Compare Top PTA Programs in Houston
Looking to start your physical therapy career in Houston? Compare top CAPTE-accredited PTA programs and PT Aide programs across the city, surrounding areas and online, helping you make an informed choice based on tuition costs, graduation rates, job placement, and student reviews.
Start comparing physical therapist assistant programs and take the next step toward your physical therapy education today.
Best PTA Programs in Houston
Click the name of the PTA program to learn more or click the green request info button to request additional information from each school.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $8,974 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 70% |
| 🪪 Licensure Rate | 100% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 98% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | November 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.5 |
Thinking about becoming a physical therapist assistant in Houston? Houston Community College offers a PTA program that combines hands-on experience with solid student support, all for around $8,974 in total costs.
What really sets it apart is its location near the Texas Medical Center, giving students rare access to world-class clinical opportunities.
With 100% of graduates passing the licensing exam and at 98% landing jobs upon graduation, it’s a strong program, just make sure to get your application in early for the fall semester.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 18 months |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $44,580 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 88% |
| 🪪 Licensure Rate | 98% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | Not Available |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.0 |
Pima Medical Institute’s PTA program in Houston is an 18-month, on-campus associate degree that’s fully accredited by CAPTE. With a total cost of $44,580, it’s the most expensive option in the city but the investment comes with strong outcomes, including a 98% licensure rate, 100% job placement, and an 88% graduation rate.
Located in the Westchase area, the campus offers students a focused, career-driven environment in one of Houston’s fastest-growing business and healthcare hubs. Students interested in applying can easily request more info online, and the program maintains a solid 4.0 rating from students.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $5,478 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 67% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 100% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | October 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.5 |
For Houstonians thinking about a career as a physical therapist assistant, San Jacinto College South offers a solid and affordable path. The program runs for five semesters and costs around $5,478 for in-district students, while those outside the district pay just over $9,000.
Located in the dynamic South Belt-Ellington area, the campus is well known for its close ties to local healthcare providers and offers a supportive, community-focused learning environment.
This education program stands out with a 100% exam pass rate and 100% job placement, and a high student rating of 4.5 making it a smart choice for applicants ready to apply between October 1, 2025, and March 1, 2026.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $11,000 to $17,500 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 96% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 100% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | October 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.3 |
Blinn College’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a five-semester, hands-on course that results in an Associate Degree and is accredited by CAPTE.
Located in Bryan, not far from Houston, the program benefits from Blinn’s strong partnership with Texas A&M and its commitment to student achievement.
With a 96% graduation rate, 100% exam pass rate, and 100% employment for graduates within six months, the program offers on-campus instruction and online options for prerequisites, costing between $11,000 and $17,500; applications are accepted from October 1, 2025, through March 1, 2026.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $12,293 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 93% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 92% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 84% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | June 1st, 2025 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.0 |
Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, just a few hours from Houston, offers a five-semester Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that leads to an accredited Associate Degree through CAPTE.
The program is well-regarded for its modern Health Sciences facilities and costs around $12,293, with strong outcomes like a 93% graduation rate, 92% exam pass rate, and 84% employment rate after graduation. Applications open on June 1, 2025, and students give the program an average rating of 4.0 out of 5.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $7,326 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 92% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 100% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | April 1, 2025 – May 22, 2025 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 3.8 |
Lone Star College–Montgomery offers a hands-on, five-semester associate degree program for physical therapist assistants.
It’s affordable, with a total cost around $7,300, and has a great track record – 92% of students graduate, every graduate passes their licensing exam, and everyone finds jobs in the field. Applications are open from April 1 to May 22, 2025, and the program holds a student rating of 3.8 out of 5.
Situated just north of Houston, Lone Star College–Montgomery benefits from its close connection to both suburban communities and major medical centers, offering students diverse clinical opportunities.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $13,166 to $19,970 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 95% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 100% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | May 15th, 2026 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.3 |
Victoria College offers a five-semester PTA program on campus in Victoria, Texas – just a couple of hours southwest of Houston. Located near the Gulf Coast, Victoria blends small-town charm with access to major healthcare employers in the region.
