What is Physical Therapy?

If you enjoy working with people and helping them on the road to recovery, Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) might be the career for you. PTAs are individuals who assist the Physical Therapist in the delivery of selected interventions such as therapeutic exercise, massage, range of motion, motor learning and the use of heat, cold or light-based therapies. You would play an instrumental role in helping a patient rehabilitate from chronic conditions, traumatic events and illnesses — supporting and guiding them as they improve their mobility and heal damaged tissue. By completing this two-year associate degree program, you will be prepared to enter a high-demand field that offers daily, personal rewards.

Career Forecast Bright OutlookAverage Salary $61,360 (KDOL 2023)on campus
PTA students with patient

Choose Washburn for PTA

Washburn's PTA program is primarily in person with some classes online during clinical rotations. Our students learn the didactic and evidence based clinical knowledge to be competitive in the workforce. They also learn the importance of professionalism and interprofessional teamwork within the health care field.  So why choose Washburn? Our PTA program is one of the best in the state based on graduation rates and board exam pass rates.

  • Our graduation rate is 83.7% (graduating classes of 2023 and 2024).
  • Ultimate licensure exam pass rate is 97.2% (graduating classes 2023 and 2024).
  • First time licensure exam pass rate is 97.2% (graduating classes 2023 and 2024).
  • Placement rate is 100% within one year of licensure exam (graduating classes 2022 and 2023).
  • Our acceptance rate is 69.7% (graduating classes 2025 and 2026).
Washburn students also enjoy small class sizes. Our student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1 which allows for more interaction with faculty and staff. Students are also given the opportunity, if chosen, to complete a bachelor's degree while completing their PTA associate degree.

Washburn Bell Tower

Admissions Process

  • Applications for the PTA program are accepted between Nov. 1 and Feb. 1. You must first be accepted to Washburn University before applying for this program.
PTA student with patient

Clinical Experience

  • PTA students are required to participate in three clinical affiliations during their two-year degree program.
Morgan Hall on WU campus

Quality Indicators

  • Washburn is dedicated to developing quality Physical Therapy Assistants by exceeding the standards set by our accrediting body.
Ichabod statue

FAQs

  • Learn about this program by exploring answers to a list of frequently asked questions.

Take a Closer Look

Washburn has up to 24 open positions in its PTA program each year. Students learn in a 2,500 square foot facility with two teaching lab rooms, high tech physical therapy equipment and computer stations within the classroom. Students in the program also have open access to a lab room outside of class time for practice and study purposes. We also offer a wide variety of high quality clinical sites.

Program Director:
Mark Kohls, DPT, Cert. MDT
785.670.3069 or mark.kohls@washburn.edu

Clinical Education Director:
Cory Oliva, PTA, MHS   
785.670.1404 or cory.oliva@washburn.edu

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Washburn University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 785.670.2170 or e-mail mark.kohls@washburn.edu.

  CAPTE verifyPlatinum Reach 100

By the Numbers

CAREER FORECAST: bright outlook
Employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 33 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the health needs of an aging population, particularly the large baby-boom generation. (source: Kansas Department of Labor)

Experienced Salary

$66,790

Projected Job Growth

33%

(2019-2029)

Employment Rate

100%

(WU: 2021 & 2022)

Apply Now

Apply to Washburn University first before applying for the Physical Therapist Assistant program. PTA applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher to be considered. Completed application packets must be mailed and received between November 1 and February 1 for applicants applying for the following fall semester. Additional requirements are listed in the PTA application packet.

 

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Washburn University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 785.670.2170 or e-mail mark.kohls@washburn.edu.

  CAPTE verify

PTA Degree Plan

Become a PTA by completing Washburn's two-year degree plan.
Read More

Application Packet

Complete and mail the PTA application packet by no later than Feb. 1.
Read More

Contact Us

Mark Kohls serves as director of Washburn's Physical Therapy Assistant program.
Read More

GET IN TOUCH WITH Allied Health

Allied Health
Benton Hall, Room 107
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
Ph: 785.670.2170
allied-health@washburn.edu

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