Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Pima Medical Institute's Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), gives you the clinical and professional skills needed to begin your career as an entry-level physical therapist assistant working under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

Through a curriculum that balances clinical knowledge with real-world application, you will learn anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, medical terminology, disease and conditions, law and ethics and physical therapy interventions. You will also develop professional skills in data collection and administrative procedures, preparing you to support treatment plans and deliver quality care to patients from your first day on the job. Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants and pursue licensure in their state.

Program objective. To develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level physical therapy assistants through didactic instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical experiences. The curriculum prepares students to become integral members of the physical therapy health care team under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Curriculum content addresses anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, diseases and conditions, medical terminology, physical therapy interventions, data collection skills, treatment plans, administrative procedures, and ethics and laws governing the practice of physical therapy. Graduates of this program at the Houston campus receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree, while graduates at other PMI campuses receive an Associate of Occupational Science Degree. All graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants (NPTE-PTA), which is administered by the Federation of State Boards ofPhysical Therapy (FSBPT).

Core skills you’ll develop.

• Kinesiology: Understanding human movement and musculoskeletal mechanics
• Rehabilitation: Assisting with therapeutic exercise and rehab techniques under PT supervision
• Anatomy: Applying anatomy and physiology knowledge to patient treatment
• Ethics: Practicing within legal and ethical standards of patient care
• Documentation: Handling administrative procedures and patient data accurately
• Patient Care: Supporting patients through recovery with empathy and professionalism

Continuing your education. After completing your Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree, you can continue your education with Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Assistant program. This degree builds on your existing credentials and gives you the skills to advance within the field, with the flexibility of online instruction.

About Pima Medical Institute. Pima Medical Institute started changing lives in 1972, when Richard L. Luebke, Sr., and his wife, JoAnn, opened the first campus in Tucson, Arizona. Over 175,000 graduates have since advanced their education, and many are serving their communities through meaningful health care careers. The school’s mission is to improve the quality of people’s lives by providing the best value in medical career education.

Eligibility requirements.

• Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
• Additional requirements may apply by campus

Program-specific requirements. In addition to the Admissions requirements listed in the Prospective Students section of this catalog, an interview with the program director and/or faculty is required. Refer to the program specific Prospective Student Handout for more information.

High school verification. Proof of valid high school completion or equivalent must be submitted (high school diploma or transcript, GED report and certificate, or an official associate or bachelor’s degree transcript). Pima Medical Institute does not enroll ability-to-benefit students, and applicants under the legal age must have written approval of a parent or legal guardian.

Entrance exams. Applicants for degree programs, excluding Nursing, are required to take the Wonderlic SLE and receive a minimum score of 20. Applicants for associate degree programs are also required to take a math admission test and receive a minimum of 80% (24 out of 30 correct); a calculator is allowed, the time limit is 45 minutes, and the test can be taken up to 3 times. The exam may be waived for applicants who submit official transcripts that document completion of an associate degree or higher.

Background check, drug testing and vaccinations. Depending on the program, a background check and/or drug screening may be required prior to enrollment, during the program, and/or prior to externship/clinical training; the cost of the background check/drug screen is an out-of-pocket expense. The cost of required vaccinations and titers is also an out-of-pocket expense, and students are required to follow all clinical experience vaccination requests and policies.

At a glance. Course length: 18 Months (approximate); Total credits: 80-83; Lab hours: 291; Class hours: 630-675; Externship hours: 640. Hybrid education options not available at all campuses. Credit totals and hours vary by location.

Albuquerque, Denver, Mesa and Tucson campuses. The 2026 tuition price list shows 66.5 semester credits and 1,586 clock hours over 75 weeks, including 13.5 externship credits (640 hours).

Hybrid learning options. For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses. Hybrid learning combines in-person instruction with online learning. Students can engage with course materials at times and in environments that suit their individual circumstances, such as balancing employment, family responsibilities or geographic constraints. However, externship hours must be completed entirely in person because hands-on clinical experience is essential for developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.

• Certification: Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).*
• Entry-level roles: Physical therapist assistant, orthopedic physical therapist assistant, geriatric physical therapist assistant, pediatric physical therapist assistant, home health physical therapist assistant or sports medicine physical therapist assistant.
• Career advancement: With experience, PTAs can move into senior or lead roles, specialize in areas such as orthopedics, sports medicine, or geriatrics, or take on training and mentorship responsibilities for new staff. Some also choose to continue their education toward a bachelor's degree.

Certification and state registration requirements vary.

Careers. The Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:

• Physical therapist assistant

These careers exist in a variety of environments, including but not limited to offices of physical therapists, hospitals, nursing care and rehabilitation facilities, home health care services, outpatient clinics and school systems.

Job outlook. 17% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow much faster than average over the next 10 years with a median pay of $61,200 per year. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm (visited August 27, 2026).

Career Services. When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.

Clinical externships. At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.

In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.

Student Services. Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.

Application process.

• Submit the form below. A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
• Chat with our team. They'll ask about your goals, your background, and what's drawing you to healthcare. From there, they'll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
• Attend your campus tour. Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We'll walk you through programs and what to expect.
• We help you complete your application. Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.