Allied Health
Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
Dive into coursework to build knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and therapy interventions. Our associate degree in physical therapist assistant will prepare you to assist patients with their rehabilitation goals.
You'll gain invaluable experience through hands-on labs and real-world experience working with diverse patient populations through clinical rotations. In just five semesters, you’ll be prepared to make a difference in the rapidly growing physical therapy field.
Hands-on curriculum and simulated clinical laboratories
Clinical experiences at renowned healthcare facilities
Options to bridge your 2-year PTA degree into bachelor’s or graduate-level studies
Four convenient locations
Learn More About Allied Health Degrees
PTA Career Outlook
Physical therapist assistants (PTA) are entering a rapidly growing field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). Now is the perfect time to start your journey in physical therapy.
$64K
Median physical therapist assistant and aide salary.
19%
Field growth (much faster than average).
100%
Employment for Penn State PTA graduates.
Average, 2022-23
Fully Accredited PTA Degree
Penn State’s PTA programs, fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), are designed to guide you through the process of becoming a physical therapist assistant.
With a limited class size, we ensure personalized attention and valuable clinical experiences, helping you succeed in your career and prepare for the National Physical Therapy Examination to earn licensure after graduation.
Start Your Future in Physical Therapy
Penn State’s physical therapist assistant classes build essential skills in therapeutic exercises, functional training, and advanced treatment techniques. Our PTA program combines in-depth human biology and physical therapy courses with hands-on experience in top healthcare facilities. Explore a few PTA classes below.
Human Musculature and Functional Anatomy: Explore how your muscles move and function while building essential skills for a future as a physical therapist assistant.
Applied Kinesiology: Explore the science of human movement, mastering the skills needed to help patients move better and recover faster.
Physical Therapist Assistant Procedures: Learn hands-on therapies, from massage to therapeutic technologies, and discover how these techniques can help people heal and feel better.
Therapeutic Exercise: Master advanced exercise techniques to help clients recover from injuries, improve their health, and regain their strength across a variety of conditions.
Pathophysiology: Gain insight into how diseases affect the body and learn the skills to help patients heal and recover through targeted physical therapy interventions.
Rehabilitation: Discover how to help people regain their independence by learning techniques and tools used in rehabilitation, from mobility training to neuro-rehabilitation.
Clinical Reasoning for the Physical Therapist Assistant: Learn how to think critically and make informed decisions in real-life therapy situations, blending your skills to apply effective treatment plans for patients with diverse needs.
Physical Therapist Assistant Practicums: Get hands-on experience in real-world settings, practicing physical therapy skills under the guidance of professionals, and prepare for a successful healthcare career.
Review the full physical therapist assistant course listing for additional requirements and a sample of the program’s structure.
After earning your associate’s degree, continue your educational pathway in a PTA to PT bridge program to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fields like occupational science or other healthcare-related fields of study at Penn State.
Our advisers will support you in preparing for further studies in doctoral programs, setting you on the path to advanced careers as a physical therapist (DPT).
Engage in a comprehensive approach to learning, combining real-world practice with cutting-edge resources to ensure you’re well-prepared for a successful career as a physical therapist assistant.
Clubs: Build connections in the physical therapy field and gain leadership experience. Lead your cohort in community service, host philanthropic events, and prepare for licensure.
Clinical experience: Gain hands-on experience through three real-world fieldwork practicums, developing a strong professional network and valuable skills for your future career in healthcare.
State-of-the-art facilities: Train in simulated clinical laboratories that mimic real-world settings. Access advanced clinic and hospital rooms to master physical therapy tools and techniques, preparing you for career paths in physical therapy.
Explore Campuses
Choose from four convenient campus locations across the state to major in physical therapist assistant.