thinking about a career in physical therapy, starting at a community college can be a smart and affordable first step. These schools often keep tuition low while offering clear pathways into physical therapist assistant (PTA) programs or transfer options toward a bachelor’s degree.

By choosing a community college with a physical therapy focus, you can gain hands-on training and support from experienced faculty early in your education. Flexible schedules and lower overall costs also make it easier to balance school with work or family responsibilities as you work toward your long-term goals.

Do Community Colleges Offer Physical Therapy Programs?

While you won’t find a full physical therapy doctorate at a two-year school, you can start your journey toward becoming a doctor through a physical therapy community college program. Most community colleges offer PTA degrees that teach you patient care, therapeutic exercise, and rehabilitation techniques. 

These programs are designed to prepare you for licensing and entry-level jobs in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. It’s an affordable way to enter the field and build your experience before going further with your education.

Top 10 Community Colleges With Physical Therapy Programs

Community colleges offer some of the most affordable paths to becoming a PTA. Below are 10 accredited schools where you can prepare for this in-demand role while keeping your costs manageable. 

1. Sacramento City College

Located in California, Sacramento City College’s Associate of Science (AS) with a focus in physical therapist assistant accepts a limited number of students each year. The program includes classroom study, labs, and three full-time clinical rotations at local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics. 

Alongside core subjects, you’ll develop professional skills in teamwork and patient communication. Many graduates move directly into licensed practice, while others use the program as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree in health sciences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $46 per unit (resident); $466 per unit (non-resident)
• Financial aid: Federal and state grants, work-study, loans, scholarships, and the California College Promise Grant are available.
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

2. San Juan College 

San Juan College in New Mexico offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in PTA that includes face-to-face courses along with clinical experiences across New Mexico and nearby states. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient interaction, and ethical decision-making. 

You’ll benefit from the college’s partnerships with hospitals, rehab facilities, and outpatient centers for clinical training. Affordable tuition and transfer-friendly policies make this program a practical choice if you’re considering advanced study later on.

•  Estimated tuition cost: $61 per credit hour (resident); $195 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, institutional scholarships, loans, and work-study are available; Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required.
• Accreditation: CAPTE and Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Tarrant County College

Tarrant County College’s PTA program awards an AAS through a mix of classroom instruction, lab training, and hands-on clinical work. Through clinical partnerships across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you’ll work with patients under supervision and build hands-on skills in therapeutic exercise, mobility, and rehabilitation

The program is competitive in admission and requires prerequisite coursework. Graduates may seek licensure as PTAs in Texas or continue their education through transfer agreements with select universities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $74 per credit hour (in-county); $136 (in-state); $315 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities are available.
• Accreditation: CAPTE and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Community College of Baltimore County 

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) offers a selective-admission PTA program with a strong focus on patient-centered care. Students complete lecture courses, labs, and multiple supervised clinical experiences across Maryland health systems. 

You’ll focus on professional ethics, cultural competence, and effective communication with patients. Graduates often move into PTA roles in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities, while others use the program to build a foundation for advanced study in healthcare.

• Estimated tuition cost: $110 per credit hour (in-state); $280 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, institutional scholarships, work-study, and loans are available.
• Accreditation: CAPTE and Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. College of DuPage

The College of DuPage in Illinois offers an AAS in PTA designed to give you both the academic background and the hands-on practice needed for patient care. Coursework spans:

• therapeutic exercise
• rehabilitation techniques
• kinesiology
• patient care procedures

You’ll apply these concepts in labs and during clinical rotations at healthcare facilities, learning under professional supervision. Many graduates move into careers in hospitals, outpatient centers, and long-term care facilities, while others choose to build on their degree with advanced study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $126 per credit hour (in-district); $329 (out-of-district); $399 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, COD scholarships, loans, and work-study programs are available.
• Accreditation: CAPTE and HLC

6. Cuyahoga Community College  

Cuyahoga Community College’s PTA program, located in Ohio, balances academic rigor with accessible student resources. You’ll study anatomy, kinesiology, and rehabilitation techniques on campus, then rotate through clinical sites in Cleveland-area hospitals and outpatient facilities. 

Faculty focus on evidence-based practice, communication, and teamwork to prepare you for a variety of care environments. With affordable tuition, veteran education benefits, and transfer agreements in place, this program appeals both to students seeking immediate employment and to those planning further study in physical therapy or related fields.

•  Estimated tuition cost: $129 per credit hour (county resident); $159 (Ohio resident); $296 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, and veteran benefits are available.
• Accreditation: CAPTE and HLC

7. Community College of Allegheny County

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) in Pennsylvania offers a PTA degree that includes classroom instruction, labs, and hands-on rotations. You’ll gain skills in therapeutic exercise, mobility training, and patient care under the supervision of licensed therapists. 

