Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Physical Therapist Assistant have to be licensed?
Yes, a Physical Therapist Assistant must be licensed to practice in all 50 states. In the state of Ohio, PTA’s are licensed by the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainer’s Board, after passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTA’s and the Ohio Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Examination.

What is the typical salary for a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Salaries for PTAs vary in different sections of the community, state and country. Starting salaries for full-time PTAs in Northeast Ohio range from $55,000 to $60,000.

Can I complete the program on a part-time basis? How long is the program?
Physical Therapist Assisting is considered full-time and the PTAT technical courses are only offered during the day. The PTAT technical courses take two years to complete and must be taken in sequence, regardless of college credits or degrees already completed.   

Is there a minimum grade point average to be accepted into the program?
Applicants must achieve a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) based on a 4.0 scale for the five core prerequisite courses (or transfer of equivalent courses from another college or university). All prerequisite courses must have a grade of "C" or better.  An overall GPA of 2.7 must be achieved and be maintained. Only accredited college and university credits as listed on the Transfer Center site will be accepted. Overall GPA is calculated based on all previous college coursework completed through the semester prior to the date of application.

How many students do you accept each year?
The PTA Program accepts 24 new students per year.

How much does the program cost?
Please visit the program cost page.

How do I apply to the program?
Please review the application packet.

When does the program accept applications?
The PTA program accepts applications year-round and the application checklist will help you know when you are ready to submit your application.

Does the Tri-C PTA Program accept transfer credit for technical courses completed in physical therapy programs at other colleges?
No, the PTA Program does not accept credit for technical coursework in physical therapy taken at other colleges. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from other institutions to determine if transfer credit will be given for general education courses.