How do I become a PTA in Arizona?
- Graduate from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant School in Arizona
- Obtain your PTA license in Arizona
- How much do PTA make in Arizona?
- Find similar healthcare careers to a PTA in Arizona
Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in Arizona
1. Brookline College, Phoenix, AZ
– Address: 2445 W Dunlap Ave. Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85021, United States
– Email: jjackson@brooklinecollege.edu
– Phone: Not provided
Brookline College is a private for-profit institution that offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). The program provides a fast track to a PTA career, taking as little as 18 months to complete. It is offered in a full-time day format and follows a blended learning model, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience- students participate in 640 hours of clinical practicum during their studies.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) until June 30, 2028. Recent program outcomes reflect a graduation rate of 76.7%, a certification exam pass rate of 96.9%, and a 100% employment rate for graduates.
The total cost of the program, which includes tuition, fees, and other program costs, exceeds $40,000.
For more information, you can visit the program page at:
https://www.brooklinecollege.edu/programs/healthcare/associate-degree-physical-therapist-assistant/.
2. GateWay Community College, Phoenix, AZ
– Address: 108 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034-1704, United States
– Phone: (602) 286-8476
– Email: laura.safa@gatewaycc.edu
Situated in Phoenix, GateWay Community College is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 4,700 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at GateWay Community College typically takes about 2 years to complete, with a class size of 24 students. The program is available in both full-time day and weekend formats, providing flexibility for aspiring students. Graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science degree. The program is fully accredited by CAPTE until December 31, 2030.
The weekend/hybrid education program admits 20 students annually in May. Graduates are well-prepared for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy certification exam. The Class of 2022 had impressive graduation rates, with 88.89% for the day program and 71.4% for the hybrid/weekend program.
Both programs achieved a 100% employment rate in 2022, showcasing the success of GateWay’s PTA graduates in entering the workforce. The two-year cumulative average for the ultimate pass rate in 2020/2021 was 97.62% for the day program and 100% for the hybrid/weekend program.
The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees exceed $13,000.
Further details and program information can be found on the official program page: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/degrees-certificates/physical-therapist-assisting.
3. Mohave Community College, Lake Havasu City, AZ
– Address: 1977 Acoma Boulevard West Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 United States
– Phone: (928) 505-3351
– Email: ebriere@mohave.edu
Situated in Lake Havasu City, Mohave Community College is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 7600 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Mohave Community College takes about two years to complete, with a class size of 20 students. The program is delivered in a full-time day format. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science degree, and the program is fully accredited by CAPTE until December 31, 2025.
Notably, the Clinical Education experience requires students to be available for a 40-hour work week, shadowing their clinical instructor over flexible days. The PTA program has impressive outcomes, with a 2-Year Average (2022-23) Ultimate Licensure Pass Rate of 100%, a 1st Time Pass Rate of 90%, a Graduation Rate of 68.75%, and a 100% Employment rate.
Mohave Community College does not offer on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees exceed $14,500.
For detailed information about the PTA program, interested individuals can visit the program page: https://www.mohave.edu/academics/certificates/pta/
4. Carrington College, Mesa, AZ
– Address: 1001 W Southern Avenue #130 Mesa, AZ 85210 United States
– Phone: (480) 212-1600
– Email: anorton@carrington.edu
Carrington College, Mesa is a private for-profit institution with an enrollment of approximately 1200 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Carrington College will typically take about 2 years to complete. The program is delivered on-campus, and it awards an Associate of Science degree. It is fully CAPTE accredited until December 31, 2026.
The program has a strong track record, with a graduation rate of 80%, a first-time licensure exam pass rate of 87.5%, an ultimate licensure exam pass rate of 87.5%, and a 100% employment rate, according to the most recent two-year data available (2020-2021).
Carrington College, Mesa does not offer on-campus accommodation.
The total tuition and fees for in-state students for the PTA program exceed $27,000.
For more information about the PTA program at Carrington College – Mesa, you can visit their program page at https://carrington.edu/program/physical-therapist-assistant.
5. Pima Medical Institute, Mesa, AZ
– Locations: Pima Medical Institute – Mesa Campus, Pima Medical Institute – Tucson Campus
– Phone: (480) 644-0267
– Email: anorton@pmi.edu
Pima Medical Institute is a private for-profit institution with an enrollment of approximately 1700 students in the Mesa campus and approximately 5100 students in the Tucson campus.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Pima Medical Institute takes about 18 months to complete, with a class size of 35 students.
The program, fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2026, Mesa Campus and June 30, 2032, Tucson Campus, awards graduates an Associate of Occupational Science degree. Offering the best curriculum, the PTA program ensures students gain valuable clinical externship experience. The graduation rate stands at 75.29%, with an impressive 89.71% ultimate licensure exam pass rate and a 100% employment rate.
The campus doesn’t offer on-campus accommodation. However, Pima Medical Institute provides a conducive environment for learning and practical experience.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program at Pima Medical Institute exceed $41000.
More details about the program can be found on the Program Page https://pmi.edu/on-campus-programs/associate/physical-therapist-assistant.
Physical Therapy Assistant Salary Arizona
| Average PTA salary | $61,720 |
| Hourly wage | $29.67 |
| 90th Percentile of Earners | $80,370 |
| 10th Percentile of Earners | $40,380 |
In Arizona, the median salary for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) is $61,720, slightly below the national average by 2%. The average hourly wage stands at $29.67.
Among the 1,420 PTAs employed in the state, the top 10% earn $80,370, while the bottom 10% earn $40,380.
Between 2018 and 2022, the average salary for Physical Therapy Assistants in Arizona increased by $17,890, marking a 41% change.
In terms of employment, there was a notable decline of 1,060 positions, equating to a 43% decrease. However, the projected growth from 2020 to 2030 anticipates a 60% increase in PTA employment in Arizona, suggesting a positive trajectory for the profession in the coming decade.
The table below illustrates key employment and salary data for PTA’s in the main metro and city areas in Arizona;
| City | Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff | 30 | $67,110 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman | 60 | $58,680 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale | 1,730 | $51,430 |
| Prescott | 60 | $66,670 |
| Tucson | (8) - | $59,840 |
| Yuma | 40 | $63,710 |
Arizona PTA License Requirements
To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Arizona, you must fulfill several requirements.
First, you need to graduate from an accredited U.S. PTA school. Once you’ve obtained your degree, passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is mandatory. In addition to the NPTE, Arizona requires candidates to pass a jurisprudence exam, which assesses their understanding of local laws and regulations.
The Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy oversees the licensure process. You can contact the board on the details below.
Email: judy.chepeus@ptboard.az.gov
Phone: (602) 274-0236
Website:https://ptboard.az.gov/
Watch the video below for more information on becoming a PTA in Arizona.
Related Healthcare Careers in Arizona
Physical Therapy Assistants fare very well in 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 Of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The table below illustrates key data for similar healthcare careers in Arizona;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 400 | $58,770.00 |
| Massage Therapists | 3880 | $46,850.00 |
| Medical Assistants | 16890 | $32,260.00 |
| Nursing Assistants | 13530 | $28,890.00 |
| Home Health Aides | 13420 | $23,240.00 |
For more options, you might be interested in exploring programs in nearby states:
- PTA Classes in Nevada
- PTA Classes in New Mexico
- PTA Classes in Utah
- PTA Classes in California
- PTA Classes in Colorado