There are 2 fully accredited schools in Washington DC for 2024. These schools are approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
We have gathered essential information on these schools to assist you in selecting the right program. Our data is current for 2024 and also covers certification, licensing, salary, and employment prospects.
How to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in DC
- Graduate from an Accredited PTA program
- Pass local Washington DC and/or National Certification Exams
- Obtain your license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Washington DC
- How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make in Washington DC?
Top Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in DC
| College | Metro Area | Acredittion |
|---|---|---|
| Howard University | Howard | Fall 2018 |
| The George Washington University | George Washington | Fall 2016 |
Click on the ‘Request Information’ link for each school and enter your details to receive information on their PTA programs and admissions data.
You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in Washington DC and neighboring areas.
PTA Certification Exam Requirements in DC
Once you have graduated from an accredited school in Washington DC 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.
Washington DC 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).
DC PTA License Requirements
Upon completion of a CAPTE-accredited program, aspiring Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) in Washington, D.C., must fulfill specific requirements to obtain their professional license.
Candidates need to pass national certification exams, undergo a criminal background check, and graduate from a CAPTE-accredited program. In Washington, D.C., it is mandatory to register for the DC Jurisprudence exam through FSBPT, which ensures a comprehensive understanding of local laws and regulations.
To initiate the licensing process, applicants should contact the Department of Health – Board of Physical Therapy using the provided details:
Address: Health Regulation Administration, 899 North Capitol Street, NE
Email: doh@dc.gov
Phone: (Contact through the provided website)
Website: https://dchealth.dc.gov/
Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary in DC
| State | Washington DC |
| Salary | $64,170 |
| Hourly Wage | $30.85 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $38,470 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $82,720 |
| # Employed | 70 |
In Washington DC, the median salary for Physical Therapy Assistants is $64,170, surpassing the national average by 2%. The average hourly wage is $30.85. Among PTA professionals in the district, the top 10% earn as high as $82,720, while the bottom 10% earn $38,470. With 70 individuals employed in this role, Washington DC provides competitive compensation for Physical Therapy Assistants in the healthcare sector.
In Washington DC, from 2018 to 2022, the median salary for Physical Therapy Assistants increased significantly by $27,660, marking a substantial 76% change. However, employment in this field experienced a decrease of 130 individuals, signifying a 65% reduction. Looking forward, the projected growth in PTA employment in Washington DC between 2020 and 2030 anticipates a 6% increase, indicating a potential stabilization and growth in demand for these professionals in the district’s healthcare sector.
There are approximately 70 persons currently employed as PTA’s in Washington DC.