Best Physical Therapy Assistant Programs Online in 2026

Updated on 9/22/2025

Interested in becoming a physical therapy assistant (PTA)? Choosing an accredited physical therapy assistant program online lets you study core topics like anatomy, patient care, and therapeutic exercise on a flexible schedule while still completing the in-person labs and clinical rotations needed for real-world skills.

Below, you'll find reputable, hybrid options that pair online learning with hands-on training. Keep reading to compare formats, admission requirements, and browse through accredited schools to find your best fit.

What Is a Physical Therapy Assistant Program?

Students wishing to earn their physical therapy assistant degree online can expect coursework that blends medical knowledge with hands-on training. Online PT assistant programs teach anatomy, kinesiology, patient care, and therapeutic techniques while also requiring supervised clinical practice.

Graduates are prepared to support licensed physical therapists in helping patients improve mobility, recover from injuries, and manage chronic conditions, making this a valuable pathway into healthcare.

Can You Get a Physical Therapy Assistant Degree Online?

Yes, students can pursue a physical therapy assistant degree online, but these programs are usually offered in a hybrid format. Coursework, such as anatomy, physiology, and patient care, can often be completed virtually to give students flexibility.

Still, clinical training and lab work must be done in person to meet licensing requirements. This combination ensures graduates are fully prepared for hands-on patient care.

Best Online Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

Several schools offer flexible physical therapy assistant programs, combining online coursework with in-person clinical training to prepare students for certification and careers.

1. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University offers an associate's degree in physical therapy assistance that uses a hybrid format with many online courses paired with immersive on-campus labs and required clinical practice. Students can complete the program in as few as 18 months. 

Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, meeting prerequisites in general education, plus successful completion of any required assessments or placement tests. Key features include concentrated full-day labs, self-directed assessments to test out of certain courses, and strong support services.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,314
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. San Juan College

This Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree for physical therapy is available in a hybrid format. Most coursework is delivered online, but students must come to campus for labs seven to 16 consecutive days each semester, including weekends or holidays. Clinical experience is built in through two full-time externships, simulation labs, and procedural labs. 

This two-year accredited PTA program is designed for those wanting to balance work or other obligations while completing training. Admission is competitive; only a maximum of 20 new students are accepted each year.

• Estimated tuition cost: In-state: $6,668.25, out-of-state: $13,265.50
• Accreditation: CAPTE, HLC

3. Clarkson College

This hybrid Associate of Science (AS) physical therapist assistant program combines flexible online coursework with immersive, on-campus labs and required clinical experiences. Students attend four on-campus skills weekends each semester, resulting in 12 total visits, giving them plenty of direct practice in essential patient care skills. 

A bachelor's option is also available for those wanting to build on the associate degree. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of prerequisite courses, and fulfillment of the college's application criteria.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,104
• Accreditation: CAPTE, HLC

4. Miami Dade College

As one of the top PTA programs in Florida, this AAS prepares students for work under a physical therapist's supervision in hospitals, rehab centers, private clinics, or nursing homes. The five-semester program blends web-enhanced lectures, online portions, and in-person labs and clinical experiences; general education courses complete the training. Students must travel to assigned clinical facilities and follow the clinical instructors' schedules. 

Admission is competitive. Requirements include being 18 or older, having a high school diploma or GED, maintaining a minimum GPA, completion of at least 25 observation hours with a licensed PT or PTA, and successfully finishing ''Introduction to Health Care'' courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: In-state: $2,838; out-of-state: $9,661
• Accreditation: CAPTE, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. Delta College

Offered as a blended AAS, this online PT assistant program takes seven semesters, or 75.5 credits, and combines in-person instruction with online and blended coursework. Students are part of a cohort from day one, progressing together through prerequisite, technical, and clinical courses. 

The curriculum includes a dual-degree option - such as with business studies or health fitness specialist - for those interested in broader career flexibility. To apply, students must complete designated prerequisite courses, formally apply for validation once prerequisites are completed, and meet Delta's admissions criteria.

• Estimated tuition cost: In-district: $16,190; out-of-district: $25,211; out-of-state: $26,278
• Accreditation: CAPTE, HLC

6. Clark State College

This program is structured as a hybrid model, with online lecture components plus onsite labs held at Clark State's Leffel Lane campus. Clinical work occurs in facilities across Ohio in Springfield, Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Students must complete 65 credit hours, including core and general education courses.

