Physical Therapy Assistant Career Information | NorthWest Arkansas Community College
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Health Professions

Career Information

A career as a PTA is rated by the U.S. Department of Labor as one of the fastest growing professions in the country. Once you graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in PTA and pass the NPTE exam, you can find a number of career options. 

PTA career opportunities can be found in the following areas:

  • Schools
  • Hospitals
  • Fitness clubs
  • Health centers
  • Nursing homes
  • Pediatric centers
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Home health agencies
  • Private practice therapy offices

PTA graduates work with people of all ages and may offer physical therapy services to those with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary or integumentary conditions. This may include children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy and individuals with diagnoses such as as stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, fracture, carpal tunnel, heart attack or multiple sclerosis.

Once You Graduate from the PTA Program

After graduating from an accredited physical therapy education program, you are required to take the national exam to obtain licensure.

Other requirements vary from state to state according to physical therapy practice acts or state regulations governing physical therapy. Visit the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) website for more information about PTA licensure.