Best Online Associate in Physical Therapy Assistant Programs

The job market for physical therapy assistants is projected to explode over the next decade. So, how can you pursue a career as a physical therapy assistant (PTA)?

An online associate program is an efficient and often less costly way to become a physical therapy assistant. Earning your associate degree and required certification will allow you to work with patients on the road to recovery or help clients manage chronic issues. You’ll work with physical therapists to help provide positive outcomes for patients of all ages.

All PTAs must earn an associate degree to practice physical therapy professionally. Read on to learn more about the best associate degrees to become a physical therapy assistant and what to expect from a program.

Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) carry out treatment plans with patients looking to recover from an injury, manage a disability, or improve movement, among other goals.

PTAs work alongside physical therapists. The physical therapist initially meets with the patient to come up with a treatment plan, and the physical therapy assistant helps the physical therapist implement that plan. PTAs will meet with the primary therapist periodically to update them on patient progress.

Physical therapy assistants work with people of all ages, including newborns and the elderly.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 26% job growth for physical therapy assistants over the next eight years. That’s much higher than the projected growth of all occupations (3%).

The median physical therapy assistant salary is $64,080 as of May 2023, according to BLS data.

Individual wages can be dependent on things like what kind of employer you have and what state you are working in. For example, physical therapy assistants working at nursing and residential care facilities have a median annual salary of $76,110, according to the BLS, while those working at an ambulatory health care provider boast a median salary of $62,180.

PTAs make a modest amount compared to other types of physical therapy jobs.

A PTA looking to improve their salaries may consider becoming a physical therapist. However, you will need to earn a doctoral degree in physical therapy to become a physical therapist. A PTA associate degree can be a good first step in that direction.

An online physical therapy assistant program will equip you with the skills and education needed to become a physical therapy assistant. All PTAs must earn a minimum of an associate degree to enter into the field.

It typically takes two years, or five semesters, to earn an online associate degree.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, approximately 75% of the PTA curriculum is classroom and lab time, while the remaining 25% is dedicated to full-time clinical experiences. Online programs will vary in how they require you to complete your practicum requirement if you are a remote student.

PTA courses will likely touch on:

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 8, 2024.