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Associate of Applied Science

Physical Therapist Assistant (A.A.S.)

This program prepares students to pass the national licensure exam and work under the direction of a physical therapist as a licensed physical therapist assistant.

What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?

A physical therapist assistant (PTA) works under a physical therapist to help patients improve movement, manage pain, and regain function. They work directly with patients, guiding them through exercises, massages, or stretches to complete their treatment plans. PTAs often work in hospitals, clinics, or schools and must pass a licensure exam to work.

Request more information about the Physical Therapist Assistant program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

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Physical Therapist Assistant Introduction

The PTA program at BYU-Idaho is a fully accredited program that prepares students to pass the national licensure exams. The program is application based, and you must complete the prerequisites before you may apply to be one of the twenty students admitted. If you’re accepted into the PTA program, you will have another four semesters of classes and externships that will equip you with the knowledge you need to work under a physical therapist.

As a student in the physical therapist assistant program, you will:

  • Learn to work effectively under a physical therapist 
  • Study principles of rehabilitation and quality care 
  • Become a life long learner and skilled professional 
  • Understand proper therapeutic and clinical procedures 

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant, start with one of the following major-specific courses
April 23, 2026 02:11 PM
PTA 210
April 23, 2026 02:09 PM
PTA 215
April 23, 2026 02:11 PM
PTA 220
September 26, 2025 10:11 AM
BIO 264
April 23, 2026 02:08 PM
BIO 265
November 03, 2025 08:20 AM
HCA 280
September 26, 2025 10:23 AM
HRHP 359
April 23, 2026 02:10 PM
PTA 369
See Example Class Plan

Career Possibilities for Physical Therapy

Graduates with an Associate's degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

Career Options

Data Source: Industry and occupation employment and wage estimates are modeled using data from Lightcast, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other public sources. Figures are estimates and actual outcomes may vary by employer, experience, and location.

Dive Deeper Into Physical Therapy

Explore helpful articles about this major, including career paths, skills, and opportunities. Get the insight you need to make an informed decision about your future at BYU-Idaho.

Explore Major Discovery
July 09, 2026 01:30 PM
Maybe you’ve just finished your physical therapy assistant (PTA) program and want to learn more about physical therapy, or maybe you’ve been a PTA for a while and want to advance your career. Either way, completing a physical therapist (PT) program might be the right answer for you.
4 Min Read
July 09, 2026 01:42 PM
Plenty of students want a career in healthcare, but if you want a practical, hands-on job, you might want to consider physical therapy. In physical therapy, you can work as a physical therapist (PT) or a physical therapist assistant (PTA).
3 Min Read

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

AI in Human Performance and Recreation
Our program prioritizes the development of independent critical thinking, while strategically using AI to help you analyze current clinical literature and prepare for the national licensure exam. You will learn to use these emerging tools responsibly to support evidence-based practice and stay current with modern healthcare research.
Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness
AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

Related Majors

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

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Learn More About The Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Request more information about the Physical Therapist Assistant program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

Request More Information