The program costs between $13,166 and $19,970, and stands out with a 95% graduation rate, 100% exam pass rate, and 100% job placement, making it a solid option for Houstonians willing to study outside the city.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 21 months |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $6,800 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 67% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 81% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | June 20, 2025 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.8 |
Wharton County Junior College offers a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that takes 21 months to complete on campus and results in an Associate Degree.
The program is affordable, costing about $6,800, and graduates enjoy a 100% employment rate, an 81% pass rate on their first licensing exam, and a 67% graduation rate. With a the highest student satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5, applications close on June 20, 2025.
Located in the heart of Texas’ Gulf Coast region, the college provides students with access to a tight-knit community and numerous local healthcare facilities for hands-on clinical experience.
Designed to Help You Choose
Our comprehensive data empowers users to effectively compare and select the best PTA programs in Houston that align with their professional goals and unique circumstances. Quickly compare info such as graduation rate, tuition costs, exam pass rates, course curriculum, accreditation, financial aid opportunities, career success rates, campus locations, online classes and more.
In-Person Programs
There are great CAPTE accredited PTA programs in Houston that are traditional campus-based local programs.
Online Programs
There are great online PTA programs in Houston that are non-traditional flexible programs with courses taken remotely.
Hybrid Programs
There are also some hybrid PTA programs in Houston that offer a blend of campus-based and online learning.
PT Aide Programs in Houston – AMCA PTTC
Below are Physical Therapist Aide Programs in Houston. Completing one of these programs enables you to earn an AMCA PTTC and begin working as a certified Physical Therapist Aide.
The University of Houston runs an AMCA Physical Therapy Technician/PT Aide program that gives students a practical introduction to patient care, basic therapeutic exercises, and the day-to-day flow of a rehab clinic. Instead of feeling overly formal or academic, the training focuses on real skills you’ll actually use when starting out in an entry-level PT setting. The University of Houston has a student rating of 4.3 on Google with over 1,550+ reviews.
Because UH sits in the middle of Houston’s huge medical community, students often find themselves surrounded by real-world learning opportunities and a campus environment that feels active and modern.
CBS Global Campus offers the AMCA PTTC PT Aide program as a hands-on way for students to learn the basics of patient support, therapeutic exercises, and how a rehab clinic actually operates. The training is designed to be straightforward and approachable, making it a good fit for anyone looking to step into an entry-level role in physical therapy or another allied health field.
One thing that sets CBS Global Campus apart is its smaller class sizes, which give students more 1-on-1 attention and more opportunity to practice skills with real guidance.
The University of Houston – Clear Lake offers the AMCA PTTC PT Aide program to prepare students with foundational skills in therapeutic exercises, patient support, and rehab clinic operations. This short, career-focused training helps learners quickly qualify for entry-level positions in physical therapy and other rehabilitation settings.
UHCL’s scenic, nature-rich campus near Clear Lake gives students a calm, supportive environment while pursuing healthcare training.
College of the Mainland offers the AMCA PTTC PT Aide program as a practical way for students to learn patient assistance, basic therapeutic exercise support, and how rehab clinics operate day to day. It’s a simple, approachable route for anyone who wants to move quickly into an entry-level physical therapy role and begin building a career in healthcare.
The school is also known for its affordable tuition rates and for offering effective career services, which help students find employment with local employers.
Galveston College offers amazing coastal sunsets free of charge as part of its AMCA PTTC PT Aide program to help students develop essential skills in patient support, therapeutic exercise assistance, and rehab clinic operations. GC’s PT Aide program results in a PTTC certification providing a quick pathway into entry-level physical therapy positions.
Its coastal island campus offers a unique learning atmosphere and close proximity to major regional healthcare facilities.
Brazosport College offers the AMCA PTTC PT Aide program to prepare students with foundational training in patient care support, therapeutic exercise assistance, and rehabilitation clinic tasks. The program offers a simple, practical way for students to step into entry-level roles in physical therapy or other allied health settings.
Brazosport College, besides possibly having one of the most cool and unique names, is well known for its modern Health Professions facilities and strong relationships with local healthcare employers. Students will have access to plenty of hands-on learning and job opportunities near campus.
Lamar Institute of Technology provides the AMCA PTTC PT Aide program to help students develop essential skills in patient support, therapeutic exercise assistance, and day-to-day rehab clinic tasks.This short, career-centered program helps students quickly prepare for entry-level roles in physical therapy and related healthcare settings.
