Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree Program

Achieve an Associate Degree in as few as 20 months*

Play a Key Role in Giving Patients Back Their Lives

Watching a patient walk for the first time after an auto accident brings a great feeling of personal satisfaction that can be even more gratifying when shared with an entire rehabilitation team. A patient’s goal will become the team’s goal, and they will experience his or her achievements first hand.

As a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), you can work with a Physical Therapist (PT) to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses, regain mobility, and manage pain. Being involved in the direct care of patients,

PTAs get to observe patients before, during, and after therapy. Physical Therapy Assistants report observations to the PT, help with specific exercises, treat patients using a variety of techniques, including using devices and equipment and help educate patients and their families.

Impact Your Community Through Your Work

Our Physical Therapy Assistant associate degree program helps prepare students with hands-on training and externships, teaching therapeutic exercises, functional, mobility and ambulation training, and activities of daily living. Find a Physical Therapy Assistant program near you at one of our campuses in California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, and Texas.

Get Started

Do you dream of a chance to change lives through a career as a Physical Therapy Assistant? Concorde’s healthcare classes can prepare you to support patient therapy treatment and plans as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Find the program that’s nearest you, learn the requirements, and get started on a new career today.

*Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for physical therapy assistants and aids 2021-2031 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.

†Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

20

Months

24%

National Employment Demand (2021-2031)

78.0

Credit Hours

360

Lab Hours

720

Clinical Hours

Get Started

Curriculum

Program Objective

Our associate degree program equips you to pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant in as few as 20-months.* When you graduate, you’ll be able to serve effectively in a variety of settings supporting physical therapy treatments, including outpatient settings (sports, orthopedic and specialized rehabilitation centers), inpatient acute care hospital and rehabilitation departments, skilled nursing facilities, wellness centers, home healthcare and more.

PTA Program Coursework

You will gain the theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience to help you pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant. Your coursework is intense and challenging; and your instructors, program director and campus staff are dedicated to support you along the way.

PTA Course Topics

  • Therapeutic exercises
  • Functional training
  • Mobility training
  • Ambulation training
  • Activities of daily living

78.0

Semester Credits

Courses Include:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Functional & Applied Anatomy
  • Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
  • Pathology for Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Lab

18.0

Block Credits^

Available to Transfer Students with Degrees in:

  • Kinesiology
  • Athletic Training
  • Health Sciences

CAPTE PTA Program Data:

CAPTE Physical Therapist Assistant Program Data

Student Learning Outcome Data

The Physical Therapist Assistant Department has determined the fundamental Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) that are reflected throughout the program and directly related to the student educational objectives.

Graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be able to:

  1. Communicate effectively and respectfully with those diverse groups of people with whom a physical therapist assistant has routine contact in order to foster the achievement of therapeutic and organizational goals. (7D7)
  2. Demonstrate behaviors that indicate an awareness/understanding of individual and cultural differences and their impact on health care delivery, as well as the ability to alter his or her actions appropriately in response to identified individual and cultural differences in order to foster the achievement of therapeutic and organizational goals. (7D8)
  3. Demonstrate behaviors that indicate a commitment to the physical therapist assistant’s roles and responsibilities in the profession of physical therapy (see APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant). (7D1, 7D2, 7D3, 7D4, 7D5, 7D6, 7D13)
  4. Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) administer delegated physical therapy plan of care elements under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. (7D9, 7D10, 7D12, 7D15, 7D16, 7D17, 7D18, 7D23, 7D24, 7D19, 7D20, 7D21, 7D22, 7D25, 7D26)
  5. Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) implement programs of instruction intended to accomplish pre-established goals for patients, family members, caregivers, other healthcare providers or members of the public. (7D12)
  6. Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) participate in the regular administrative functions of his or her health care organization. (7D27, 7D28, 7D29, 7D30, 7D31)
  7. Demonstrate the capabilities necessary to engage in career development and life-long learning in order to maintain continuing competence as a physical therapist assistant. (7D11, 7D14)

*Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

†Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

ᶛᶛClinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes. 

^Students who have successfully completed a degree in Kinesiology, Athletic Training, or other Health Sciences area (Associates or higher) containing a minimum of three semester credits of anatomy & physiology may receive a block transfer of six General Education courses totaling 18 semester credits, upon evaluation of transcript. The block transfer includes the courses: BIOL1320, ENGL1310, COMM1310, PSYC1310, PSYC1320, MATH1310 (or MATH1320). The remaining credits required to complete the program is 60. 

