Important Update Regarding the Physical Therapist Assistant Program as of May 2024
Program Conclusion:
After careful consideration, the college has made the decision to end the PTA program at the conclusion of the 2024–2025 academic year. Terra State
C.C. will continue to teach out the remaining PTA cohort and will no longer be accepting
additional students at this time.
The program’s accrediting body, CAPTE, has been notified of this decision, and the
college will continue working with the organization during this teach-out period.
Contact Information: Terra State will continue to teach, support, and guide students during this transition.
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out
to PTA Program Chair Brian Hall at bhall01@terra.edu or call 419.559.2450.
What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) assist physical therapists in helping individuals
regain the ability to function at their maximum physical ability and provide select
interventions to achieve the goals the physical therapist has set for an individual’s
recovery that lead to healthier and more active lifestyles. If you like helping people
and enjoy hands-on work, this could be the career for you.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our Physical Therapist Assistant program are eligible to take the National
Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Learn more about this career below or check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of physical
therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain
movement and manage pain.
The median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $61K in May 2022.
Overall employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow
24 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand
for physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the healthcare needs of
an older population and individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and
obesity.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Terra State Community College is accredited
by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac
Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703.706.3245; email:
accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If you need to contact the program/institution directly, please call 419.559.2355
or email cstine@terra.edu
Rates
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Graduation rate
77.8%
80%
62.5%
75%
55.6%
100%
100%
100%
First-Time Licensure Pass Rate
83.3%
60%
80%
60%
50%
100%
100%
57%
Ultimate Licensure Pass rate
100%
100%
80%
60%
66.7%
100%
100%
71%
Employment rate (within 1 year following graduation)
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
71%
Two-Year Averages
2017 2018
2018 2019
2019 2020
2020 2021
2021 2022
2022 2023
2023 2024
Graduation rate
78.9%
71.3%
68.8%
65.3%
77.8%
100%
100%
Ultimate Licensure Pass rate
100%
90%
70%
63.4%
83.4%
100%
75%
Employment rate (within 1 year following graduation)
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
75%
FAQs
When does the program start?
The program starts one class each year in summer semester.
How long is the program?
The program lasts six consecutive semesters.
What does the program cost?
Click here to view the financial fact sheet for 2024-2025.
How many students are there in each cohort?
Each class has a maximum of 15 students.
Can I work while enrolled in the program?
The PTA Program is very rigorous and requires a great deal of study time outside of
classes. It is highly recommended that if students need to work, they work no more
than limited part-time hours. In addition, because all clinical practicums are full-time,
students are not able to work during the 3-week clinical practicum in the second summer
semester or during the two 8-week clinical practicums in the second spring semester.
How difficult is the program?
The PTA Program is very rigorous. It is expected that students study at least three
hours per credit hour attempted.
Is the program offered online?
The PTA Program’s technical courses are only offered on campus.
Do I get to choose where I complete my clinical practicums?
The Director of Clinical Education does request student input when coordinating clinical
practicums, however, there is no guarantee that students will be placed in their preferred
sites.
How far should I expect to travel for my clinical practicums?
Students can expect to travel up to one hour each way when participating in clinical
practicums.
Does Terra State have degree transfer options for other programs?
