Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree Program
CAPTE Accredited
ABHES Accredited
On Campus | Hybrid*
At a Glance
~18 Months
Course length
80-83
Total credits**
291
Lab hours**
630-675
Class hours**
640
Externship hours**
**Credit totals and hours vary by location
About the Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Pima Medical Institute’s Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), gives you the clinical and professional skills needed to begin your career as an entry-level physical therapist assistant working under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Through a curriculum that balances clinical knowledge with real-world application, you will learn anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, medical terminology, disease and conditions, law and ethics and physical therapy interventions. You will also develop professional skills in data collection and administrative procedures, preparing you to support treatment plans and deliver quality care to patients from your first day on the job. Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants and pursue licensure in their state.
Where the Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree Program Can Take You
Certification
Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).*
Entry-level roles
Physical therapist assistant, orthopedic physical therapist assistant, geriatric physical therapist assistant, pediatric physical therapist assistant, home health physical therapist assistant or sports medicine physical therapist assistant.
Career advancement
With experience, PTAs can move into senior or lead roles, specialize in areas such as orthopedics, sports medicine, or geriatrics, or take on training and mentorship responsibilities for new staff. Some also choose to continue their education toward a bachelor's degree.
*Certification and state registration requirements vary.
Core Skills You’ll Develop
KINESIOLOGY
REHABILITATION
ANATOMY
ETHICS
Practicing within legal and ethical standards of patient care
DOCUMENTATION
PATIENT CARE
Program Objective
Hybrid Learning Options
For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses. Hybrid learning combines in-person instruction with online learning. Students can engage with course materials at times and in environments that suit their individual circumstances, such as balancing employment, family responsibilities or geographic constraints. However, externship hours must be completed entirely in person because hands-on clinical experience is essential for developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.
*Not all programs offer hybrid learning options; Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
Find a Campus Near You
Clinical Externships
At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.
In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.
Learn More About Externships→Continuing Education
Job Outlook
17% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow much faster than average over the next 10 years with a median pay of $61,200 per year.*
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm (visited August 27, 2026).
What careers can you pursue with a Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree?
The Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:
- Physical therapist assistant
- Rehabilitation aide
These careers exist in a variety of environments, including but not limited to offices of physical therapists, hospitals, nursing care and rehabilitation facilities, home health care services, outpatient clinics and school systems.
Career Services
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
View Career Services→Student Services
Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.
View Student Services→Application Process
- Submit the form below
A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
- Chat with our team
They’ll ask about your goals, your background, and what’s drawing you to healthcare. From there, they’ll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
- Attend your campus tour
Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We’ll walk you through programs and what to expect.
- We help you complete your application
Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.
Physical Therapist Assistant Eligibility Requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
- Additional requirements may apply by campus
Tuition & financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships and payment plans are available for those who qualify to help make your education affordable.
FAQs About our Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree Program
What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
What does a Physical Therapist Assistant do?
What is the difference between a Physical Therapist and a Physical Therapist Assistant?
What will I learn in the Physical Therapist Assistant program?
How long does the Physical Therapist Assistant program take to complete?
How do I become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant after graduation?
Is the Physical Therapist Assistant program available online or in a hybrid format?
For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available for the Physical Therapist Assistant program at select campuses. This format combines in-person instruction with online coursework, allowing you to complete academic coursework at times and in environments that fit your schedule. Clinical externship hours, however, must be completed entirely in person, since hands-on clinical experience is essential to developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.
*Hybrid learning is not offered at every campus; contact your local Pima Medical campus to confirm availability for the Physical Therapist Assistant program.
What are the admissions requirements for the Physical Therapist Assistant program?
Is financial aid available for the Physical Therapist Assistant program?
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Semester l
Semester II
Semester III
Semester IV
Semester V
*Program length is 75 weeks. The total number of program hours is 1,586 at all campuses except Las Vegas. The Las Vegas campus program hours total 1,631. The Las Vegas program includes one additional 3 credit class presented online or on-ground (HST 205 Nevada History and US Constitution). Graduates of the Houston program will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree, while all other graduates will receive an Associate of Occupational Science degree. Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (for physical therapist assistants).
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Accreditations and Disclosures
Accreditation and Program Information
PTA Public Comments: Comments on the Pima Medical Institute Physical Therapist Assistant program are welcome any time; any issues or concerns that fall outside of the Pima Medical Institute PTA program or institutional due process policies should be addressed to the Campus President. If there are any concerns about the Physical Therapist Assistant program, please refer to the contact information provided for that program on the Accreditation page.
Download CAPTE Disclosure Information / Outcomes
| PTA Student Financial Fact Sheets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | Las Vegas | Seattle |
| Denver | Mesa | Tucson |
| Houston | San Marcos | |
View accreditation information for all programs by campus
View program costs, additional disclosures and outcomes for this program (if applicable)
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery methods. The program is available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington, and meets applicable licensure requirements in those states. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is enrolled and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of the state in which they enrolled may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate outside of their state of enrollment he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.