In a lot of cases, a higher education can mean a higher salary or even a better job. That's why we found out the best colleges for physical therapy technicians. We based this list on these metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of students working, ratio of working vs. non-working students 10 years after admission, average cost of attendance and median debt for graduates.
Best Colleges And Majors For Physical Therapy Technicians
Best Colleges For Physical Therapy Technicians
1. University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA • Private
In-State Tuition
$17,653
Enrollment
16,405
2. Emory University
Atlanta, GA • Private
In-State Tuition
$51,306
Enrollment
6,975
3. University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT • Private
In-State Tuition
$15,730
Enrollment
18,830
4. Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Roanoke, VA • Private
In-State Tuition
$26,886
Enrollment
774
5. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-State Tuition
$9,992
Enrollment
33,495
6. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Ponce
Mercedita, PR • Private
In-State Tuition
$5,914
Enrollment
4,155
7. Howard University
Washington, DC • Private
In-State Tuition
$26,756
Enrollment
6,166
8. Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • Private
In-State Tuition
$10,726
Enrollment
45,769
9. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Arecibo
Arecibo, PR • Private
In-State Tuition
$5,872
Enrollment
3,553
10. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon
Bayamon, PR • Private
In-State Tuition
$5,940
Enrollment
4,169
Physical Therapy Technician Education Requirements
There are several education requirements to become a physical therapy technician. Physical therapy technicians usually study kinesiology, physical therapy or biology. 68% of physical therapy technicians hold a bachelor's degree and 15% hold a associate degree. We found these by analyzing 8,352 physical therapy technician resumes to investigate the topic of physical therapy technician education more precisely.
The most common colleges for students to pursue their goal of becoming a physical therapy technician are Arizona State University and Texas A&M; University.
For those who would rather stay in your pajamas during the day, we prepared some online courses that can help in physical therapy technician education paths.
We prepared a list of a physical therapy technician certifications that you should consider. The necessary certifications that physical therapy technicians must have to succeed are Massage Therapy Certification (MT) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
What Education Do You Need To Become a Physical Therapy Technician?
What degree do you need to be a Physical Therapy Technician?
The most common degree for physical therapy technicians is bachelor's degree 68% of physical therapy technicians earn that degree. A close second is associate degree with 15% and rounding it off is high school diploma with 8%.
- Bachelors, 68%
- Associate, 15%
- High School Diploma, 8%
- Masters, 4%
- Other Degrees, 5%
What Should I Major in to Become a Physical Therapy Technician?
Most physical therapy technicians, 35% to be exact, major in kinesiology. Some other common majors for a physical therapy technician include physical therapy and biology majors.
- Kinesiology, 35%
- Physical Therapy, 10%
- Biology, 8%
- Other Majors, 40%
Most Common Colleges For Physical Therapy Technicians
Here are the most common colleges for a physical therapy technician career in the US based on their resumes. Advocates often get their degree in Arizona State University, Texas A&M; University, and University of Maryland - College Park .
| Physical Therapy Technician Common College | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Arizona State University | 11.65% |
| Texas A&M University | 6.68% |
| University of Maryland - College Park | 6.28% |
| Oakland University | 6.28% |
| Texas State University | 6.15% |
Best Majors For Physical Therapy Technicians
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kinesiology | 35.3% |
| 2 | Physical Therapy | 10.0% |
| 3 | Biology | 8.1% |
| 4 | Medical Assisting Services | 6.5% |
| 5 | Psychology | 5.1% |
20 Best Online Courses for Physical Therapy Technicians
Advertising Disclosure
1. Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise
Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise will introduce learners to the concepts and benefits of physical therapy and exercise. Over six weeks learners will explore: Why physical activity and exercise are important, Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease, Exercise and Osteoporosis, Exercise and Cancer, Common Sports Injuries, Exercise and Arthritis...
2. Occupational Therapy Introduction - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE
How to become occupational therapist, basic Psychology, Physiology & Anatomy, working with disabilities, children adults...
3. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Art Therapy
Become Professional Art Therapist with this Therapeutic Art Therapy Course / Masterclass for Healing and Life Coaching...
4. Art Therapy: Art Therapy Exercises For Healing In Life
35 Art Therapy exercises for life happiness & stress management. Art therapy with paintings, art & affirmations...
5. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course
Learn Cupping Therapy Massage Today to Treat Your Own Pains, Your Friends, Family Or Massage Clients Effortlessly!...
6. Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy Course 101...
