Alaska has 1 accredited school for Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) programs approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). We’ve gathered current information for 2024, offering essential details on certification, licensing, and employment prospects to assist you in selecting the most suitable program.
We’ve gathered relevant details about this school and others, offering updated information for 2024, including certification, licensing, and employment prospects, to assist you in selecting the most suitable program.
Steps to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Alaska
- Graduate from an Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Program
- Complete National and State level Certification Exams
- Apply for your Alaskan Physical Therapist Assistant License
- Find Employment
- Alaskan Physical Therapy Assistant Salaries
- Career Progression and Related Career Pathways
Get Started
Listed below are some of the top PTA Schools and related programs near you. Get started today by reaching out to schools to receive information on course curriculum, admissions requirements, etc.
Simply click on the green ‘Get Admissions Info’ button to receive more information.
Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Programs in Alaska
There is currently 1 accredited school offering a Physical Therapy Assisting program in Alaska.
| College | Metro Area | Accreditation Status: | Acreditted Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska | Anchorage | Accreditation | Spring 2020 |
Complete State and National-level Certification Examinations
Once you have obtained your degree from an accredited school you will need to apply for your state license. To obtain your license it is a requirement that you complete some additional certification exams.
Alaska is one of only 27 States that requires Physical Therapist Assistants to undertake both local jurisprudence exams as well as the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
Local jurisprudence exams are a test of a candidate’s understanding of local Alaskan laws and rules under which they are allowed to work.
The NPTE exams are developed and administered by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The purpose of the NPTE exams is to ensure a minimum standard of knowledge and competence after graduation and before entering the workplace.
Alaska PTA Certification and Licensing Requirements
To be licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Alaska, you must meet various requirements, you must graduate from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program approved by the Alaska State Board of Physical Therapy. Securing a license is a mandatory step to practice in Alaska.
In addition, you’ll need to pass both a State exam, administered by the Alaska Board of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy, and the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) conducted by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The State exam ensures a comprehensive understanding of local laws and regulations governing PTA practice.
To qualify for a stand-alone license, candidates must possess a degree from an accredited program. Additionally, ongoing professional development through continuing education is required. Applicants should note that felony convictions may hinder the licensing process, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean record.
Contact the Alaska Board of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy directly for licensing inquiries at the following details:
Address: P.O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Email: PhysicalAndOccupationalTherapy@Alaska.Gov
Phone: (907) 465-2580
Website: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov
Physical Therapy Assistant Salary in Alaska
In Alaska, the median salary for Physical Therapy Assistants is $58,400, slightly below the national average of $62,770. The average hourly wage is $28.08. Among PTA professionals in the state, the top 10% earned $86,320, while the bottom 10% earned $29,400. With 170 employed in the field, Alaska’s PTA salaries reflect a 7% variance from the national average.
In Alaska, from 2018 to 2022, the median salary for Physical Therapy Assistants experienced a 3% decrease, declining from $59,960 to $58,400. Employment saw a notable 29% reduction, decreasing by 70 positions during the same period. Looking ahead, the projected growth in PTA employment in Alaska from 2020 to 2030 is expected to be 11%, reflecting potential opportunities for growth in the field.
Related Healthcare Careers
Physical Therapy Assistants fare very well by comparison to similar careers such as Occupational Therapy Assistants, Massage Therapists, and Home Health Aides in terms of average salary, from entry-level to well-experienced – achieving one of the highest average salary levels.
Additionally, in terms of employment figures and growth it has been flagged as one of the top 5 fastest growing careers in healthcare by the Bureau For Labor Statistics (BLS).
The table below illustrates key data for similar healthcare careers in Alaska;
| Career | Number Employed | Hourly Wage | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 170 | $28.08 | $58,400 |
| Home Health Aides | 1960 | $14.50 | $30,160.00 |
| Nursing Assistants | 1770 | $17.93 | $37,300.00 |
| Massage Therapists | 700 | $40.46 | $84,150.00 |
| Medical Assistants | 1460 | $18.65 | $38,800.00 |
[onehundredcities location=’Alaska’ mapzoom=’8′ weather=’on’ lang=’eng’ panoramiocount=’3′ div=’block’ wiki=’on’ gmaps=’on’ panoramio=’on’ offers=’on’ logo=’off’]