LIT stands out for its workforce-driven approach and close alignment with Southeast Texas healthcare employers.
FAQs on Houston’s PTA Programs
According to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) in the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metro area earn a mean hourly wage of about $36.79, which works out to roughly $76,510 per year.
Indeed reports a higher local average of around $39.80 per hour, based on recent job postings in the Houston area. Salary.com data shows a typical annual salary of about $65,000 per year for Licensed PTAs in Houston, with most professionals falling between $57,100 and $68,500 per year.
Why numbers differ: Pay varies by clinical setting, experience level, shift type, and whether a PTA works full-time, part-time, or PRN (Pro Re Nata “As Needed”), which can create differences across salary sources.
Nationally, employment for physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow about 16% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than average for all occupations. (BLS)
Each year, an estimated 26,400 job openings are expected across the U.S. due to new job growth and the need to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Demand is fueled by an aging population, rising rates of chronic conditions, and increasing use of physical therapy services in outpatient clinics, home health, and long-term care.
In the Houston area, known as the medical capital or medical mecca, strong population growth and a large healthcare sector mean these national trends translate into a very favorable local job market, with solid opportunities for full-time, part-time, and PRN PTA positions across a wide range of employers.
On this page you can click on the green request info buttons and then fill out the form with your information to be connected to a representative of each school directly to receive more information about their PTA program offering and enrollment processes.
A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a college-level associate degree program that trains students to work directly with patients, perform therapeutic exercises, and assist with treatment plans under a licensed physical therapist. PTA programs usually take 2 years, require formal accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), include clinical rotations, and lead to a state license and higher-paying roles.
A Physical Therapy Aide (PT Aide) program is a short, certified but non-licensed training pathway that focuses on basic support tasks like preparing treatment areas, assisting with patient movement, handling equipment, and managing clinic workflow. The American Medical Certification Association’s (AMCA) Physical Therapy Technician/Aide Certification (PTTC) programs typically take weeks to a few months, cost far less, and prepare students for entry-level, non-clinical support jobs in rehabilitation settings.
In short: PTA programs lead to licensed, hands-on clinical careers with higher responsibility, while PT Aide programs provide quick entry into support roles that help keep therapy clinics running smoothly.
Yes – a PTA degree is widely considered worth it because it leads to a high-demand career with strong job growth, competitive pay, and a relatively short education path compared to many healthcare roles.
Most PTA programs can be completed in two years or less, yet graduates often earn well above the national median wage at $76,510 per year in Houston, with stable employment across hospitals, outpatient clinics, home-health agencies, and rehab centers.
PTAs also report high job satisfaction (Top 13 Highest Satisfaction Careers) due to the hands-on nature of the work, meaningful patient interaction, and opportunities to advance into specialized therapy areas or leadership roles.
For students seeking a fast, affordable entry into a growing healthcare field in Houston and nationwide, a PTA degree offers an excellent return on investment. Your state PTA license is transferrable between states should you move in the future.
You can complete some parts of a PTA degree online, such as general education courses and certain lecture-based classes, but the core PTA curriculum cannot be fully online because it requires hands-on labs, clinical skills training, and supervised clinical rotations.
CAPTE Accredited PTA programs must include in-person clinical experiences in local healthcare settings, which are required for obtaining your associate degree and taking the national licensure exam.
Many schools now offer hybrid PTA programs, where theory is taught online while labs and clinicals are completed on campus or at partner facilities.
If flexibility is a priority, a hybrid program is the closest option to an online PTA degree while still meeting accreditation and licensing requirements.
No – PTAs are not being phased out, especially not in Houston the Healthcare Capital with one of the largest populations in the country. According to the BLS, national projections show very high growth at 16% for physical therapist assistant jobs over the next decade, driven by rising demand for rehabilitation, aging populations, and expanded outpatient and home-health services.
PTAs remain an essential part of the therapy workforce because they allow clinics to deliver high-quality patient care efficiently while helping physical therapists manage larger caseloads.
Healthcare employers continue to hire PTAs across hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home-health agencies, with no signs of the role being reduced or replaced.
If anything, the field is experiencing greater demand, making PTA a stable and future-proof career choice.
Find a Physical Therapy Assistant Program Now!
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