Registration for NSCC’s PTA Part-Time Option program is CLOSED for Fall 2025. All information sessions for Fall 2025 admissions have concluded.
Program Overview
The PTA Part‑Time Option is a flexible six‑semester pathway ideal for working adults balancing career and life responsibilities. Designed for weekday attendance only, classes are offered during the day, allowing students to maintain employment or other commitments while progressing toward an Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant. The curriculum mirrors the full‑time track, featuring classroom, lab work, and clinical rotations. The program spreads over three academic years, preparing graduates for entry‑level roles under licensed physical therapists in diverse healthcare settings.
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.
66 credits
Year 1: Fall
PTA 103 Therapeutic Massage 1 credit PTA 108 Kinesiology lab 1 credit PTA 109 Kinesiology 1 credit CMP 101 Composition 1 3 credits BIO 211 Anatomy & Physioogy 1 4 credits PTA 115 Intro to PT 3 credits Year 1: Spring
BIO 212 Anatomy & Physiology 2 4 credits PTA 203 Neurology for the PTA 2 credits PTA 204 Clinical Anatomy 1 lab 1 credit PTA 205 Clinical Anatomy 1 1 credit Year 2: Fall
CMP 104/146 Composition 2 elective 3 credits PTA 113 Pathophysiological Conditions 1 2 credits PTA 104 PTA Procedures Lab 1 credit PTA 105 PTA Procedures 2 credits PSY102 General Psychology 3 credits Year 2: Spring
PTA 114 Pathophysiological Conditions 2 2 credits PTA 106 Introduction to Clin Ed 1 credit PTA 201 Physical Agents Lab 1 credit PTA 202 Physical Agents 2 credits PTA 117 Therapeutic Exercise 1 Lab 1 credit PTA 118 Therapeutic Exercise 1 2 credits Year 2: Summer Session 1
PTA 111 Clinical Experience 1 3 credits Year 3: Fall
PTA 214 Clinical Anatomy 2 Lab 1 credit PTA 215 Clinical Anatomy 2 1 credit PTA 212 Therapeutic Exercise 2 Lab 1 credit PTA 213 Therapeutic Exercise 2 2 credits PTA 220 Current Topics in Physical Therapy 3 credits PTA 217 Pediatric Physical Therapy 1 credit HUM Elective 3 credits Year 3: Spring
PTA 206 PTA Seminar 1 credit PTA 210 Case Studies in Physical Therapy 2 credits PTA 211 Clinical Education Experience 2 7 credits
Program Details
Expand AllCollapse AllView and print the required courses for the Physical Therapist Assistant program.
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
Contact Admissions
General Assistance
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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.