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Northland Community & Technical College

Introduction

Program Overview

Help people move better, recover stronger, and live healthier lives.

Northland's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) A.A.S. program prepares you for a rewarding career helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. Working under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist, you'll learn how to deliver hands-on therapeutic interventions, guide patients through rehabilitation exercises, and support recovery from injury, illness, or surgery. Through classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and real-world training, you'll develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in healthcare settings and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives every day.

Program at a glance

Degree Type: A.A.S.

Credits: 74

Location: East Grand Forks

Laptop Requirement: Optional More information

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Career Outlook

Physical Therapy Careers Are Moving Forward

Physical Therapist Assistants play an important role in helping patients recover from injury, surgery, illness, and other physical challenges. Working alongside Physical Therapists, PTAs provide hands-on care that improves mobility, reduces pain, and helps people return to the activities they enjoy. Explore career opportunities, work settings, and growth potential in this rewarding healthcare field.

Where Northland Grads Work

Northland graduates can build careers in a variety of healthcare environments, including:

  • Hospitals – Assist patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
  • Physical Therapy Clinics – Provide therapeutic treatments and rehabilitation services.
  • Rehabilitation Centers – Help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence.
  • Pediatric Facilities – Support children with developmental, neurological, or physical conditions.
  • Home Health Agencies – Deliver therapy services in patients’ homes.
  • Schools – Assist students with physical disabilities and mobility needs.
  • Long-Term Care Facilities – Help older adults maintain function and quality of life.

Career Paths & Specializations

Graduates often begin their careers as Physical Therapist Assistants and may develop expertise in specialized areas such as:

Industry Outlook

Physical therapy continues to be an essential component of modern healthcare, creating strong demand for skilled rehabilitation professionals.

  • Growing Need for Rehabilitation Services – Increased demand for therapy services across all age groups.
  • Aging Population – More older adults require care to maintain mobility, balance, and independence.
  • Diverse Career Opportunities – PTAs can work in a variety of clinical, community, and specialty settings.
  • Meaningful Patient Impact – Help individuals improve their quality of life through movement, recovery, and wellness.
  • Healthcare Team Environment – Collaborate with Physical Therapists and other healthcare professionals to achieve patient goals.

Program Accreditation

Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Northland Community and Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave. Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 218-793-2565 or email justin.berry@northlandcollege.edu.

The PTA Program Financial Fact Sheet is required by CAPTE to be posted on the Physical Therapist Assistant public-facing website.

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education CAPTE Verify Status

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Alyssa Montgomery

Interim Director of Recruitment and Admissions

  • 218.793.2442

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