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Physical Therapist Assistant
In this program, students learn how to help people recover from injuries, illnesses, or disabilities that affect their movement and function. They treat patients of all ages, helping people achieve movement goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives.
Whether tending to a patient a few days after their stroke, a child with spina bifida, or a student athlete post ACL repair, physical therapist assistants make a difference.
5
$64,080
U.S. Median Wage
A Range of
In-Demand Careers
Our program offers fast access to a career with exceptional job security in whatever setting appeals to you most: a hospital, skilled nursing facility, inpatient rehabilitation center, outpatient sports facility, aquatic therapy center, home health, school district, or even a travel position.
Our graduates work as physical therapist assistants under the supervision of physical therapists. Our trained generalists may choose to build additional skills through short certification programs, such as kinesio taping, LSVT BIG® (for Parkinson’s Disease), lymphedema, or women’s health. Others pursue more robust training to specialize in areas such as neuro, pediatrics, or orthopedics. Graduates are encouraged to continue their educational pursuits toward a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for clinic management positions.
This associate degree is highly practical. Physical therapist assistants often realize more career success than graduates with bachelor’s degrees in exercise physiology.
Our Students
Are Prepared
This is, quite literally, a hands-on job. Students must quickly grow comfortable touching other people, starting with their classmates, as an essential part of their journey to become capable practitioners. This teaches them confidence and trust-building, skills they will use immediately with any patient’s first appointment.
Some students choose this program, which is housed on our Fort Walton Beach campus, because they “can’t really do needles or blood.” This program often appeals to student athletes, personal trainers, and those who have experienced physical therapy or seen loved ones improve through treatment.
Before they can practice, students must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs. NWFSC students have enjoyed a phenomenal pass rate — sometimes 100 percent.
Unique Job Security
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.