Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate of Applied Science Degree
According to the U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment as a physical therapist assistant is expected to increase by 27% or more from 2000 to 2014. As the health services industry expands because of external forces such as governmental regulations and a growing and aging population, the need for qualified, competent physical therapist assistants is projected to continue to grow.
The goal of the Physical Therapist Assistant program is to prepare students for careers in many different healthcare settings. Such areas may include acute care, outpatient, rehab hospital, nursing homes, assisted living centers, home health, aquatics, wound care clinic, wellness clinic, school setting, skilled nursing facilities, state centers, prison facilities, sport and exercise clinics, physicians office, academia at community colleges and the industry working with wellness and safety programs.
Entry-level earnings of a physical therapist assistant may range from $30,000 to $37,000 with sign-on bonuses. This range will depend on the experience, skill level and geographical location of the physical therapist assistant.
Students successfully graduating from the PTA program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science (AAS degree) in physical therapist assistant and may be eligible to take the physical therapist assistant licensing and jurisprudence examinations. Students must pass the examinations to receive their license in order to practice as a physical therapist assistant in Texas.
Program Accreditation Status
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Western Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.
Application Process
PTA Application Process (APTA)
Frequently Asked Questions
Grievance Process
Proud Members

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA)
Texas Physical Therapy Association, Greater El Paso District (TPTA-GEPD)