PTA Schools and Employment in Arkansas

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There are 5 accredited schools for Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) programs in Arkansas for 2024. These schools are approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

We’ve done the research for you and have all the latest information on these schools as well as certification and licensing requirements, and salary and job prospects to help you get started.

How to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Arkansas

1. Graduate from a CAPTE Accredited Pnysical Therapy Assistant Program
2. Apply for your Arkansas PTA License
3. Complete National and State Examinations
4. Arkansas Physical Therapy Assistant Salaries and Employment
5. Ongoing Professional Development and Licensing Requirements
6. Explore Related Career Options


Search Physical Therapy Aide Programs

Get information on Physical Therapy Aide programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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Top 5 Accredited PTA Programs in Arkansas

1. Arkansas State University

– Address: PO Box 910 State University, AR 72467-0910, United States

– Phone: (870) 972-3591

– Email: beckeith@astate.edu

Arkansas State University is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 14,000 Students as of 2022. 

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Arkansas State University is a comprehensive two-year program with a class size of 30 students. 

The coursework is available on both the Jonesboro and Mountain Home campuses, but the degree is conferred by the Jonesboro campus. The program, fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2033, awards graduates with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. 

The curriculum, offered in both full-time day formats, boasts competitive acceptance rates, with 55% admitted on the Jonesboro campus in 2024. Graduation rates are noteworthy, with an 87% success rate at Jonesboro and 67% at Mountain Home in 2023. Employment rates post-graduation are excellent, with a 100% employment rate reported for both campuses in 2022.

The campus provides on-campus accommodation, enhancing the overall student experience.

The total tuition and fees for in-state students for the PTA program exceed $12,000.

For detailed information about the PTA program, interested individuals can visit the program page https://www.astate.edu/college/conhp/degrees/degree-details.dot?mid=c9bc5250-4190-49e3-962f-e9e756774ee9

2. Arkansas Tech University, Ozark

Address: 1700 Helberg Lane, Ozark, AR 72949, United States

– Phone: (479) 667-0198

– Email: aoverbey1@atu.edu

Arkansas Tech University, a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 9,500 students, is located in Ozark, Arkansas. 

The PTA Program, fully accredited by CAPTE until December 31, 2025, is a comprehensive two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. 

The program, with class sizes determined in the spring based on clinical site availability and job market demand, is intensive, requiring 30-36 hours per week of theory, lab, and fieldwork.

The graduation rate for the PTA Program at Arkansas Tech University for the academic year 2021-22 stands at an impressive 95%. The ultimate pass rate, both on the first attempt and overall, is 83%, reflecting the program’s commitment to academic excellence. 

The employment rate for graduates in the same period is 100%, showcasing the program’s success in preparing students for successful careers.

The campus offers on-campus accommodation options.

For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA Program are over $11,000. 

For more information about the PTA program at Arkansas Tech University, you can visit their program page a https://www.atu.edu/ozark/degrees/associates/physical-therapist-assistant.php.

3. NorthWest Arkansas Community College

– Address: One College Drive Bentonville, AR 72712-5091 United States

– Phone: 479-619-4328

– Email: nvirden@nwacc.edu

NorthWest Arkansas Community College is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 9,500 students. 

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at NWACC is a two-year, full-time day format that admits a maximum of 18 students annually. Graduates of the program receive an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2029. 

NWACC boasts a 100% employment rate for Traditional and Hybrid Expansion students from 2022-2023, with a two-year average graduation rate of 86% for Traditional students and 60% for Hybrid Expansion students.

The college does not offer on-campus accommodation, it provides a conducive learning environment with a moderate campus size.

The total tuition and fees for in-state students for the PTA program exceed $10400.

Further details about the PTA program can be found on NWACC’s program page: https://www.nwacc.edu/academicdivisions/healthprofessions/physicaltherapistassistant/default.aspx). 

4. South Arkansas College, El Dorado

Address: 300 South West Avenue PO Box 7010, El Dorado, AR 71730-5936, United States

– Phone: (870) 862-8131

– Email: sallen@southark.edu

South Arkansas College, is a public school with an enrollment of approximately 2300 students.

