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Bridge Health and Well-Being with Training for an In-Demand Healthcare Career
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
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
2 years
Primary Location
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.
Areas of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Physical Therapist Assistant – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Degree Requirements
Cost: $12,016
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 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2-Year Average 5-Year Average Graduation Rate 93% 93% 96% 100% 88% 94% 94% Licensure Exam Pass Rate 89% 91% 92% 97% 91% 94% 92% Employment Rate 100% 100% 100% 100% 96% 98% 99%
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.
89
Annual Openings*
$28.62
Hourly Median Wage*
$59,530
Annual Median Salary
33.46%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™, a labor market analytics tool, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Admissions
Admission into the Physical Therapist Assistant program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process.
STEP 1
- Review the Physical Therapist Assistant Application Steps which includes details on:
- admission to CWI
- prerequisite and corequisite classes
- transcripts
- references
- clinical hours
- apply to the program
- next steps
STEP 2
- Complete each step of the application process as indicated.
Step 3
- Submit the program application and necessary documentation by the deadline.
Fall 2026 Application Period
- Applications open in March.
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.
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Requirements for professional licensure in healthcare and other fields vary from state to state. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state or territory you intend to work to verify this program meets licensure requirements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
News
Applications are now being accepted for College of Western Idaho’s Health Science programs.
Read more about Health Programs 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
College of Western Idaho’s Physical Therapist Assistant program announces full accreditation status.
Read more about Physical Therapist Assistant Program Receives Full Accreditation
The CWI Foundation received a $2,000 grant from the John William Jackson Fund.
Read more about Grant Opens Doors for Health Science StudentsRequest More Information
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