A Movement for Good.
Helping people move beyond pain and into a better life.
Embark upon your journey toward becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) or Physical Therapist (PT) with a strong foundation in the sciences and ability to connect empathetically with patients. Owens’ Pre-Physical Therapist Assistant, AS is an affordable pathway into Owens’ Physical Therapy Assistant, AAS program or for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs at other institutions.
A career in physical therapy means helping people move beyond pain, injury and illness to regain independence and enjoy life to the fullest. You’ll work directly with patients—guiding exercises, supporting therapies and encouraging progress every step of the way. From helping people recover from injuries to managing pain, and rebuilding mobility, your impact will be visible and deeply meaningful.
Every day brings the chance to make a real difference, whether it’s celebrating a patient’s first steps after surgery, witnessing breakthroughs in movement or being an encouraging presence that transforms frustration into hope. Build a rewarding career in a stable, growing profession where you’re part of someone’s healing journey.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Science (AS)
Department
Department of Physical Therapist Assistant
Required Credit Hours
62-66
A Look Ahead
2
Years of concentrated general education instruction
14:1
Student-to-faculty ratio, offering a personalized learning environment
From Anatomy to Action
Your courses prepare you academically while building empathy for your future patients’ unique journeys. From day one, you’ll immerse yourself in the sciences that matter most in healthcare—anatomy and physiology, psychology and medical terminology—while developing skills to communicate with compassion, clarity and confidence.
As you progress, you’ll expand your expertise with microbiology and immunology and explore ethics alongside essential composition and mathematics courses. A highlight of your program is completing Certified Nurse Aide Training, where you’ll gain invaluable hands-on clinical experience that seamlessly bridges theory and practice.
Personalize your educational journey through carefully chosen electives that align with your interests and career aspirations while fulfilling your associate degree requirements. Whether you choose to strengthen your scientific foundation, explore the humanities or pursue additional healthcare-focused courses, you’ll be customizing your education to ensure a smooth and successful transition into a physical therapist assistant program.
The first-year fall and spring courses fulfill most of the general education courses for Owens’ PTA Program, while second-year courses are designed for pursuing this as a transfer degree.
This comprehensive approach ensures you graduate not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical experience and interpersonal skills essential for success in the physical therapy field.
Career Outcomes
Complete this program and step confidently into your future—whether that’s entry into Owens’ Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS program or applying your credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
With the growing demand for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, you’ll discover abundant opportunities in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine facilities and specialized care settings.
It’s a career that offers stability, competitive pay, and room for growth—whether you continue as a PTA or advance your education to become a PT. Both paths lead to a deeply rewarding career where you’ll help people reclaim their strength, rediscover their independence and rebuild their quality of life.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“Everyone knows everyone, so you get a good one-on-one connection and teachers will help you succeed. It’s a great affordable option, but you’re getting just as good, if not better, education than other, more expensive places.”
Jeramy Hermiller, Physical Therapist Assistant, ’25
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.
Contact
Sara Burke
Chair, Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Healthcare Education Center 132 P
Phone: (567) 661-7568
Email