Physical Therapist Assistant
at Mount Aloysius College
Associate’s Degree
The field of physical therapy is continually evolving, and the demand for professional PTs and physical therapist assistants is expanding nationally. Students majoring in the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program at Mount Aloysius College benefit from the close support of outstanding faculty who are committed to your success.
Mountie PTA majors gain hands-on experience in a dedicated lab space built around helping students learn more about their future patients’ mobility needs and care.
PTA students at the Mount enjoy the support of an experienced and caring faculty and quality clinical partners. Their commitment is focused on helping you gain the knowledge and experience needed to excel; successfully navigating the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination, and entering this exciting profession with competency and compassion.
Program Highlights
Learn more about the PTA program, including our dedicated PTA lab modeled after real physical therapy clinics.
Courses Designed to Prepare You for Your Career
The Mount’s physical therapist assistant program is designed to not only provide you with the knowledge and skills to help you be successful in future jobs, but to help you explore your passions and expand your horizons. Check out more information about the opportunities available to you.
Quick Facts About the PTA Program at Mount Aloysius
- Graduate in August after 5 semesters
- Variety of clinical experiences offered in healthcare settings
- One of the fastest growing fields in the United States
- Mount Aloysius boasts one of the best programs in Pennsylvania
- Multiple options to complete both the PTA degree and a bachelor’s degree within 4 years
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Outpatient physical therapy offices
- Home care
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers, both inpatient and outpatient
- K-12 education schools
- Pediatrics
Some of our graduates have been hired at:
- Aegis Therapies
- Benchmark
- Conemaugh Hospital and Home Health
- Drayer Physical Therapy
- Evolution
- Flagship Rehabilitation
- Epworth Manor, Tyrone
- Hillview Altoona
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital and outpatient offices
- Homewood at Martinsburg
- Kids First
- Lewistown Hospital
- Lutheran Home
- Mount Nittany Hospital
- Phoenix Physical Therapy
- Presbyterian Home
- ProCare Physical Therapy
- University Orthopedic Care
- UPMC
- UPMC Home Nursing Agency
- Vantage Physical Therapy
- Village at Morrison’s Cove
Annual median wage for physical therapist assistants in PA: $61,610.
Annual median wage for physical therapist assistants working in nursing care facilities in PA: $42,320
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Upon completion of the Associate of Science Degree Physical Therapist Assistant program, the graduate will:
- perform as a competent and skilled physical therapist assistant at the entry level, having an in-depth knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences, relative to patient/client management from the simplest to the most complex patient conditions;
- apply knowledge to prevent, correct and/or alleviate acute or prolonged movement dysfunctions;
- function in a clinical team atmosphere, appropriately referring patients/clients to other healthcare providers/agencies/ resources within the context of managed patient care;
- demonstrate awareness for the commitment to a pursuit of personal and professional development and growth, becoming lifelong learners seeking experiences necessary to remain current with changes in healthcare policy and patient care;
- demonstrate competency in the use of current and emerging technologies in providing physical therapy services across the continuum of patient care;
- demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, Core Values, and Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy as a guide for practice;
- demonstrate advocacy skills for the professional and the consumer; and
- be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) to enable entry-level employment in the physical therapy field.
Meet the Faculty & Staff
Take Your Degree to the Next Level with our 2+2 PTA/Pre-PT Pathway
Mount Aloysius College offers students enrolled in the PTA program the opportunity to continue on to complete a Bachelor’s degree enabling them to be eligible to apply to a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. They can work as a PTA once they have passed the National Exam and work as a PTA while pursuing a higher degree.
Accreditation & Program Resources
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Mount Aloysius College 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 Dr. Emily Houseknecht at 814-886-6533 or email ehouseknecht@mtaloy.edu.
Click to view our Program Financial Fact Sheet
Minimum Requirements for Eligibility for Admissions
- College Application.
- Completed work equal to standard high school course with a minimum of 16 units, including four units of English, three units of a social studies, two units of mathematics and two units of science with a related laboratory.
- One course in chemistry or physics, one course in algebra and one course in biology at either high school or college level with a minimum grade of “C.” Note: Higher grades in the sciences are indicative of success in the program and will be taken into consideration for admission purposes.
- Students transferring into the program from another major within the College, transferring from Pre-Physical Therapy Assistant (PTAP), or transferring in from another College must have a minimum of a 2.75 overall GPA, have completed BIOL 201 (Anatomy and Physiology I) with a “C” or better and completed at least 6 credits successfully per semester enrolled.
- Students transferring into the program from a Physical Therapist Assistant or Doctor of Physical Therapy program at a different institution will be required to complete the physical therapist assistant specific course work at Mount Aloysius College, including clinical rotations, regardless of courses completed at another college. Students may transfer in general education and medical terminology credits.
Note: Meeting minimum program requirements does not approve program entry.
American Physical Therapy Association – www.apta.org
APTA Pennsylvania – www.aptapa.org
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education – http://www.capteonline.org/Programs/
Graduation Rates:
- 64.7% Graduation Rate (2025-2026)
- CAPTE accreditation benchmark for 2-year average: 60%
Pass rates on the National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam (NPTAE):
- 72.7% ultimate pass rate (2024-2025)
- 85.7% ultimate pass rate (2025-2026)*
- CAPTE accreditation benchmark for 2-year average: 85%
*this rate will not stabilize until July 2027
Employment Rate:
- 100% employment rate (2024-2025)
- CAPTE accreditation benchmark for 2-year average: 90%
Affordable Tuition
Make an investment in your future with a quality, career-focused education at an affordable rate. Plus, check out our scholarships and institutional aid opportunities–99% of Mountie students receive some form of financial aid!
Questions?
Our admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have!
Email: admissions@mtaloy.edu
Phone: 814-886-6383