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Physical Therapy Program: What to Expect from Start to Finish

If you’re exploring a career in physical therapy, you may be looking for a role that allows you to work directly with people, support recovery and contribute to patient care. It’s a field that combines science, communication and movement — and offers a range of opportunities across healthcare settings.

As you consider your options, you might be wondering what a physical therapy assistant program involves, especially one at the associate degree level. At Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), our physical therapy assistant associate degree program prepares you to build clinical skills, gain hands-on experience and qualify for licensure to work as a physical therapist assistant (PTA) in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers and more.

What You’ll Learn in NOVA’s Physical Therapy Assistant Program

In NOVA’s Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in physical therapist assistant program, you’ll complete five semesters of coursework and supervised clinical rotations. This combination of classroom and hands-on learning equips you with the skills to:

  • Deliver safe, effective patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
  • Conduct therapeutic exercises and mobility interventions.
  • Understand anatomy, kinesiology and movement science.
  • Document care, communicate with healthcare teams and support recovery goals.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared to sit for the national PTA licensing exam and begin your career in the field. As one of the region’s most accessible accredited physical therapy assistant schools, NOVA offers strong academic and clinical preparation that supports your transition into the workforce.

NOVA has built licensing preparation into the structure of the program. The national exam — officially called the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) — is required for all aspiring PTAs. NOVA’s curriculum aligns with NPTE content areas, and students benefit from faculty support, review resources and clinical experiences that reinforce key competencies. While pass rates vary each year, NOVA is committed to helping students succeed on the exam and move confidently into licensed practice.

Build Career-Ready Skills in NOVA’s PTA Program

NOVA’s PTA program doesn’t just cover theory. It prepares you for the realities of healthcare through real-world experiences. You’ll participate in clinical education across multiple care settings, learning how to adapt to patient needs, collaborate with therapists and manage recovery plans.

According to Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm, there are currently 405 job openings for physical therapist assistants in NOVA’s service area, with starting salaries ranging from $80,000 to $90,000. These figures highlight the strong demand for PTAs and the competitive earning potential that comes with this career.

With this growing need for trained professionals, NOVA’s program helps you build these core skills employers are looking for — all grounded in evidence-based practice and person-centered care:

    As a PTA, you'll work with patients of all ages and conditions. This skill helps you assess needs, interpret treatment plans and make informed choices that align with patient goals and physical therapist supervision.

    PTAs often apply treatments like ultrasound, electrical stimulation and manual therapy. Practicing these methods ensures you're prepared to use them safely and effectively in clinical settings.

    From explaining exercises to documenting progress, strong communication helps keep care plans on track and patients engaged. It also fosters collaboration with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals.

    Knowing how injuries, surgeries or chronic conditions impact the body helps you respond with appropriate care. This knowledge supports your ability to assist patients through recovery and help them regain function.

    How Long Will It Take to Become a Physical Therapist?

    If you're thinking about becoming a physical therapist, it can be helpful to first understand what’s involved in starting as a physical therapist assistant — including education, certification and hands-on training. This overview of the PTA pathway explains how NOVA’s program fits into that process and what to expect along the way.

    For many students, the PTA program is the first step toward becoming a licensed physical therapist. If that’s your goal, you might be asking, how long will it take to become a physical therapist? The full timeline depends on your path, but starting as a PTA can help you build experience and momentum.

    Here’s what the journey might look like:

    • Complete NOVA’s physical therapy assistant program: You’ll finish your associate degree in about two years (five semesters), preparing you to sit for the national licensing exam and begin working as a PTA.
    • Gain licensure and work experience as a PTA: After passing the exam, you can start working right away. Many students use this time to build hands-on experience, explore different care settings and decide whether they want to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
    • Earn a bachelor’s degree (if not already completed): Most DPT programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission. Depending on your prior coursework, this could take two to four additional years.
    • Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program: Once accepted, a DPT program typically takes about three years of full-time study, including clinical experiences and advanced coursework.
    • Total time from start to finish: If you begin at NOVA and continue on, it may take about seven to nine years to become a licensed physical therapist, though you’ll be working in the field much sooner as a PTA.

    Starting with an associate degree at NOVA offers a practical, flexible way to enter the physical therapy profession, earn income and build a strong foundation for future growth.

    Why NOVA Stands Out Among Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools

    When you're comparing accredited physical therapy assistant schools, it's important to find a program that offers the right mix of quality, affordability and real-world preparation. NOVA’s physical therapy assistant program is designed to help you build practical skills, earn licensure and begin working in a variety of care settings. Here’s what sets it apart:

    NOVA is among the most affordable accredited physical therapist assistant schools, meeting Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) standards and preparing students for licensure and employment.

    NOVA offers one of the most cost-effective paths into physical therapy. With in-state tuition, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you can complete the physical therapy assistant program without taking on significant debt.

    From therapeutic procedures to clinical rotations, every course in the physical therapy assistant program is designed to help you succeed on the licensing exam and in the workforce.

    You’ll complete clinical rotations in hospitals, outpatient clinics and rehab centers, working alongside licensed PTs and PTAs.

    With experienced faculty, dedicated resources and a collaborative campus culture, NOVA helps you stay on track from start to finish.

    Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

    If you’re asking how long it will take to become a physical therapist, the full journey typically takes several years — but beginning at NOVA can be a smart first step. You can complete your associate degree, gain hands-on experience as a PTA and transfer later — all while keeping costs manageable.

    YOUR NEXT STEPS TO NOVA