About Our Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program

• Program: Physical Therapist Assistant
• Pathway: Health Science

PTA by the Numbers

• 2.5: minimum GPA to be eligible to apply
• 70: minimum score for each section of the HESI A2 Admission Exam
• 40: hours of documented work/volunteer/observation experience required before applying
• 3: reference forms required for application
• 2: consecutive years to complete our program
• 32: up to 32 applicants accepted each application period
• 80–100: average number of prospective students who apply to our program each application period
• $9,171: approximate cost of the program—including books, uniforms, and other program-related costs

Our Mission

To Prepare Graduates to Become Licensed PTAs

The mission of our program is consistent with and expands upon that established by the Tarrant County College District: to provide affordable and open access to quality teaching and learning.

In addition to the mission of the College, the PTA Program strives to prepare students to be successful on the national physical therapist assistant exam, to practice legally, to exhibit professionalism, to demonstrate competency with entry-level skills appropriate for a physical therapist assistant, and to become employed as licensed physical therapist assistants.

How Our Program Works

Time Commitment

You need to commit to full-time schedule for 5 consecutive semesters (2 consecutive years).

You must also be able to plan your other coursework around the schedule of core Physical Therapist Assistant courses.

Part-time, weekend, and distance learning are not available.

Schedule

Program courses, labs and clinics are generally held Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Certain facilities may start as early as 6 a.m. and possibly include afternoon, evening or weekend rotations.

Clinical rotations are a mandatory component of our PTA Program. During the second half of the program, you attend clinical rotations at participating physical therapy facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes.

You must be prepared to spend extensive time studying course material, preparing for exams, and practicing therapy techniques in lab–outside of scheduled lab classes.

Grades

Successful completion of this program requires a grade of “C” or better in all courses.

Cost

Approximately $9,171—including tuition, books, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) dues, uniform shirt, etc.

See our detailed Program Cost Analysis.

Credentials

After successfully completing our program, you satisfy the academic requirements for taking the licensure exam and getting a Texas PTA license.

For details: Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners

Contact

Updated January 29, 2024