Medical & Dental Programs

Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Help patients regain movement and improve mobility with Carrington College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program. Learn to assist in rehabilitation treatments under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and prepare for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs.*

Carrington’s Physical Therapist Assistant Hero

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Carrington College Physical Therapist Assisting Program Details

Program Details

Carrington’s Physical Therapist Assistant program provides the skills and real-world experience to assist physical therapists in a variety of healthcare settings. Upon completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate ability to document data collection, interventions, and patient/client responses.
  • Interact skillfully with patients, families, and other healthcare providers while promoting optimal outcomes.
  • Differentiate the appropriate actions to employ in emergency situations.
  • Exhibit the appropriate skills necessary to perform routine entry-level physical therapist assisting in a professional setting.
  • Demonstrate ethical behavior consistent with valuing the differences among patients, families, and other healthcare providers.

With real-world experience in a clinical setting and a focus on hands-on patient care, this program helps you prepare for entry-level PTA roles and the NPTE for PTA’s.

 

Your education is an investment in your future, and Carrington College is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, as well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.

Academic Cost

For complete details on current tuition costs, please refer to the Academic Catalog.

Carrington College is proud to offer our Physical Therapist Assistant program at multiple locations around the Western U.S. To learn more about our locations, explore their pages.

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at accjc.org.

For comprehensive information on Carrington College’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.

The Physical Therapist Assistant programs at the Las Vegas and Pleasant Hill campuses are accredited by the: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 800 999 2782; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please contact the program director at each campus location: Las Vegas – William Dent 559 515 4957 or William.Dent@carrington.edu, Pleasant Hill – Natalie Bates 925 405 0622 or Natalie.Bates@carrington.edu.

Below is the Physical Therapist Assistant program outcome information for each location. The outcomes are graduation rate, first time licensure exam pass rate, ultimate licensure exam pass rate, and employment rate, all averaged over the most recent two years (2023-2024).

Program Location Graduation Rate First Time Licensure Exam Pass Rate Ultimate Licensure Exam Pass Rate Employment Rate
Las Vegas 82.5% 74.19% 100% 100%
Pleasant Hill 88.23% 75.75% 96.96% 100%

REAL WORLD SKILLS

With hands-on classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

START YOUR PATH

Earn an Associate Degree and prepare for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs in as few as 19 months.*

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Conveniently available at 2 of our Nevada and California campuses.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.

Physical Therapist Assistant Career Opportunities

Physical therapist assistants are essential to the direct care of patients, while physical therapist aides usually help with indirect care, such as setting up a treatment area. (1)

A Physical Therapist Assistant degree program prepares you for careers in a wide range of environments, including: (1)

  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapist offices
  • Audiologist offices
  • Physician offices
  • Nursing care facilities
  • State, local, and private hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Home healthcare services

For more information, explore How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant.

What Will I Learn?

Anatomy & Physiology

Clinical Kinesiology

Clinical Applications

Why Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Physical therapist assistants play an important role in helping patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and conditions that affect movement and mobility. Working under the supervision of a physical therapist, PTAs support rehabilitation efforts and help patients work toward greater independence and improved quality of life.

For those interested in a healthcare career that combines patient interaction with hands-on care, a career as a physical therapist assistant offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Graduates of medical programs that train students to support physical therapists may work in a variety of healthcare settings and with a wide range of patient populations.

You can earn an Associate of Science degree in as few as 19 months, making the Physical Therapist Assistant program an option for those interested in beginning a healthcare career in a shorter timeframe.

Is a Physical Therapist Assistant Career Right for You?

A Physical Therapist Assistant career may be right for you if you:

  • Enjoy helping patients improve their overall health.
  • Want a career with transferable skills for a wide range of environments.
  • Enjoy highly active, hands-on work.
  • Are comfortable working under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

Inside the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Carrington College

Physical Therapist Assistant Program FAQs

References:

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2025, August 28). Physical therapist assistants and aides. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm

*Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

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