Registration for NSCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant program is CLOSED for Fall 2025. All information sessions for Fall 2025 admissions have concluded.

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.

Physical Therapist Assistant 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.

PTA Part-Time Option Curriculum Sequence >

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

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View and print the required courses for the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

Guided Pathway >

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

The curriculum combines classroom theory, lab practice, and clinical rotations to develop the skills needed for entry-level positions.

Courses include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology I and II
  • Introduction to Physical Therapy for the PTA
  • Therapeutic Massage
  • PTA Procedures Lecture and Lab
  • Kinesiology for Physical Therapy Lecture and Lab
  • Therapeutic Exercise 1 and 2 Lecture and Lab
  • Clinical Education Experience 1 and 2

For a full list of courses visit our Academic Catalog.

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

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]

Download the Physical Therapist Assistant Student Handbook >

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.

Lori Azzara
Professor, Behavioral Sciences
North Shore Community College

Christian Bednar
Provost
North Shore Community College 

Austin Brown
PTA and 2021 graduate

Deb Couture
Center Coordinator for Clinical Education
Addison Gilbert Hospital

Hunter Darling
PTA and 2021 graduate

Diane Fitzpatrick
Clinical Professor, Dept. of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehab Science
Northeastern University

Joseph Gallo
Director Athletic Training Program
Salem State University

Edward Harding
Co-Owner and PTA
HD PT

Christine Hopkins
Physical Therapist Assistant
Spaulding Rehab, Out- Patient Center 

Lynn Marcus
Placement Office Coordinator
North Shore Community College

Matthew Penney
Owner and Physical Therapist
Sports Rehab Unlimited

Kevin Silva
Professor, Athletic Training
Salem State University

Lori Vinci
Dean, Health Professions division
North Shore Community College

Please note the data above reflects a degree in the listed program

Program Questions

dcaruso@northshore.edu 
978-762-4165

General Assistance

Visit CentroHub, NSCC’s virtual concierge.

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.

Information Regarding Filing a Complaint >

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