To apply, candidates must be at least 18 years old, have completed prerequisite coursework, maintain a minimum GPA, and complete 30 hours of observation or paid work under a PT or PTA in two different settings. 

• Estimated tuition cost: In-state: $4,393; out-of-state: $8,049
• Accreditation: CAPTE, HLC

7. Mendocino College

Offered in a mostly online hybrid format, Mendocino's online PTA program features virtual theory classes and in-person labs on campus two consecutive days per week. The degree includes one prerequisite semester plus four semesters of PTA - specific courses mixed with general education. Students also complete two full-time, eight-week clinical practicums at select health care facilities.

The program admits 24 students per year. It requires completing all five prerequisites, submitting official transcripts, passing a criminal background check and drug screen, CPR certification, and proof of health clearance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,090 to $6,890 (in-state); $29,280 to $31,080 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAPTE, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

8. Montana State University/Great Falls College MSU

Students complete prerequisite courses at Gallatin College MSU or Montana State University-Bozeman, then transition into PTA courses offered online with required, hands-on skills labs also held at Gallatin College. Clinical training is arranged in Bozeman through approved local healthcare facilities, giving students valuable real-world experience. 

The program provides a structured pathway that blends flexibility with essential in-person learning. Upon graduation, students earn an associate degree in physical therapist assisting from Great Falls College MSU, qualifying them to sit for the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam and state licensing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,028 (in-state); $12,911 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAPTE, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

9. Jefferson State Community College

An AAS degree, this PTA program combines prerequisite and general education courses followed by a professional phase. Students choose between an on-campus track, which has in-person courses, or a hybrid online track that still requires attendance at the Shelby-Hoover Campus for lab sessions. 

Online lectures may include required visits to campus or to instructional sites for exams, quizzes, or clinicals. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board Exam for PTA licensure. Admissions require completing the prerequisites and applying by January 15. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,100 (in-state); $8,970 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAPTE, SACSCOC

10. American Career College

The PTA associate degree at ACC takes about 20 months and is delivered in a blended format with online classes and in-person instruction at their Ontario and Anaheim campuses. The curriculum includes over 600 clinical hours, split between observation, lab work, and full-time practicums, ensuring students develop both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in diverse healthcare settings. 

Admission requirements include completing general education and prerequisite courses, maintaining qualifying grades, and meeting health, legal, and background check criteria.

• Estimated tuition cost: $42,900
• Accreditation: CAPTE, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate physical therapy assistant certification online using several factors to ensure students find high-quality, flexible, and reputable educational opportunities.

• Accreditation: Schools must hold regional accreditation and programmatic approval from CAPTE to ensure degrees meet national educational and licensing standards.
• Flexibility: We consider whether coursework is available online or in a hybrid format, providing options for students balancing work or personal responsibilities.
• Program reputation: Rankings account for graduation rates, student satisfaction, and overall recognition within the healthcare education community.

Steps To Become a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant

Becoming a licensed physical therapy assistant requires both academic preparation and hands-on training, followed by successful completion of licensure steps. These requirements ensure PTAs are fully prepared to provide safe, effective patient care.

1. Earn an associate degree from a CAPTE-accredited program: Students must complete a qualifying associate program to meet national education standards.

2. Complete required clinical rotations: Supervised, hands-on training ensures graduates are ready for direct patient care.

3. Apply for state licensure eligibility: Each state sets requirements for PTA licensure, and applicants must complete this step before testing.

4. Pass the NPTE for PTAs: The National Physical Therapy Exam is required for licensure in every state.

5. Maintain licensure with continuing education: Licensed PTAs must complete ongoing education to stay current and keep their credentials active.

FAQs About Online PTA Programs

Students often have questions about pursuing physical therapist assistant programs online, and this section addresses the most common concerns.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Licensed PTA?

It usually takes about two years to complete an associate degree in a CAPTE-accredited program, including clinical rotations. After graduation, students must pass the NPTE and meet state licensing requirements, so the total timeline to become a licensed PTA is around two to three years.

How Much Does an Online PTA Program Cost?

Tuition for online or hybrid PTA programs varies widely depending on the school and state residency. Community colleges may charge around $6,000 to $8,000 in-state, while private institutions can cost more than $25,000. Additional fees for labs, clinicals, books, and licensing exams should also be considered.

What Is the Average Salary of a PTA?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist assistants earned a median annual wage of $65,510 in May 2024. Salaries vary based on location, work setting, and experience. PTAs working in nursing facilities and home health services typically earn higher-than-average wages. 

Discover Accredited PTA Programs

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