Physical Therapy Assistant Programs and Careers in Oregon

In Oregon, there are 3 accredited Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) schools recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for 2024.

We’ve gathered essential information on these schools, including details on certification, licensing, and employment prospects, to assist you in selecting the most suitable program. Our data is current as of 2024.

Browse below for information on all the top PTA programs in Oregon including information on licensing and salary and employment data.

Browse Content

• Top accredited PTA Schools in Oregon
• Physical Therapist Assistant License Oregon?
• How much does a Physical Therapy Assistant make in Oregon?

Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools Oregon

There are currently just 3 fully accredited schools offering PTA programs in Oregon – at locations in Eugene, Grants Pass, and Gresham.

Oregon PTA License Requirements

To work as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Oregon, you must fulfill specific licensing requirements. After graduating from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited program, the first step is to pass additional certification exams. In Oregon, this includes a mandatory one-hour online presentation by the Oregon Pain Commission. You’ll need to submit the completion certificate with your application.

Oregon mandates applicants to take and pass both the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam. These exams ensure a minimum standard of knowledge and competence in both national and state-specific regulations. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of graduation from a CAPTE-accredited program.

To complete the licensing process, a thorough criminal background check, including fingerprint submission, is required.

For further information and to contact the licensing authority, the Physical Therapist Licensing Board, use the following details:

Address:800 NE Oregon St Ste 407 Portland, OR 97232-2187
Email: physical.therapy@obpt.oregon.gov
Phone: (971) 673 0200
Website: https://www.oregon.gov/

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Oregon

In Oregon, the average (median) salary for Physical Therapy Assistants is $60,010, slightly below the national average by 4%. The average hourly wage is $28.85. Among the state’s 770 employed PTAs, the top 10% earn $79,340, while the bottom 10% earn $51,200 annually. These figures provide a comprehensive overview of the salary landscape for PTAs in Oregon, offering insights into earning potential across different percentiles.

In Oregon, from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physical Therapy Assistants experienced a modest decline, decreasing by $1,120, or 2%. Concurrently, employment in the field increased by 100 individuals, reflecting a 15% growth. Looking ahead, the projected employment growth from 2020 to 2030 is anticipated to be 42%, indicating a positive trend in demand for Physical Therapy Assistants within the state.

The table below illustrates key employment and salary data for PTA’s in the main metro and city areas in the state;

Related Healthcare Careers in Oregon

Physical Therapy Assistants fare very well compared 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 Oregon;