Physical Therapy Assistant Programs in NC

Requirements to become a PTA in NC

To become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in North Carolina (NC), you should firstly graduate from one of the 11 accredited PTA schools recognized by CAPTE. After graduation, you’ll need to pass both a state jurisprudence exam and the national certification examination (NPTE) as required in North Carolina. These exams are essential for obtaining your PTA license.

Below you will find more detailed information on the top accredited schools, as well as certification, licensing, and career prospects

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1. Graduate from an Accredited PTA program in NC
2. Pass local North Carolina and/or National Certification Exams
3. Obtain your license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in North Carolina
4. How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make in North Carolina?

Top Accredited PTA Programs in NC for 2023

There are currently 11 CAPTE-accredited PTA schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in NC.

You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in North Carolina and neighboring areas.

Physical Therapy Assistant Certification Exam Requirements in North Carolina

Once you have graduated from an accredited school in North Carolina, you will need to obtain a license to work as a physical therapist assistant there. To obtain your license it is a requirement that you have successfully passed additional certification exams.

North Carolina is one of 27 States in which it is a requirement to undertake both a State level exam as well as the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

The state exam ensures that candidates have a thorough understanding of the local laws and regulations under which they are allowed to work.

The purpose of the NPTE exams is to ensure a minimum standard of knowledge and competence after graduation and before entering into the workplace. The NPTE exams are developed and administered by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

North Carolina PTA License Requirements

To practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in North Carolina, you must graduate from an accredited school and obtain a license. To be eligible, you need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and the jurisprudence exam. Applicants in North Carolina must undergo an FBI Criminal Background Check as part of the application process.

The North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy regulates the licensing of Physical Therapist Assistants in North Carolina. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:

Address: 8300 Health Park, Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615-0000,
Email: benmassey@ncptboard.org
Phone: (919) 490-6393
Website:https://www2.ncptboard.org/

Update 2018: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) has recently launched the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact for PT’s and PTA’s.

The purpose of the compact is to essentially create an interstate license allowing a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to practice outside of the state in which they obtained their license.

Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary in NC

In North Carolina, the average (median) salary for Physical Therapy Assistants is $61,340, slightly below the national average. The hourly wage is $29.49. Among PTA professionals, the top 10% earned $83,540, while the bottom 10% earned $47,230. With 2,720 employed, the state presents opportunities in a growing field, maintaining competitive wages for PTA practitioners.

In North Carolina, from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physical Therapy Assistants increased by $1,240, representing a 2% change. Employment, however, experienced a decline of 130 positions, marking a 5% decrease. Despite this recent dip, the projected growth in PTA employment between 2020 and 2030 anticipates a 37% increase, showcasing a positive outlook for the profession in the coming years.

There are 2,720 people currently employed as PTA’s in North Carolina.

PTA Salaries and Employment in North Carolina by Metro Area

The table below breaks down the salary and employment of physical therapist assistants by Metro area across the state.  The highest salaries are paid to PTA’s in the New Bern area whilst the highest level of employment is in the Virginia Beach and Raleigh metro areas.