Physical Therapist Assistant

Bridge Health and Well-Being with Training for an In-Demand Healthcare Career

Physical Therapist Assistant students looking at fake skeleton

Program Overview

Are you passionate about helping people recover and regain their physical abilities? The Physical Therapist Assistant program at College of Western Idaho (CWI), a member of the Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education, is designed for individuals like you who wish to make a difference in the field of physical therapy. In this program, you will learn the essential skills to assist physical therapists in treating patients. You will gain knowledge in exercise, mobility, and therapeutic techniques, contributing to the rehabilitation and recovery of those in need.

This program combines academic instruction with practical clinical experiences. You will be guided by experienced professionals and get hands-on training in real healthcare settings. This comprehensive approach ensures that you are well-prepared to support patients effectively and embark on a rewarding career as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Time to Complete

2 years

Primary Location

Group of students around instructor in lab

Learning Opportunities

  • Rehabilitation Techniques: Master a range of therapeutic exercises and mobility techniques to aid patient recovery.
  • Clinical Experience: Engage in hands-on clinical practice, applying your skills in a real-world setting.
  • Patient Care: Develop the ability to provide compassionate and effective care for patients with diverse needs.
  • Anatomy & Physiology: Gain in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and the physiological basis of movement and therapy.
  • Professional Development: Build the skills and confidence required to work alongside physical therapists and healthcare teams.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Physical Therapist Assistant – Associates of Applied Science Degree

  • Student Outcomes

    Below are the student outcomes for the Physical Therapist Assistant program at College of Western Idaho, a member of the Idaho Consortium for Physical Therapist Assistant Education

    Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2-Year Average 5-Year Average
    Graduation Rate 92% 93% 93% 96% 98% 98% 95%
    Licensure Exam Pass Rate 94% 89% 91% 92% 88% 90% 91%
    Employment Rate 100% 100% 100% 95% 100% 98% 99%
Physical Therapist Assistant helping a patient do exercises in clinic

Career Opportunities

  • Physical Therapist Assistants

    Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

    66

    Annual Openings*

    $22.98

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,798

    Annual Median Salary

    40.75%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Physical Therapist Aides

    Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.

    34

    Annual Openings*

    $13.80

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $28,704

    Annual Median Salary

    32.78%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Admission into the Physical Therapist Assistant program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process. Learn more about this process by attending a Healthcare Information Session

STEP 1

STEP 2

  • Complete each step of the application process as indicated.

Step 3

  • Submit the program application and necessary documentation by the deadline.

Fall 2024 Application Period

  • March 25 – May 16

Academic Calendar New Student Checklist

Program Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at College of Western Idaho is accredited by:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
703.706.3245
accreditation@apta.org

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 208.665.5051 or email jon.gardunia@nic.edu.

News

Applications are now being accepted for College of Western Idaho’s Health Science programs.

Read more about Health Programs 2024 Application Deadlines

Applications are now being accepted for College of Western Idaho’s Health Science programs.

Read more about Health Programs 2023 Application Deadlines

College of Western Idaho invites anyone interested in or thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare to attend the 2022 Health Professions Open House Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Read more about 2022 Fall Health Professions Open House

Professional Nursing and Surgical Technology students enjoy food and networking during a barbecue hosted by Saint Alphonsus.

Read more about Saint Alphonsus Hosts BBQ for CWI Healthcare Students

Lindsay Whipple received a PTA Student of the Year award from the Idaho Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Read more about Student Receives Physical Therapist Assistant Award
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