The college offers a fully CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program with a class size of 20 students per year. The program is designed to be completed in two years, and graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science degree. The curriculum follows a full-time day format.

Accredited until December 31, 2026, the PTA program at South Arkansas College boasts a graduation rate of 85.3%, an impressive 100% employment rate, and a first-time NPTE licensure pass rate averaging 65.5% for 2021 and 2022. The program director is an active member of the APTA’s Education Section and the PTA Program Special Interest Group.

The campus does not provide on-campus accommodation.

For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PTA program exceed $15,000. 

More details about the program can be found on the official program page: https://www.southark.edu/academics/health-science/physical-therapist-assistant

5. UA Cossatot, Ashdown

– Address: 1411 N. Constitution, Ashdown, AR 71822, United States

– Phone: (870) 584-1488

– Email: jsanderson@cccua.edu

UA Cossatot is a public community college with an enrollment of approximately 1400 students.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at UA Cossatot is an 18-month program, limiting class sizes to 16 students annually. Fully accredited by CAPTE until June 30, 2025, the program emphasizes hands-on training, including a Physical Performance Test for applicants.

With a focus on safety and excellence, UA Cossatot has an impressive average graduation rate of 86.9% for 2021 and 2022. The first-time pass rate stands at 71.4%, and graduates enjoy a 100% employment rate. The program incorporates a Physical Performance Test for applicants, ensuring the safety and capabilities of students.

The campus offers on-campus accommodation options.

The total tuition and fees for in-state students exceed $18,000. 

For more information about the PTA program at UA Cossatot, you can visit their program page at http://www.cccua.edu/programs-of-study/medical-education/.

Arkansas PTA Certification and Licensing Requirements

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Arkansas, there are specific requirements you must meet. First, you need to be at least 18 years old. Secondly, you must graduate from a college-level associate degree (AA) program approved by the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy.

In addition to your education, you’ll need to pass the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam to demonstrate your understanding of local laws and regulations related to the profession. Furthermore, you must successfully pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTE), which ensures a minimum standard of knowledge and competence.

For license renewal, continuing education is mandatory, and a background check is required. If you’re a member of the military or a military spouse, you can apply for a temporary license until formal approval is granted.

To contact the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy for further information or inquiries, you can use the following details:

Address: P.O. Box 250254, Little Rock, AR 72225
Email: arptb@arkansas.gov
Phone: (501) 228-7100
Website: https://www.arptb.org/

Watch the video below for more information on becoming a PTA in Arkansas;

Physical Therapy Assistant Salary Arkansas

In Arkansas, the median salary for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) in 2022-2023 is $62,030, which is slightly lower (1%) than the national average of $62,770. On an hourly basis, the average wage stands at $29.82. The top 10% of PTAs in the state earn around $84,110 annually, while the bottom 10% make approximately $36,400 per year.

In Arkansas, between 2018 and 2022, there has been a notable 9% increase in the average salary for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs), rising from $56,720 to $62,030. In terms of employment, the number of PTAs has seen a significant 28% increase over the same period, going from 1,090 individuals in 2018 to 1,390 in 2022. Looking ahead, the projected employment growth for PTAs in the state between 2020 and 2030 is estimated to be 37%, indicating a promising outlook for the profession in Arkansas.

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

CityEmployedSalary
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers170$59,560
Fort Smith130$57,850
Hot Springs70$54,880
Jonesboro120$53,380
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway400$55,660

Physical Therapy Assistants fair very well by comparison to similar careers such as Occupational Therapy Assistants, Massage Therapists and Home Health Aides in terms of average salaries, 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 Arkansas;

CareerNumber EmployedHourly WageSalary
Home Health Aides7040$9.05$18,830.00
Nursing Assistants17950$10.61$22,070.00
Occupational Therapy Assistants200$31.41$65,340.00
Massage Therapists260$18.65$38,790.00
Medical Assistants2900$13.82$28,750.00