There are 2 accredited schools for Physical Therapy Assistant programs in Rhode Island. These schools are recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Below we have provided the most up-to-date information for 2024 on the top 2 schools in RI as well as data on certification, licensing, salary, and employment.
How to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Rhode Island
- Graduate from an Accredited PTA program
- Pass local Rhode Island and/or National Certification Exams
- Obtain your license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Rhode Island
- How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make in Rhode Island?
Listed below are some of the top PTA schools and related programs near you in Rhode Island.
Get started today by reaching out to schools to receive information on course curriculum, admissions requirements, tuition, etc.
Top Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in Rhode Island
| College Name | City | Accredited Until |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island | Newport | 6/30/2028 |
| New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich | 12/31/2025 |
There are 2 fully accredited schools in Rhode Island offering PTA programs.
You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in Rhode Island and neighbouring areas.
Physical Therapy Assistant Certification Exam Requirements in Rhode Island
Once you have graduated from an accredited school in Rhode Island 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.
Rhode Island 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 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).
Rhode Island PTA License Requirements
To work as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Rhode Island, certain steps must be followed. After graduating from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-approved program, applicants must provide proof of successful completion of the national certification examination approved by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). A full Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office is also required.
Contact the licensing authority, the RI Department of Health, Health Professions Regulation, at the following details:
Address: 3 Capitol Hill, Room 104, Providence, RI 02908-5097
Phone: (401) 222-2828
Website: https://health.ri.gov/licenses/
Additionally, submit official transcripts of educational credentials from a CAPTE-accredited school. Licenses expire on the 1st of May of each even year, and renewal requires proof of 24 hours of continuing professional development hours. These guidelines ensure standardized competence and adherence to regulations for licensed Physical Therapist Assistants in Rhode Island.
Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary in Rhode Island
| State | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Salary | $62,570 |
| Hourly Wage | $30.08 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $52,340 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $83,380 |
| # Employed | 370 |
In Rhode Island, the average (median) salary for Physical Therapy Assistants is $62,570, aligning closely with the national average. The average hourly wage is $30.08. Among the 370 employed PTAs in the state, the top 10% earn $83,380, while the bottom 10% earn $52,340 annually. These figures depict a balanced salary distribution for PTAs in Rhode Island, indicating competitive earnings compared to the national average across different percentiles.
In Rhode Island, from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physical Therapy Assistants experienced a decrease of $1,080, reflecting a 2% change. Employment in the field, however, increased by 80 individuals, signifying a notable 28% growth. Looking ahead, the projected growth in PTA employment in Rhode Island from 2020 to 2030 is anticipated to be 30%, indicating a positive trend in demand for Physical Therapy Assistants within the state over the next decade.
There are approximately persons currently employed as PTA’s in Rhode Island.
PTA Salaries and Employment in Rhode Island 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 | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich-New London-Westerly | $55,490 | $26.68 | 30 |