NSCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant program is CLOSED for Fall 2025.
Program Overview
The Physical Therapist Assistant degree is a comprehensive two-year program that prepares students to work as licensed assistants under the supervision of a physical therapist. The program also offers a part-time option designed to be completed within three years. The program combines classroom theory, lab practice, and clinical rotations to develop the skills needed for entry-level positions in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including rehabilitation centers, hospitals, long-term care facilities, school settings, homecare and outpatient PT clinics. Graduates are eligible to take the national licensing exam and begin their careers in this growing field. Take the next step toward a rewarding career as a Physical Therapist Assistant by enrolling at NSCC today.
Part-Time Option
The Physical Therapist Assistant Part-Time Option is designed to be completed within six semesters, a great option for working adults with career and life obligations that make it difficult to attend classes on a full-time basis. Classes are offered during the day on weekdays only.
Program Highlights
- Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Comprehensive curriculum with a strong emphasis on hands-on clinical experience.
- Focus on developing skills in therapeutic interventions, patient assessments, and patient-centered approach.
- Graduates obtain licensure as an entry level Physical Therapist Assistant.
- Opportunities for specialized internships and clinical placements at local healthcare facilities.
Program Details
Expand AllCollapse AllReview the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Policies.
Download the Physical Therapist Assistant Student Handbook >
View and print the required courses for the Physical Therapist Assistant program.
WHO ARE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS?
Physical therapist assistants, or PTAs, are technically educated health care professionals
who provide physical therapy services under the supervision of a licensed physical
therapist.
WHAT DO PTAs DO?
Duties of the PTA include implementing treatment programs,teaching patients exercises
for disease prevention and health promotion, administering electrotherapeutic treatments
such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation, training for functional activities
such as walking and measuring overall patient performance as a result of physical
therapy services provided.
WHAT DO PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS EARN?
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the median income for an entry
level physical therapist assistant is approximately $42,600 and go up to $78,160 depending
upon geographic location, position, years of experience and practice setting.
WHERE DO PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS WORK?
Physical therapist assistants work in hospitals, private physical therapy offices,
community health centers, corporate or industrial health centers, sports facilities,
research institutions, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies,
schools, pediatric centers, and colleges and universities.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A PTA?
Physical therapist assistants must complete a 2-year education program, typically
offered through a community or junior college. Candidates receive an associate's degree
upon graduation. The course of study usually includes 1 year of general education
and 1 year of technical courses on physical therapy procedures and clinical experience.
There are currently 364 accredited physical therapist assistant education programs
throughout the country.
WHAT ARE THE LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS?
Currently all 50 states and the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia
require PTA's to become licensed or certified. States requiring licensure stipulate
specific educational and examination criteria. Information on practice acts and regulations
may be obtained by contacting the licensure board in each respective state.
Graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant program can pursue careers in:
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Acute care hospitals
- Long-term care centers
- Pediatric clinics
- Outpatient PT clinics
- Home health care
- School settings
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
For complete details on program learning outcomes, semester course breakdowns, and practicum requirements, please refer to the Academic Catalog.
NSCC's Physical Therapist Assistant program has official transfer agreements with Salem State University and the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to explore transfer agreements and plan their academic pathways accordingly.
Salem State University
A.A. Physical Therapist Assistant to B.S. Sport and Movement Science, Exercise Science
concentration [View Agreement]
University of Massachusetts Lowell
A.S. Physical Therapist Assistant to B.S. Exercise Science [View Agreement]
Please note the data above reflects a degree in the listed program
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Accreditation
North Shore Community College is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
The PTA program at North Shore Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please email or call Diane Caruso at dcaruso@northshore.edu or 978-762-4165.