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How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

Becoming a physical therapist assistant (PTA) offers a fulfilling career where you help patients recover, manage chronic conditions and improve mobility through hands-on care. To succeed as a PTA, you’ll need a unique blend of technical skills, empathy and problem-solving — qualities that are in high demand in healthcare environments.

If you’re interested in becoming a PTA, there is a clear, structured path. You’ll start by meeting educational prerequisites and then move into specialized, accredited training that combines classroom learning with real-world clinical experience. 

When you're ready to take that next step, the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.): physical therapist assistant from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) provides the training and experience you need to launch your career. 

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant: Key Steps

Becoming a physical therapist assistant is a structured process that ensures you're ready to provide high-quality patient care. These steps may sound demanding, but each builds critical skills for a rewarding career as a PTA.

Here’s how to become a physical therapist assistant: 

  • Step 1: Complete an accredited PTA program: Look for programs approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These typically take about two years and include both academic coursework and clinical training.
  • Step 2: Gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations: Clinical practice is an essential part of any PTA program. You'll work with patients under professional supervision in real healthcare settings.
  • Step 3: Pass the national licensure exam: To work legally as a PTA, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs.
  • Step 4: Apply for licensure in your state: Once you've passed the NPTE, you can apply for licensure in the state in which you plan to work.

Now that you understand more about how to become a physical therapist assistant, let's take a closer look at what the role involves and where you might work after earning your degree.

What Does a Physical Therapist Assistant Do?

PTAs are key members of healthcare teams that help people move and feel better. They work under the direction of licensed physical therapists to implement treatment plans tailored to patient needs. This often includes leading exercises, using therapeutic equipment, tracking progress and teaching patients how to manage their conditions at home.

PTAs typically find jobs in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities and even in schools or home health settings. The work is physically active and emotionally rewarding, especially as you watch patients improve and regain their independence.

To do this job well, you need a mix of interpersonal, technical and organizational skills. That's why the best PT assistant schools go beyond textbooks — and that’s exactly how NOVA prepares you to succeed.

What You’ll Learn in NOVA’s PTA Program

While many PT assistant schools offer similar training, NOVA’s CAPTE-accredited program stands out with its balance of classroom instruction, hands-on labs and supervised clinical experiences. NOVA’s courses are taught by expert faculty who are eager to provide support and mentorship to future PTAs.

NOVA’s PTA curriculum includes courses like:

  • Introduction to Medical Terminology: Learn the language of medicine with a focus on the meaning, spelling and usage of common medical terms, laying the groundwork for clinical communication.
  • Basic Anatomy and Physiology: Gain a comprehensive overview of human anatomy and physiology that serves as the scientific basis for patient care.
  • Introduction to Physical Therapy: Explore the role of a physical therapist assistant through a mix of lectures and labs and begin practicing basic patient care techniques.
  • Therapeutic Procedures I: Learn the fundamental therapeutic techniques that form the core of physical therapy practice through both classroom learning and hands-on labs.
  • Musculoskeletal Structure and Function: Study the human musculoskeletal system by examining bone landmarks, muscle actions and joint mechanics. 
  • Kinesiology for the Physical Therapist Assistant: Examine how muscles, joints and the nervous system work together to create movement. 

This combination of classroom learning and real-world experience helps you build confidence, pass the licensing exam and succeed in your first job. It reflects what the best PT assistant schools offer — practical, focused education with real career outcomes.

Career Outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants

The demand for skilled physical therapist assistants continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for PTAs is projected to grow 19% nationwide over the next decade. In NOVA’s service area alone, labor market analytics firm Lightcast reports there are currently 405 job openings with median salaries ranging from $80,000 to $90,000.

Why Choose NOVA Over PT Assistant Schools

If you’re comparing PT assistant schools, it’s important to look at program quality, affordability and long-term career support. NOVA offers a competitive CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program designed to prepare you for a successful future in the field. Whether you're new to college or returning to change careers, the NOVA physical therapist assistant associate degree offers a practical, affordable path to your professional goals.

Here’s what makes NOVA’s program stand out:

Learn from licensed physical therapists and experienced professionals who are committed to student success.

Practice your skills using current equipment and treatment tools in NOVA’s well-equipped classrooms and labs.

Study subjects like kinesiology, pathology, therapeutic exercise and medical documentation along with clinical rotations in real-world settings.

Benefit from academic advising, tutoring and faculty mentorship throughout the program.

Save money on your first two years by completing your PTA education at NOVA, where tuition costs are significantly lower than those at private or out-of-state schools.

By choosing NOVA’s program, you’ll meet the educational requirements to sit for the NPTE — and gain all that you need to excel in your career.

Take the First Step Toward a PTA Degree

Now that you understand how to become a physical therapist assistant, you can take the first step toward a rewarding career. If you’re ready to help others regain strength and independence, apply to NOVA’s PTA program today.

YOUR NEXT STEPS TO NOVA