Clinical partners across western Pennsylvania give you exposure to hospital, rehab, and long-term care settings. The program’s reputation for strong graduate outcomes makes it a great entry point into the field, whether you stop at licensure or transfer later to a four-year program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $130 per credit hour (in-county); $260 (in-state); $390 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans are available.
• Accreditation: CAPTE and MSCHE

8. Anoka-Ramsey Community College 

At Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Minnesota, the AAS in PTA provides a student-centered learning environment with supportive faculty. You’ll study:

• therapeutic interventions
• exercise techniques
• patient care skills
• communication strategies

Clinical rotations allow you to apply these skills directly with patients in healthcare settings. The program also emphasizes evidence-based practice and professional standards, preparing you for entry-level jobs in hospitals, outpatient facilities, and home health agencies. Licensure is the next step after graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $171 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans are available to eligible applicants.
• Accreditation: CAPTE and HLC

9. Mountwest Community & Technical College

Mountwest Community & Technical College in West Virginia offers a PTA degree that blends classroom study with laboratory training and clinical rotations. You’ll gain hands-on experience in therapeutic techniques, rehabilitation strategies, and patient care while also learning about ethics and teamwork in healthcare. 

The program prepares you to support physical therapists in diverse environments such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Many graduates transition directly into entry-level positions, while others pursue additional education in health sciences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $206 per credit hour (in-state); $351 (metro area); $513 (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, institutional scholarships, loans, and veterans benefits are available.
• Accreditation: CAPTE and HLC

10. Laramie County Community College

Laramie County Community College in Wyoming offers a two-year associate degree in PTA that balances academic study with practical experience. You’ll learn anatomy, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, and rehabilitation techniques in classrooms and labs. You’ll then apply your skills during supervised clinical rotations. 

With a focus on communication and patient-centered care, the program prepares you to step confidently into healthcare roles. Graduates often secure jobs in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation facilities, with licensure available after program completion.

• Estimated tuition cost: $307 per credit hour (in-state); $727 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are available.
• Accreditation: CAPTE and HLC

How We Rank Programs

Our rankings are based on qualities that matter most to students choosing a physical therapist assistant (PTA) program. We look for schools that combine strong academics with affordability and practical career preparation.

• Accreditation: Programs must be accredited by CAPTE to ensure quality training and make graduates eligible for licensing.
• Transfer pathways: Schools with clear transfer options into bachelor’s programs in physical therapy or health sciences are prioritized.
• Program reputation: Exam pass rates, faculty support, and student outcomes are considered to show how well a program prepares graduates for their careers.

Why Choose a Physical Therapy Community College?

Starting at a physical therapy community college can save you both time and money. Tuition is typically lower than four-year universities, and many schools are close to home, making them easier to access. 

You’ll also often have smaller class sizes that let you have more personal attention from instructors and faculty. These programs can train you for a career as a physical therapist assistant or build a foundation you can later transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in health or rehabilitation sciences.

Program Structure and Requirements for Physical Therapy at Community Colleges

Most physical therapist assistant programs at community colleges take about two years and lead to an associate degree. Before you start, you might need a few basics like biology, anatomy, or physiology. 

Once you’re in, you’ll learn in the classroom, practice skills in the lab, and head out on clinical rotations where you work with real patients under professional supervision. This mix of hands-on training and coursework gives you the confidence to support physical therapists and gets you ready for the licensing exam after graduation.

FAQs About Physical Therapy Degrees at Community Colleges

If you’re interested in getting your PTA associate degree, you’ll likely have questions about program length, admission requirements, transfer options, and career opportunities. These FAQs cover what you need to know before starting a physical therapy degree at a community college.

How Long Does It Take To Finish a Physical Therapy Program at Community College?

Most physical therapist assistant programs at community colleges take about two years to complete. During that time, you’ll finish prerequisites, core classes, and clinical rotations. Some schools offer flexible schedules. Even if you study full-time or part-time, you can usually earn your associate degree and be ready to apply for licensure in two years.

Are Community College Physical Therapy Programs Accredited?

Yes, physical therapist assistant programs at community colleges are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. This accreditation is essential because it ensures the program meets national standards. Graduating from a CAPTE-accredited school is required to sit for the licensure exam and work legally as a PTA in the United States.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Physical Therapy Degree From a Community College?

With an associate degree in physical therapist assisting, you can step into a variety of healthcare roles. Many graduates work as PTAs in hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. Others find positions in home health or sports medicine clinics, supporting licensed physical therapists in helping patients recover mobility, manage pain, and regain independence.

Can I Take Physical Therapy Prerequisites at a Community College?

Yes, many students complete their physical therapy prerequisites at a community college before transferring to a four-year university. Courses like biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physiology are widely available at two-year schools. Taking these classes locally can save you money and provide a solid academic foundation, while still meeting the admission requirements of most bachelor’s or doctoral programs.

Will Transferring From a Community College Hurt My Chances of PT School Admittance?

No, completing courses at a community college will not negatively affect your chances of admission to a physical therapy program. Accredited two-year schools provide the same recognized prerequisites required by universities. Admissions committees focus more on your grades, prerequisite completion, and clinical experience, so earning credits at a community college can be a smart, affordable step toward PT school.

Explore Physical Therapy Degrees

Community colleges make it easier to start a career in physical therapy with affordable, accredited programs. Explore more degree options and transfer opportunities through the schools featured on Learn.org.