How to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Indiana
Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Indiana involves several key steps. Firstly, you need to graduate from one of the six fully accredited PTA programs in the state. These programs are recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
After graduation, candidates must successfully pass both state jurisprudence exams and national certification examinations. These steps are crucial in obtaining your PTA license and launching your career as a PTA in Indiana.
Below you will find detailed summaries and all the necessary information you need on the top PTA schools in Indiana as well as more information on licensing requirements.
- Graduate from an Accredited PTA program
- Pass local Indiana and/or National Certification Exams
- Obtain your license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Indiana
- Physical Therapy Assistant Salary Indiana
Top Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in Indiana in 2023
| College Name | Address | Accredited Until |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College | Sellersburg | 12/31/2028 |
| Ivy Tech Community College Northwest | Crown Point | 6/30/2033 |
| Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana | Muncie | 6/30/2033 |
| University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis | 6/30/2032 |
| University of Saint Francis | Fort Wayne | 6/30/2032 |
| Vincennes University | Vincennes | 6/30/2031 |
There are currently 6 fully accredited PTA programs in Indiana.
Ivy Tech Community College, Sellersburg
– Locations: Sellersburg, Northwest, East Central
– Phone: (812) 246-3301
– Email: esmith782@ivytech.edu
Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution with an approximate enrollment of 15,000 students across its locations.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Ivy Tech is designed to be completed in 2 years or 5 semesters. Class sizes are small, accepting only a limited number of students each year. The program follows a full-time day format, awarding graduates an Associate of Science degree. The PTA program is fully accredited by CAPTE, with accreditation valid until December 31, 2028, of the Sellersburg campus and June 30, 2033, of the Northwest campus and East Central campus.
The PTA program has a first-attempt licensure exam pass rate of 90.1% (2022, 2023), an ultimate licensure exam pass rate of 96.5% (2021, 2022), a graduation rate of 84.8% (2021, 2022), and a 100% employment rate within 6 months of passing the licensure exam (2022, 2023).
The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program exceed $13,000.
More details about the program, including curriculum and admissions information, can be found on the program page: https://www.ivytech.edu/programs/all-academic-programs/school-of-health-sciences/physical-therapist-assistant/.
University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis
– Address: 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227-3630
– Phone: (317) 788-3500
– Email: brittm@uindy.edu
The University of Indianapolis is a private Christian-Methodist institution with an enrollment of approximately 5000 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at the University of Indianapolis is designed to be completed in two years, with an average class size of almost 28 students. The program is structured as a part-time evening format and full-time students, leading to an Associate in Science degree. Fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2032, the curriculum comprises 62 credit hours (63 for specific cases).
Graduates benefit from a high 90.46% graduation rate, a 100% employment rate, and a licensure exam pass rate of 58% on the first attempt, reaching an 81.25% ultimate pass rate.
The campus offers on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and costs vary, exceeding $88,000 for full-time students and over $46,000 for part-time students.
For more details, visit the program page at https://www.uindy.edu/health-sciences/pt/pta.
University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne
– Address: 2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46808-3939
– Phone: (260) 434-7662
– Email: mfransen@sf.edu
The private University of Saint Francis accommodates around 2200 students on its campus.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at the University of Saint Francis spans two years, with a class size of almost 40 students. Offered in a full-time day format, the program awards graduates an Associate of Applied Science degree. Fully accredited by CAPTE, the program ensures quality education and is accredited until June 30, 2032.
The PTA program has an 80% 2-year graduation rate (average for 2021-2022), a 97% 2-year employment rate for those seeking employment (2021-2022), and a 76% 2-year licensure pass rate (2021-2022).
The institution provides on-campus accommodation for students.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program at the University of Saint Francis exceed $70,000 annually.
More information about the program can be found on the official program page: https://majors.sf.edu/physical-therapist-assistant/.
Vincennes University, Vincennes
– Address: 1002 N, First Street, Vincennes, IN 47591
– Phone: (812) 888-4416
– Email: rachel.lampert@vinu.edu
Vincennes University is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 16,000 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Vincennes University is a full-time day program, typically spanning two years. With a competitive class size of 28 students annually, the program awards graduates an Associate of Science degree. Fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2031.
The program graduation rate of 65.2% in 2022, while the employment rate for the same year stands at 100%. The PTA licensure exam pass rates for 2022, with an ultimate pass rate of 85.7% and a first-time pass rate of 64.3%.
The campus offers on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees exceed $19,000.
Prospective students can find comprehensive information about the program on the official website program page https://www.vinu.edu/web/guest/major/physical-therapist-assistant-a-s-career-tech.
You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in Indiana and neighboring areas.
Physical Therapy Assistant Certification Exam Requirements in Indiana
Once you have graduated from an accredited school in Indiana, 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.
Indiana 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).
Indiana PTA License Requirements
To work as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Indiana, you must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program. Afterward, you are required to pass both state jurisprudence exams and national certification examinations.
The licensing process involves submitting proof of graduation, undertaking a national criminal history background check, and fulfilling continuing education requirements.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program, it is required by Indiana law that you obtain a license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the State.
The Indiana Physical Therapy Committee regulates the licensing of Physical Therapist Assistants in Indiana. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 402 West Washington Street, Room W072, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Email: pla14@pla.in.gov
Phone: (317) 234-8800
Website: http://www.in.gov
Update 2018: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) has recently launched the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact for PT’s and PTA’s.
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 Indiana
| PTA Salary Indiana | $61,000 |
| Hourly Wage | $29.33 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $43,990 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $73,060 |
| # Employed | 2,180 |
In Indiana, the average Physical Therapy Assistant salary is $61,000, slightly below the national average. The median hourly wage is $29.33. The top 10% of PTA earners in the state make $73,060, while the bottom 10% earn $43,990. With 2,180 employed, Indiana offers diverse opportunities in the field, reflecting varying income levels based on experience and expertise.
In Indiana, from 2018 to 2022, the salary for physical therapy assistants increased steadily. In 2018, the average salary was $55,360, and by 2022, it rose to $61,000, marking a $5,640 increase or a 10% change over the five years.
Regarding employment, there was a decline in physical therapy assistant positions in Indiana. In 2018, there were 2,670 individuals employed, and by 2022, the number decreased to 2,180, reflecting a reduction of 490 positions or an 18% change.
Looking ahead, there is a positive outlook, with a projected 34% growth in physical therapy assistant employment in Indiana from 2020 to 2030.
PTA Salaries and Employment in Indiana by Metro Area
The table below breaks down the salary and employment of physical therapist assistants by metro area across the state.
| City | Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | 40 | $57,620 |
| Elkhart-Goshen | 50 | $59,780 |
| Evansville | 130 | $54,690 |
| Fort Wayne | 170 | $54,880 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson | 710 | $60,400 |
| Kokomo | 30 | $62,810 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette | 50 | $59,520 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka | 90 | $57,450 |
| Terre Haute | 50 | $62,460 |