There are 5 accredited Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) schools in New Mexico approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for 2024.
We have researched these schools, offering up-to-date data for 2024. This information summarizes important details to assist you in choosing the most suitable program. We also cover certification, licensing, as well as salary, and employment prospects.
Top Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in New Mexico
| College Name | City | Accredited Until |
|---|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque | 12/31/2032 |
| Clovis Community College | Clovis | 12/31/2031 |
| Pima Medical Institute | Albuquerque | 6/30/2026 |
| San Juan College | Farmington | 6/30/2030 |
| San Juan College - (Expansion) | Farmington | 6/30/2030 |
To become a physical therapist assistant in New Mexico, you will need certification and licensing. Graduating from an accredited school is an important prerequisite.
There are just four accredited PTA schools in New Mexico – see above.
You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in New Mexico and neighboring areas.
Physical Therapy Assistant Certification Exam Requirements in New Mexico
Once you have graduated from an accredited school in New Mexico, 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 Mexico 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 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 or knowledge and competence after graduation and before entering into the workplace. The NPTE exams are developed and administered by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
New Mexico PTA License Requirements
To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in New Mexico, graduates of an accredited physical therapy assistant program approved by the New Mexico Physical Therapy Board must pass both the national physical therapy certification examination and the state jurisprudence examination.
Temporary licenses are available for practice under a licensed physical therapist’s supervision until a permanent license is approved. Licenses must be renewed every two years on February 1, with a requirement of completing 30 continuing education hours during each licensing period.
The NM Physical Therapy Board regulates the licensing of Physical Therapist Assistants in New Mexico. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: PO Box 25101, Sante Fe, NM 87505
Email: physicaltherapy@state.nm.us
Phone: (505) 476-4622
Website: https://www.rld.nm.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 Mexico
| Salary | $55,650 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $26.75 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $32,780 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $76,580 |
| # Employed | 680 |
In New Mexico, the average Physical Therapy Assistant salary is $55,650, which is 11% below the national average. The hourly wage is $26.75. Among PTA professionals, the top 10% earn $76,520, while the bottom 10% earn $32,780. Currently, there are 680 employed Physical Therapy Assistants in the state. These figures provide insight into the salary range and employment landscape for PTAs in New Mexico.
In New Mexico, from 2018 to 2022, Physical Therapy Assistant salaries increased by $7,780, reaching $55,650 in 2022. Employment saw a notable rise, with an additional 150 positions, marking a 28% growth. Looking ahead, the projected employment growth for Physical Therapy Assistants in New Mexico from 2020 to 2030 is estimated to be 38%, indicating a positive trend in demand for PTA professionals in the coming years.
PTA Salaries and Employment in New Mexico by Metro Area
The table below breaks down the salary and employment of physical therapist assistants by Metro area across the state.
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $51,270 | $24.65 |
| Farmington | $48,650 | $23.39 |
| Las Cruces | $41,650 | $20.03 |
| Santa Fe | $49,530 | $23.81 |