Physical Therapist Assistant
Hybrid Associate's Degree
- Next Start Date
- January 05, 2026
19 courses to complete the Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s program
CAPTE accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education2
Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree
Unlike other Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) programs, our CAPTE®-accredited2 curriculum is designed with a unique blend of online courses and immersive on-campus labs, giving you the flexibility and firsthand experience you need. Students are not required to be on campus every day or every week but have concentrated, uninterrupted lab time several days in a row when they are on campus.
In Rasmussen’s PTA program, you'll also get clinical practice at a healthcare facility to ensure hands-on, real-world training. Eager to play a hands-on role in helping people of all ages regain their strength and mobility? Our PTA program can help get you there faster—in as few as 18 months.1 Physical therapists will depend on you as physical therapist assistants to help improve the lives of your patients and will rely on you to function as part of a cohesive healthcare team.
On This Page:
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Self-Directed Assessments
Save time and money on your PTA program Associate's degree with self-directed assessments. These $149 online, assessments allow you to show that you already achieved the skills and knowledge for a particular course and don't need to take it. We'll provide prep materials, and you can work with a peer tutor to prepare at no additional cost. Learn more about self-directed assessments and other Knowledge Credit® options.
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Institutional and Programmatic Accreditation
Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).2 Learn more about programmatic accreditation and CAPTE in the below Accreditation Information.
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Physical Therapy Education That Opens Doors
As a PTA, you will be qualified to work with a variety of people throughout their lifespan in a wide range of settings, from clinics and hospitals to skilled nursing facilities and sports rehab centers. Graduating from a PTA program can help you along the path to this compassionate career. See the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Guide for additional important programmatic information.
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With You Locally in Florida and Minnesota
Enroll in our PTA program at our Ocala, FL, or Hennepin/Anoka, MN, campus and reap the benefits of blended on-campus and online instruction. Instructional online courses give you the flexibility to work toward your degree without disrupting your busy schedule. The innovative on-campus lab format features concentrated full-day labs several days in a row, meaning less time commuting and more time practicing in-demand PTA skills. Our immersive labs include focused, uninterrupted skill development and supervised practice with our highly skilled faculty. The PTA program also incorporates clinical site training to give you firsthand experience of the physical therapy industry at a healthcare facility. For full details about our PTA program structure, take a look at our Physical Therapist Assistant Lab Schedule.
What Types of Classes Will I Take?
Rasmussen’s hybrid Physical Therapist Assistant program offers courses taught and designed by faculty with experience in the field. Each course will help students develop job-related and critical thinking skills and gain technical knowledge so they can pursue success with a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s degree. Here are some example courses that you would take in the PTA program:-
Principles of Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Lower Quarter
PHT 1200 / On Campus and Online / 5 Credits
Teaches the presentation of lower quarter musculoskeletal disorders with a focus on evidence-based therapeutic exercises in this region, as well as the structure and function of the lower quarter musculoskeletal system.
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Physical Therapy Practice Across the Lifespan
PHT 2600 / On Campus and Online / 4 Credits
Studies normal human development and human anatomy across a lifespan to prepare for children and aging adults in various practice settings.
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Physical Therapy Practice for Special Populations
PHT 2650 / On Campus and Online / 4 Credits
Studies the physical therapy profession in special populations, including patients with cardiovascular, pulmonary and pelvic health conditions.
"The immersive lab allowed me to be 100% focused. You have plenty of opportunities to practice and ask your instructor questions. The immersive lab is definitely one of the best parts of the program."
Leo
Physical Therapist Assistant Graduate
Your Future is Full of Possibilities as a Physical Therapy Assistant
Through career-focused curriculum and practical, hands-on opportunities in your courses and labs, you can prepare for a career in the PTA field. Our PTA program is designed to help you gain job-ready skills and strategic thinking that employers seek in Physical Therapy Assistants.-
Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s
Intended for:
The PTA program is for students looking to work directly with a diverse range of people and pursue a successful, fulfilling career helping others as a physical therapist assistant with well-rounded knowledge about the field.Common careers:
- Physical therapist assistant
Pursue potential job growth:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 19% from 2023 to 2033.3
Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!
Tuition & Savings
Do the Math:
With multiple start dates a year and a total of 19 courses, students who enroll can finish in as few as 18 months.1
$384 tuition per full-time credit
x 93 total credits
_______________________
$35,712 total full-time tuition
+ $6,900 total fees
_______________________
$42,612 full-time estimated total tuition and fees
Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).
Other Ways to Save
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions representative and learn how our degrees are designed to be more affordable with transfer credits, self-directed assessments, loans and grants, scholarship opportunities, corporate grants and military grants for those who qualify.
Find more about:
How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant (and Why You Should)
There’s a lot to like about the role of a physical therapist assistant. Learn more about what makes this such an appealing career and how a PTA program can help you get there.
Read more
What Should I Know Before I Enroll?
Entrance Requirements
Entrance requirements for the School of Health Sciences vary by program. To learn more and receive help planning your healthcare career path, contact an admissions representative who will speak to you about immunizations, background checks and the several options you may provide for potential entrance into the program.Help Paying for College
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions representative and learn how these programs can make it more affordable with self-directed assessments, credit for prior learning, loans and grants, scholarship opportunities, corporate grants and military grants for those who qualify.
Transfer Student
We believe in giving credit where it’s due. You can get an estimate of your transfer credits without an official transcript in one business day (on average). Talk to an admissions representative today, or explore our Transfer Policy page for our seamless credit policies designed to maximize credits, potentially save money and expedite graduation.
Where Can I Find a PTA Program Near Me?
At Rasmussen University, we want our courses to be available on your schedule, not the other way around. Select programs are available for enrollment through a specific campus and nationally online, but students complete the courses online and are able to utilize online and on-campus support and resources. See below to find out where you can find a Physical Therapist Assistant hybrid Associate's program near you.
Accreditation
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; [email protected] is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.
Student Learning Outcomes
View Physical Therapist Assistant Program Outcomes >
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
[email protected]
703-706-3245
Accredited Programs:
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Rasmussen University – Hennepin/Anoka is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: [email protected]; website: https://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 833-606-1911 or email [email protected].
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Rasmussen University – Ocala is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: [email protected]; website: https://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 833-606-1911 or email [email protected].
Student Financial Fact Sheets
2025 PTA student financial fact sheet - Hennepin Anoka
2025 PTA student financial fact sheet - Ocala