Aspiring Physical therapist assistants in North Carolina have the unique opportunity of getting formal PTA education from a variety of accredited CAPTE programs operating within the state.
Students who are excited about becoming licensed PTAs in North Carolina – this guide is for you!
Dive in to learn more about the steps to take to become a physical therapist in North Carolina and find a list of accredited degree programs that prepare students for state licensure.
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How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in North Carolina – Step-by-Step
Becoming a physical therapist assistant requires dedication to learning and perfecting the craft and completing the mandatory steps required for licensure.
North Carolina PTA hopefuls will need to complete the following steps before becoming eligible to work as licensed physical therapist assistants in the state.
Complete High School
Most PTA degree programs will require potential students to present proof of graduation from high school or an equivalent.
Earn a PTA Degree from an Accredited Program
PTAs in training will need to complete associate degree-level education from an accredited CAPTE program.
Complete Mandatory Jurisprudence Training
North Carolina requires physical therapist assistant trainees to complete legal training before becoming eligible to provide in local healthcare facilities.
Pass the NPTE for Physical Therapist Assistants
All prospective rehabilitation assistants are required to complete the National PTA exam with a passing score.
Apply for a PTA License with the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
Future PTAs who complete all of the steps above will become eligible to apply for a physical therapist assistant license with the NCBPTE.
Receive Your License
New PTAs will receive their license upon completing the required training and testing steps and paying the required licensing fees.
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in North Carolina
Central Piedmont Community College
About the School
Central Piedmont Community College delivers a comprehensive AAS degree program for physical therapist assistants.
Their 75-hour program provides students with the clinical and practical fundamentals needed to excel as North Carolina PTAs.
Students enrolled at CPCC will take general education courses and core courses that teach them best practices for patient care, supporting physical therapists, and providing administrative support in a wide variety of healthcare settings.
Curriculum
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Experience
- Gross and Functional Anatomy
- Introduction to Physical Therapy
- Survey of Medical Terminology
- Therapeutic Procedures
Tuition and Fees: $76.00-$268.00 plus related supplies and fees.
Craven Community College
About the School
PTA hopefuls will find a full-service program that teaches them about how to treat muscles, bones, and tissues in the body and provide relief for patients suffering from accidental or medical injuries.
Students will learn the legal and ethical requirements needed to support practicing physical therapists in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and home care environments.
CCC’s physical therapist assistant program is dually accredited by CAPTE and the APTA.
Curriculum
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Functional Anatomy
- General Psychology
- Pathophysiology
- Physical Therapy Procedures
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Professional Interactions
Tuition and Fees: $3,040.00-$4940.00 per year
Fayetteville Technical Community College 
About the School
Fayetteville Technical Community College offers its physical therapist assistant program as part of its healthcare training.
Their program features competitive admission and educates future PTAs on the fundamental skills required to help restore mobility and function while alleviating pain and discomfort for patients under the care of licensed physical therapists.
Students at FTCC learn about human anatomy, physiology, diseases, pathology, and best practices for providing hands-on patient care.
Curriculum
- Functional Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Education Introduction
- Physical Therapy Procedures
- Pathophysiology
- Professional Interactions
Tuition and Fees: $2,888 – 5,042.00 per year
Guilford Technical Community College
About the School
Guilford Technical Community College offers students two pathways for earning physical therapy assistant education.
They offer a PTA associates of science degree program and a pre-physical therapist associate of arts degree that prepares students for licensure and entry-level employment in the field.
Students taking classes at GTCC learn how to provide top-notch patient care using the latest modalities and techniques.
Curriculum
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Conceptual Physics
- Introduction to Psychology
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Professional Interactions
- PTA Clinical
Tuition and Fees: $76.00 – $268.00 per credit hour plus related supplies and fees.
More PTA Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the US states offering a variety of accredited PTA programs for aspiring healthcare providers.
The following is a list of a few more CAPTE-accredited schools offering practical, clinical, and NPTE prep courses for North Carolina students.
- Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
- Martin Community College
- Nash Community College
- Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
- South College
- Southwestern Community College
- Surry Community College
Top 11 Schools in North Carolina
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central Piedmont Community College | 1201 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204, United States |
| Craven Community College | 800 College Ct, New Bern, NC 28562, United States |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | 2201 Hull Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303, United States |
| Guilford Technical Community College | 601 E Main St, Jamestown, NC 27282, United States |
| Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute | 2855 Hickory Blvd, Hudson, NC 28638, United States |
| Martin Community College | 1161 Kehukee Park Rd, Williamston, NC 27892, United States |
| Nash Community College | 522 N Old Carriage Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd S, Salisbury, NC 28146, United States |
| South College | 140 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, United States |
| Southwestern Community College | 225 Industrial Park Loop, Franklin, NC 28734, United States |
| Surry Community College | 630 S Main St, Dobson, NC 27017, United States |
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in North Carolina
Physical therapist assistants in North Carolina can expect to earn an annual take-home pay that is slightly above the national average.
Online salary reports from reputable sources like Indeed show North Carolina PTAs earning around $71,615.00 per year on average.
The lower end of the salary scale shows entry-level PTAs earning around $55,610.00 with the highest-earning PTAs in the state bringing in around $92,226.00 annually.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Physical Therapist Assistants in North Carolina
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | $62,201 |
| Raleigh | $62,101 |
| Greensboro | $60,801 |
| Durham | $61,701 |
| Winston-Salem | $61,101 |
| Fayetteville | $58,401 |
| Cary | $62,101 |
| High Point | $61,201 |
| Wilmington | $58,601 |
| Asheville | $58,501 |
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 200 | $64,850 | $31.18 | $82,290 | $51,120 |
| Burlington, NC | 50 | $74,180 | $35.66 | $80,780 | $58,060 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 790 | $67,440 | $32.42 | $83,040 | $55,660 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 130 | $68,400 | $32.89 | $81,870 | $52,730 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 110 | $59,140 | $28.44 | $73,980 | $45,760 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 40 | $62,150 | $29.88 | $84,340 | $45,750 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 210 | $66,160 | $31.81 | $80,670 | $51,060 |
| Greenville, NC | 100 | $67,540 | $32.47 | $88,970 | $49,980 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 140 | $67,070 | $32.25 | $82,790 | $49,890 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 40 | $58,980 | $28.35 | $71,590 | $46,800 |
| New Bern, NC | 40 | $60,380 | $29.03 | $78,220 | $48,260 |
| Raleigh, NC | 320 | $67,710 | $32.56 | $83,190 | $54,410 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 60 | $62,990 | $30.28 | $74,720 | $50,500 |
| Wilmington, NC | 130 | $63,350 | $30.46 | $80,840 | $38,270 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 200 | $65,780 | $31.63 | $91,540 | $49,050 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Specializations are available for North Carolina PTAs?
North Carolina physical therapist assistants can choose from specializations including geriatric care, wound care, neurological rehabilitation, and other specialties as available.
Talk to your program director to learn more about available options.
Where Do Licensed Physical Therapists Work in ND?
You can typically find physical therapist assistants providing support for licensed physical therapists working at hospitals, community health clinics, private practices, and residential healthcare aides.
How Long Will It Take Me to Become a Physical Therapist in North Carolina?
Prospective PTAs can expect to spend two to three years completing the mandatory education, testing, and licensing requirements in North Carolina.
