Physical Therapist Assistant Programs in Connecticut

There are two Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) schools in Connecticut (CT) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).  Graduating from an accredited school is an important step towards becoming a PTA in Connecticut.

After graduation, candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examinations (NPTE) to obtain their PTA license.

Below we have summarized all the important details on these schools as well as information on certification, licensing, and salary and employment prospects for PTA’s in Connecticut.

Our data is current for 2024, ensuring you have the necessary information for a well-informed decision.

How to become a PTA in Connecticut?

1. Graduate from an Accredited PTA program in CT
2. Pass local Connecticut and/or National Certification Exams
3. Obtain your license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Connecticut
4. How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make in Connecticut?

Top Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Programs CT

There are currently just two accredited PTA programs in Connecticut in 2023.

Connecticut State Community College, Norwalk

– Locations: Naugatuck Valley, Norwalk

– Phone: (203) 596-2168

– Email: jgangaway@nvcc.commnet.edu

Connecticut, Connecticut State Community College – Naugatuck Valley has an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students and around 8,000 students in Norwalk. 

The PTA program is fully accredited by CAPTE until December 31, 2024, with a class size of 30 students. It is a full-time, two-year program leading to an Associate in Science degree. 

Admission is competitive, with top-scoring students securing enrollment. The program’s exceptional outcomes include a 97.9% ultimate NPTE pass rate (2020-2021), a 93.6% first-time pass rate, a 100% employment rate (2019-2020), and an 89% graduation rate (2020-2021). 

The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.

The total tuition and fees for in-state students exceed $13,500. 

For more details, visit the program page at https://nv.edu/Academics/Academic-Programs/Areas-of-Study/Physical-Therapist-Assistant.

You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in Connecticut and neighboring areas.

PTA Certification Requirements in Connecticut

Once you have graduated from an accredited PTA school in Connecticut, you will need to obtain a license to work as a physical therapist assistant there. To obtain your license it is a requirement that you have successfully passed additional certification exams.

Connecticut does not have any requirement to undertake any local state-level jurisprudence exams. However, all candidates seeking initial licensure in the state must complete the National Physical Therapy Examinations (NPTE).

The purpose of the NPTE exams is to ensure a minimum standard of knowledge and competence after graduation and before entering the workplace. The NPTE exams are developed and administered by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Connecticut PTA License Requirements

Upon graduating from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program, aspiring professionals in Connecticut must fulfill specific requirements to obtain a license. Recent graduates are eligible for a temporary permit, allowing supervised practice. Successful completion of the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE), conducted by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, is mandatory.

Additionally, continuing education is required for license maintenance. Unlike some states, Connecticut does not impose criminal record check requirements for licensure.

To contact the licensing authority, the Department of Public Health – Board of Examiners for Physical Therapists in Connecticut, you can reach out using the following details:

Address: 410 Capitol Avenue, P.O.Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Email: olpc.dph@po.state.ct.us
Phone: (860) 509-7603
Website: http://www.ct.gov

Update 2018: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) has recently launched the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact for PTs and PTAs.

The purpose of the compact is to essentially create an interstate license that will allow a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to practice outside of the state in which they obtained their license.

Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the median salary for Physical Therapy Assistants stands at $71,650, surpassing the national average by 14%. The average hourly wage is $34.45. Among the employed, the top 10% earned as high as $85,130, while the bottom 10% earned $49,920. These figures highlight favorable earning prospects for PTA professionals in the state.

Between 2018 and 2022, Connecticut saw a $3,730 (5%) increase in the average annual salary for Physical Therapy Assistants, reaching $71,650 in 2022. Employment also experienced positive growth, rising by 90 positions (12%) over the same period, totaling 850 employed individuals in 2022. Looking ahead, the projected employment growth from 2020 to 2030 suggests a 27% increase, indicating a promising outlook for the demand for Physical Therapy Assistants in the state.

PTA Salaries and Employment in Connecticut by Metro Area

The table below breaks down the salary and employment of physical therapist assistants by Metro area across the state.