The United States Department of Labor listed Physical Therapist Assistant as the 7th fastest growing profession in the country.
The Bureau of Labour Statistics estimates vacancies will grow 33% through 2029.
Becoming a PTA in Indiana is a gateway to stable employment to help others recover from accidents, injuries, and other medical conditions.
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How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Indiana: Step-by-Step
The traditional pipeline to becoming a PTA in Indiana involves graduating from an accredited course in the field, applying for a license, and passing an exam.
After finishing the degree, the Indiana Physical Therapy Board offers a temporary permit to practice as an option, should you want to work while waiting for the license application and exam results.
The temporary license may be renewed once for another 60 days, but only if the applicant has not received a fail grade in the NPTE during this time.
Join a Physical Therapist Assistant Degree Program
Four Indiana institutions offer PTA courses accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Three of them are universities, while one is a community college.
Education in Indiana is relatively expensive compared to other states.
The institutions listed here make up for the costs with the quality of facilities and teaching.
Complete the Clinical Experience
Every PTA program involves a clinical experience period lasting at least one semester.
During sixteen weeks, you get to work full-time under the supervision of physical therapists and their assistants in a clinical environment.
The integrated clinical experience is a challenging but rewarding part of the PTA education, as it allows you to work with patients and professionals in the field.
Being admitted to the clinical experience part of the course hinges on academic performance up until that point.
Apply for a Physical Therapist Assistant License
After receiving your degree, you must apply for a PTA license with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
The standard application by examination involves a background check and hinges on approval in the National Physical Therapy Examination.
Graduates looking to work between finishing the course and taking the NPTE may apply for a temporary permit to practice for a fee of $50.
This permit allows you to practice under the supervision of a physical therapist for 60 days.
Take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the NPTE for Physical Therapist Assistants.
Aspiring PTAs must score 600 points out of 800 on the 180 questions of the exam.
The exam lasts 4 hours, plus 30 minutes of briefings and breaks.
The results come out five days after the exam.
FSBPT sends results simultaneously to the candidate and the Indiana Physical Therapy Board.
If the grade is positive, the Board issues a PTA license, allowing you to begin practicing.
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Indiana
Indiana is home to four institutions that offer courses accredited by CAPTE.
This list includes three universities and Ivy Tech Community College, which hosts its Physical Therapist Assistant course in two locations.
Ivy Tech Community College
Length: 2 Years
Cost: $41572 to $50678
Location: Sellersburg or St. Muncie, IN
Ivy Tech is the only community college in Indiana offering an Associate of Sciences degree for Physical Therapist Assistant students.
There are transfer agreements with Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Indiana Wesleyan University for those considering continuing education to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
The college teaches PTA students at its Sellersburg or St. Muncie campuses, adding flexibility for those looking to study there.
University of Indianapolis
Length: 2 Years
Cost: $88483
Location: Indianapolis, IN
The University of Indianapolis made it to the Colleges of Distinction List for 2023-2024, and its quality matches the tradition.
This Associate of Science program allows graduates to head into the workforce or continue their education.
Students may join a bridge program at the University of Indianapolis to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy later in their careers.
University of Saint Francis
Length: 2 Years
Cost: $70960
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
The University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne promotes an Associate of Applied Science degree with a 100% employment rate for graduates.
During the clinical experience section, students go through four clinical rotations, and the fourth one allows students to pick a specialty of their choice.
This opportunity is perfect for those seeking to work with a specific demographic, such as burn victims or elders.
Vincennes University
Length: 2 Years
Cost: $19267 to $41207.80
Location: Vincennes, IN
Vincennes University offers the most affordable PTA program in Indiana, with prices as low as $19267 for those living in-state.
The course has steadily improved in recent years, with a graduation rate of 90.5% and first-time NPTE approval of 88.9% for the class of 2023.
The program accepts 28 students per year, though the admission process is competitive.
Top 4 Schools in Indiana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College | 3325 IN-3, New Castle, IN 47362, United States |
| University of Indianapolis | 1400 E Hanna Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227, United States |
| University of Saint Francis | 2701 Spring St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808, United States |
| Vincennes University | 1002 N 1st St, Vincennes, IN 47591, United States |
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Indiana
The average salary of a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in Indiana at $63710, versus a national average of $65401.
The average in Indianapolis is functionally identical to that of the state.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Physical Therapist Assistants in Indiana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $34,300 |
| Fort Wayne | $32,900 |
| Evansville | $33,300 |
| South Bend | $33,200 |
| Gary | $35,200 |
| Hammond | $35,200 |
| Bloomington | $32,500 |
| Muncie | $32,500 |
| Anderson | $32,700 |
| Terre Haute | $32,400 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, IN | 30 | $57,710 | $27.74 | $74,650 | $47,670 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 40 | $66,650 | $32.04 | $72,970 | $60,880 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 110 | $59,830 | $28.77 | $77,020 | $37,140 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 210 | $56,870 | $27.34 | $66,400 | $46,170 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 640 | $64,190 | $30.86 | $79,360 | $48,250 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 60 | $59,500 | $28.61 | $78,050 | $43,830 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 70 | $62,170 | $29.89 | $74,030 | $47,500 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 50 | $64,330 | $30.93 | $89,990 | $44,310 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to start practicing as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Indiana?
The standard process involves applying for licensure through examination in the NPTE, but graduates may opt for a temporary license to work while preparing for the exam.
Is Indiana a good state for Physical Therapist Assistants?
Yes.
The state has high-end PTA education options and a competitive market, with salaries in line with the national average.
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistant license cost in Indiana?
The license application fee costs $100, while the temporary license costs $50.
Renewals happen every two years and also cost $100.
