There are 5 accredited Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) schools in Iowa for 2024. These schools are recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
To obtain a license to work as a PTA in Iowa, you must successfully graduate from one of these PTA schools. Next you must pass both the state jurisprudence exams, which assess your knowledge of local laws, and the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which ensures your competence as a PTA.
On this page we provide up-to-date information on these top PTA programs in Iowa as well as further data on certification, licensing, salary, and employment prospects.
How to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Iowa
- Graduate from an Accredited PTA program
- Pass local Iowa and/or National Certification Exams
- Obtain your license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Iowa
- How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make in Iowa?
Top Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in Iowa for 2023
| College Name | Address | Accredited Until |
|---|---|---|
| Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo | 12/31/2028 |
| Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa | 6/30/2027 |
| Kirkwood Community College | Hiawatha | 12/31/2031 |
| Mercy College of Health Sciences | Des Moines | 6/30/2026 |
| North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City | 6/30/2033 |
There are currently 6 fully accredited PTA programs on offer in Iowa.
Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo
– Address: 1501 East Orange Road PO Box 8015 Hawkeye Center 106, Waterloo, IA 50704-8015
– Phone: (319) 296-4024
– Email: melissa.schneider@hawkeyecollege.edu
Hawkeye Community College is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 5000 students.
The PTA program, fully CAPTE accredited until December 31, 2028, takes two years to complete with a class size of 20 students each spring. Courses are conducted in a full-time day format, and graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. Technical coursework commences in Term 2 — Summer and spans 15 months.
The program statistics include a graduation rate of 79.8% (2-Year Average 2021-2022), a licensure pass rate of 70% (2-Year Average Pass Rate: 2021-2022), and a 2-Year Average Employment Percentage of 100% (2020-2021).
The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation.
The total tuition and fees for in-state students exceed $19,000.
For more information, visit the program page at https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/programs/physical-therapist-assistant.
Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa
– Address: 525 Grandview, Ottumwa, IA 52501-1359
– Phone: 641.683.5271
– Email: Caroline.peyrone@indianhills.edu
Indian Hills Community College, is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 3400 students.
The program has an average class size of 14 students. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2027, spans 21 months or approximately 2 years in a full-time day format. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The program, with a Fall entry term, requires 83 credits and mandates 40 hours of clinical site observation.
The two-year average program statistics (2021-2022) showcase a 59.9% graduation rate, 92.5% first-time NPTE pass rate, 100% ultimate NPTE pass rate, and a 100% employment rate.
Indian Hills Community College offers on-campus accommodation.
Tuition and fees for in-state students exceed $20,000.
Prospective students can find more information about the program on the official website program page https://www.indianhills.edu/academics/health/physical_therapy.php.
Kirkwood Community College, Hiawatha
– Address: Linn Regional Center 1770 Boyson Road, Hiawatha, IA 52233
– Phone: (319) 398-5566
– Email: feryl.york@kirkwood.edu
Kirkwood Community College, a public community college with approximately 12,000 students, offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at its Linn Regional Center.
The PTA program, fully accredited by CAPTE until December 31, 2031, is structured as a full-time day format and spans a typical duration of two years. Each fall, the program admits 24 students, and graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.
The sequenced PTA courses span five semesters, with decreasing credit loads each term. PTA students dedicate six to seven hours daily to direct patient care and documentation. The program has 2-year average rates: a graduation rate of 83%, a licensure rate of 91.45%, and an employment rate of 94%.
The campus does not provide on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, tuition and fees exceed $24,000.
Further details about the program can be found on the college’s program page: https://www.kirkwood.edu/programs/degrees/health-wellness/physical-therapist-assistant.
Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines
– Address: 928 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309-1239
– Phone: (515) 643-6614
– Email: susan.bravard@mchs.edu
Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private institution with a campus accommodating around 900 students. The college, affiliated with the Roman Catholic tradition, offers on-campus accommodation. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Mercy College is fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2026.
The PTA program typically spans one year with a limited class size. It follows a full-time day format and awards graduates an Associate of Science degree.
The program outcomes with a graduation rate of 66.7%, a first-time licensure examination pass rate of 100%, an ultimate licensure pass rate of 100%, and a 100% employment rate within one year following graduation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program exceed $31,000.
Further details about the program can be found on the college’s website at https://mchs.edu/apta.
North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City
– Address: 500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401-7213
– Phone: 641-423-1264
– Email: Susan.Callanan@niacc.edu
North Iowa Area Community College is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 2500 students.
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at North Iowa Area Community College is a two-year program with a class size of 16 students annually. The format is full-time day, leading to the award of an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2033. After acceptance, students are required to undergo a physical examination, document current immunization, and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association throughout the program.
The program (2022-2023) statistics include a 100% Ultimate National Physical Therapy Examination pass rate, a 100% First Time National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rate, a 75% Graduation Rate, and a 100% employment rate.
The campus offers on-campus accommodation.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program at North Iowa Area Community College exceed $16,000.
More details about the program can be found on the program page: https://catalog.niacc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=11&poid=2152.
You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in Iowa and neighboring areas.
Physical Therapy Assistant Certification Exam Requirements in Iowa
Once you have graduated from an accredited school in Iowa 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.
Iowa 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 into the workplace. The NPTE exams are developed and administered by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Iowa PTA License Requirements
After graduating from a CAPTE-accredited program, aspiring Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) in Iowa must navigate the licensure process administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) – Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy. To secure a license, candidates are required to pass both state jurisprudence exams, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of local laws, and the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), assuring a baseline of competence.
Additionally, applicants must fulfill continuing education requirements, but there are no specific criminal record prerequisites. This process ensures that PTAs meet the standards set by regulatory bodies before entering the workforce.
The Iowa Dept of Public Health regulates the licensing of Physical Therapist Assistants in Iowa. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: Riverpoint Office Complex 400 SW 8th Street Suite D Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Email: judith.manning@idph.iowa.gov
Phone: (515) 281-4413
Website: http://idph.iowa.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 Iowa
| State | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Salary | $58,140 |
| Hourly Wage | $27.95 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $45,690 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $65,440 |
| # Employed | 1,220 |
In Iowa, the average salary for Physical Therapy Assistants in 2022-2023 is $58,140, approximately 7% below the national average of $62,770. The average hourly wage is $27.95. Among the 1,220 employed PTAs in the state, the top 10% earn $65,440, while the bottom 10% earn $45,690. These figures provide an overview of the income distribution within the profession, reflecting a slight variance from the national average.
In Iowa, from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) increased by $9,520, marking a 20% change. Employment also saw a positive trend, with an additional 200 PTAs employed during the same period, reflecting a 20% increase. Looking ahead, the projected growth in PTA employment in Iowa from 2020 to 2030 is expected to be substantial, with a 44% increase, indicating a promising outlook for individuals pursuing careers in this field.
There are approximately 1,120 persons currently employed as PTA’s in Iowa.
PTA Salaries and Employment in Iowa by Metro Area
The table below breaks down the salary and employment of physical therapist assistants by Metro area across the state.
| City | Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Ames | 30 | $53,620 |
| Cedar Rapids | 110 | $54,180 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 120 | $54,850 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 180 | $54,860 |
| Dubuque | 40 | $46,500 |
| Iowa City | 70 | $55,330 |
| Sioux City | 40 | $51,950 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | 70 | $53,990 |