7. Sound Therapy Full Certification Course
Become a holistic professional who knows both Western and Eastern approaches to Sound Therapy!...
8. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches
Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...
9. Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy
Learn Solution Focused Therapy To Empower Clients & Improve Outcomes Ideal For Social Workers, Coaches & Therapists...
10. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...
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Everything you need to heal yourself - and heal others. Workbooks. hundreds of Art Therapy exercises. active Q/A...
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Fully Accredited Diploma Course - Using the power of Color For Positive & Strong Effects In Your Or Your Clients Life!...
14. The Complete EMDR Therapy Course - Accredited Certification
International EMDR Training for Self-Healing, Trauma Therapy, Childhood Healing, PTSD, Grief, and Counseling...
15. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Associate Life Coach
CBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Life Coaching Associate Coach Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching...
16. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Practitioner ACCREDITED
Combining Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy to create Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy or MBCT for short - join now!...
17. Reiki and Colour Therapy
Expanding Your Awareness...
18. Fully Accredited Crystal Therapy Healing Diploma Course
An In Depth Diploma Course Understanding & Learning About Crystals & Their Powerful Healing Abilities...
19. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Learn SFBT skills for creative conversations and better outcomes. With video of live sessions...
20. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Certificate
Become a certified CBT practitioner and learn to use cognitive behavior therapy to improve people's mental health...
Top 10 Affordable Universities For Physical Therapy Technicians
If those top 10 were a bit out of your price range, you might want to check these schools instead. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price and mean earnings after 6 years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for physical therapy technicians.
1. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-State Tuition
$8,306
Cost of Attendance
16,091
2. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-State Tuition
$5,620
Cost of Attendance
18,136
3. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-State Tuition
$9,992
Cost of Attendance
22,430
4. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,309
Cost of Attendance
16,714
5. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,381
Cost of Attendance
21,034
6. Minot State University
Minot, ND • Private
In-State Tuition
$7,064
Cost of Attendance
15,576
7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-State Tuition
$4,094
Cost of Attendance
14,302
8. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-State Tuition
$5,656
Cost of Attendance
21,623
9. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,798
Cost of Attendance
18,306
10. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$6,749
Cost of Attendance
14,823
Top 10 Hardest Universities To Get Into For Physical Therapy Technicians
Some people like a challenge. Well, we challenge you to get into one of these schools. It's not going to be easy. We know this based on these institutions' admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted and mean earnings of students 6 years after admission.
1. University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA • Private
Admissions Rate
26%
SAT Average
1,427
2. Emory University
Atlanta, GA • Private
Admissions Rate
19%
SAT Average
1,449
3. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions Rate
8%
SAT Average
1,508
4. University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK • Private
Admissions Rate
41%
SAT Average
1,321
5. University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT • Private
Admissions Rate
49%
SAT Average
1,318
6. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
Admissions Rate
58%
SAT Average
1,309
7. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions Rate
19%
SAT Average
1,466
8. Clemson University
Clemson, SC • Private
Admissions Rate
47%
SAT Average
1,337
9. University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions Rate
59%
SAT Average
1,367
10. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ • Private
Admissions Rate
60%
SAT Average
1,303
Top 10 Easier To Apply Universities For Physical Therapy Technicians
Why make getting a job harder on yourself than it has to be? With these colleges, you're sure to be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores and average salary of students 6 years after graduation in order to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into.
1. AdventHealth University
Orlando, FL • Private
Admissions Rate
87%
SAT Average
1,016
2. University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions Rate
88%
SAT Average
1,044
3. Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, TX • Private
Admissions Rate
98%
SAT Average
1,003
4. Felician University
Lodi, NJ • Private
Admissions Rate
81%
SAT Average
999
5. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions Rate
91%
SAT Average
1,006
6. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions Rate
68%
SAT Average
964
7. Presentation College
Aberdeen, SD • Private
Admissions Rate
97%
SAT Average
1,050
8. Ottawa University
Ottawa, KS • Private
Admissions Rate
78%
SAT Average
1,024
9. Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX • Private
Admissions Rate
71%
SAT Average
1,033
10. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Standish, ME • Private
Admissions Rate
84%
SAT Average
1,069
Average Physical Therapy Technician Salary by Education Level
Physical therapy technicians with a Associate degree earn more than those without, at $38,233 annually. With a Bachelors degree, physical therapy technicians earn a median annual income of $35,055.
| Physical Therapy Technician Education Level | Physical Therapy Technician Salary |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | $35,055 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $38,233 |