 

Career Outlook

Physical Therapist Assistant Career Outlook 

The national demand for physical therapist assistants is expected to grow over the coming decade as greater attention is placed on rehabilitation and preventive care. 

24%
National Job Growth Projected from 2021-2031**

**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for physical therapy assistants and aids 2021-2031 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.

Where Can a Physical Therapist Assistant Work*

  • Inpatient hospital settings
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Government hospitals
  • Convalescent hospitals

*Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

Financial Aid

As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.

 

Physical Therapist Assistant Success Scholarship

 

Award Amount:  $2500

Scholarship Deadline: April 24, 2023

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Must be accepted as a Physical Therapist Assistant student into the full-time option scheduled to begin classes by April 24, 2023 at the Kansas City, Missouri campus.
  • Score a 20 or better on the Wonderlic entrance assessment (this can be on any attempt tied to the current enrollment).
  • Complete the PTA Scholarship Application Form.
  • The scholarship is available for first-time enrollments only.

Scholarship Award & Distribution: 

  • Qualified full-time PTA students who’ve met the eligibility requirements will receive a scholarship in the amount of $2500 off the published tuition charge at the time of enrollment.
  • The scholarship amount is applied as a scholarship so long as the student successfully completes and graduates the program.
  • This scholarship is non-transferrable or redeemable and is applied toward the cost of tuition so long as the student completes and graduates from the program.
  • Withdrawal from the program whether voluntary or involuntary disqualifies scholarship eligibility.
  • Scholarship award will be incorporated into student aid package
    • Scholarship funds are only used to cover direct costs and may not create a credit balance on the student's account.

Accreditation

GARDEN GROVE

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College-Garden Grove is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 714-703-1900 or email JGeurts@concorde.edu.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College – North Hollywood is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 818-766-8151 or email YVerba@concorde.edu.

SAN DIEGO

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College – San Diego is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 619-688-0800 or email MRiley@concorde.edu.

AURORA

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College-Aurora is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 303-861-1151 or email APaez@concorde.edu.

KANSAS CITY

The Physical Therapist Assistant program in Kansas City is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 816-531-5223 or email JKent1@concorde.edu.

JACKSONVILLE

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career Institute – Jacksonville is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 904-725-0525 or email LHurtak@concorde.edu.

MIRAMAR

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career Institute – Miramar is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 954-731-8880 or email VNieto@concorde.edu.

DALLAS

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College – Dallas is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 469-221-3400 or email bchandler@concorde.edu.

SAN ANTONIO

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College-San Antonio is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 210-428-2000 or email wkinyua@concorde.edu.

MEMPHIS

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College-Memphis is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. The program’s current status is probationary accreditation; for more information see http://www.capteonline.org/WhatWeDo/RecentActions/PublicDisclosureNotices/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 901-761-9494 or email JGraves@concorde.edu.

FAQ

Physical Therapist Assistant Program FAQ

Frequently asked questions and answers.

9 Questions

At Concorde, you can complete your Physical Therapist Assistant degree in as few as 20 months. Please check with an admissions advisor for program length information.

Contact us to find out when the Physical Therapist Assistant program starts at a Concorde campus location near you.

Physical therapist assistant jobs are projected to grow by 24% through 2031, according to BLS.gov. As the need for therapy for those with disabling medical conditions continues to increase, the amount of physical therapist assistants is expected to continue to grow.

**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for physical therapy assistants and aids 2021-2031 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.

Become a physical therapist assistant to work one-on-one with patients while watching them make progress through treatment. Whether the issue was due to an injury or disease, physical therapist assistants help their patients return to maximum function. Enjoy working long-term with individuals and form rewarding relationships.
Concorde incorporates real-world training and off-site clinical experiences in our Physical Therapist Assistant programs.
For program-specific tuition information, please see the campus catalog.
At Concorde, you can complete your Physical Therapist Assistant degree in as few as 21 months. Please check with an admissions advisor for program length information.
Contact us to find out when the Physical Therapist Assistant program starts at a Concorde campus location near you.
For program-specific tuition information, please see the campus catalog.

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.