How do I become a Physical Therapy Assistant in New Jersey?
In order to become a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) in New Jersey (NJ), you must have graduated from an accredited PTA Program. An accredited PTA Program has been approved by CAPTE for both the quality of the course and the quality of the examinations and graduates produced.
New Jersey has 4 accredited PTA schools recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for 2024.
We’ve thoroughly researched these schools, providing up-to-date information on certification, licensing, and salary details to assist you in selecting the best program for your needs.
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- Graduate from an Accredited PTA program
- Pass local New Jersey and/or National Certification Exams
- Obtain your license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in New Jersey
- How much do PTAs make in NJ?
Top Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools NJ
| College Name | City | Accredited Until |
|---|---|---|
| Essex County College | Newark | 6/30/2028 |
| Mercer County Community College | Trenton | 12/31/2024 |
| Rowan College of South Jersey | Sewell | 12/31/2023 |
| Union County College | Plainfield | 12/31/2030 |
There are 4 accredited PTA schools in New Jersey.
You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in New Jersey and neighboring areas.
Physical Therapy Assistant Certification Exam Requirements in New Jersey
Once you have graduated from an accredited school in New Jersey 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.
New Jersey is one of 27 States in which it is a requirement to undertake both a State level exam as well as the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
The purpose of the state exam, where required, is to ensure that the candidate has a thorough understanding of the local laws and regulations under which they are allowed to work.
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).
New Jersey PTA License Requirements
Upon completing a two-year Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and fulfilling clinical education requirements from a CAPTE-approved college or university, aspiring PTAs in New Jersey must obtain licensure. The New Jersey State Board of PT Examiners oversees this process. Applicants are required to pass both the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and a state jurisprudence exam. Before sitting for the NPTE, jurisdiction approval is necessary. A criminal history background check is mandatory post-application submission. Licenses expire every two years on January 31 of even-numbered years.
The New Jersey State Board of PT Examiners regulates the licensing of Physical Therapist Assistants in New Jersey. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: PO Box 45014, Newark, NJ 07101
Phone: (973) 504-6455
Email: physicaltherapy@dca.lps.state.nj.us
Website: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.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 New Jersey
| Salary | $75,030 |
| Hourly Wage | $36.70 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $56,790 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $84,230 |
| # Employed | 1,730 |
In New Jersey, Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) command a competitive salary, with an average annual income of $75,030, exceeding the national average by 20%. The hourly wage is $36.07, reflecting the state’s robust healthcare sector. The top 10% of PTAs in New Jersey earn an impressive $84,230, while even the bottom 10% earn $56,790, indicating a favorable salary spectrum for professionals in the field. With 1,730 employed PTAs, New Jersey offers a thriving environment for those pursuing a career in physical therapy assistance.
In New Jersey, the past five years have seen a steady rise in the salary of Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs), increasing by $5,840, or 8%, from $69,190 in 2018 to $75,030 in 2022. Employment has also grown, with a notable increase of 120 employed PTAs from 2018 to 2022, reflecting a 7% change. Looking ahead, the projected growth in PTA employment in the state from 2020 to 2030 anticipates a significant 39% increase, highlighting a positive outlook for the profession in New Jersey.
PTA Salaries and Employment in New Jersey 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton | 50 | $70,640 |