Advance Your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant
Classes start as soon as July 8
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16-Month Program
100% Online
Designed for Licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)
16-Month Program
100% Online
Designed for Licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)
At Pima Medical Institute, Your Success is Our #1 Priority
For more than 50 years, Pima Medical has remained focused on providing a student-centered approach to education. Our experienced faculty and staff work tirelessly to prepare students for the next steps in their careers.
Our experienced faculty have extensive clinical DPT and PTA experience in varied settings, with many holding advanced degrees and certification.
This degree completion program is designed for licensed physical therapist assistants seeking upward mobility in their careers.
Applicants to this bachelor’s degree must have graduated from a PTA program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Licensure/certification as a PTA in a state within the United States is required prior to taking courses in semesters three and four (Note: CAPTE does not accredit degree completion programs).
Please speak with our team for more information regarding admissions requirements.
Advancing your education expands knowledge and depth in your field, and could open doors to career advancement. With a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant, graduates can become leaders in their field, take on increased responsibilities, guide change in their practice and advocate for patients.
Potential career opportunities could include:
- Application to higher education programs including Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Leadership and management positions
- Full-time instructor position in PTA programs (state-dependent)
- Further certifications that require a bachelor’s degree
This program focuses on post-professional education designed specifically for PTAs. Coursework is project-based and applicable to your current PTA career, with topics in exercise physiology, pathophysiology and more.
The things you learn and and the projects you complete can be accumulated into an e-portfolio that you will complete at the end of the program.
Students choose from inpatient or outpatient curriculum tracks, and will learn to:
- Apply health care theories, models and tools to complex problems in physical therapy practice
- Develop an advanced understanding of topics such as evidence-based practice, pharmacology, management and practice-specific rehabilitiation
- Employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills to formulate advanced clinical judgements
Complete Your Bachelor's Degree in Approx. 16 Months.
Take the next step in your career as a PTA.
Nosleidy R.
Physical Therapist Assistant Associate and Bachelor’s Degree Graduate
Ashlee A.
Physical Therapist Assistant Bachelor’s Degree Graduate
One thing I appreciated about Pima Medical’s BSPTA program was the excellent communication. Despite the online format, I never felt isolated or unable to reach out for assistance. Finishing with a 4.0 GPA just weeks before giving birth was incredibly empowering! Post-graduation, my career trajectory led me to become an area manager and, eventually, a regional director of operations for the nation’s largest third-party therapy contractor.
Brandi L.
Physical Therapist Assistant Bachelor’s Degree Graduate
Soon after completing my bachelor’s, I accepted a part-time faculty position at Lehigh Carbon Community College’s physical therapist assistant program while continuing to work per diem as a physical therapist assistant. I really appreciated Pima Medical’s bachelor’s program. The courses were very inclusive and helped prepare me for my master and doctorate programs.
Carmen M.
Associate and B.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant and M.S. in Organizational Leadership Graduate
Not only was the BSPTA program helpful for my professional development, as a result of continuing my education, I was able to get a promotion. In 2015, my husband and I started an outpatient rehabilitation facility, of which I am the director. It was a lot of hard work and I had to learn all the processes and make sure things were done the right way. But, we continue to grow and we love hiring Pima Medical graduates!
Experience Online Learning with Pima Medical Institute
Just because you’re taking courses online doesn’t mean you get less experience. Our flexible coursework is designed to deliver real-world, applicable learning outcomes, and our dedicated team is here every step of the way to help you succeed.
Personalized
Receive individualized attention from experienced faculty
Collaborative
Interact with peers and faculty across a variety of modalities
Applicable
Our courses provide real-world learning to help you succeed not just in class, but in your career
Comprehensive
Experience learning with a multimedia approach, including videos, knowledge checks, instructor experience and artificial intelligence
Flexible
Complete your coursework when convenient, while also relying on a logical course structure with due dates
Connected
Have access to a library of virtual resources, live instructor support, and student services when you need assistance
FAQs
Is the Program Flexible?
Our 100% online classes are structured to help you balance your busy schedule as a PTA, all while remaining on track for graduation. Coursework follows an asynchronous learning structure, meaning you can log in at times that are most convenient to you, while still completing assignments within a logical time frame.
Are there Clinicals?
No, there are no clinical components to this program. Students do, however, complete a Professional Capstone during their final semester, which can be used to create a professional e-portfolio and profile.
This capstone applies concepts learned in prior semesters into a final project, using research techniques and course materials to find a solution to an existing health care issue. Students often choose a topic that’s relevant to their current role or company, and use this project as a way to propose and enact change within their organization.
Is Pima Medical Institute Accredited?
How Do I Transfer Credits?
During the admissions process, your representative will help walk you through the process of transferring previous education credits from other institutions or from Pima Medical Institute, and will assist you in reviewing any additional admissions requirements, if applicable.
What Kind of Financial Aid is Available?
There are a variety of financial aid options for those who qualify, including federal grants, loans and scholarships. Our dedicated financial services team is here to help guide you through the entire process.