Best Physical Therapist Assistant Programs in Raymond Mississippi

Key Takeaways

• Hinds Community College in Raymond offers the only CAPTE-accredited PTA program located directly in Raymond, MS.
• Programs typically take 2 years to complete and award an Associate of Applied Science degree.
• Accreditation by CAPTE is essential for licensure and eligibility to sit for the NPTE exam.
• Mississippi PTAs earn an average annual salary of approximately $58,000 to $62,000 depending on region and experience.
• Strong clinical training, high licensure pass rates, and job placement outcomes are key indicators of program quality.

Why Earn Your Physical Therapist Assistant Degree in Raymond, Mississippi?

Raymond, Mississippi offers aspiring Physical Therapist Assistants a unique advantage: access to an established, accredited PTA program within commuting distance of Jackson and surrounding healthcare hubs. The area combines affordable tuition, lower cost of living, and strong employer demand for rehabilitation professionals.

Physical Therapist Assistants work under licensed Physical Therapists to help patients recover mobility after surgery, injury, or chronic illness. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for PTAs is projected to grow faster than average nationwide through 2032. In Mississippi, demand is driven by aging populations and expanding outpatient rehabilitation services.

Top Physical Therapist Assistant Program in Raymond, MS

Hinds Community College – Raymond Campus

Location: Raymond, MS
Degree Awarded: Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

Hinds Community College is the primary choice for students seeking a PTA program in Raymond. The program is fully accredited by CAPTE, which is mandatory to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs.

The curriculum blends classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and supervised clinical experiences in real healthcare settings. Students complete multiple clinical rotations in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers across central Mississippi.

Curriculum Highlights

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Therapeutic Exercise Techniques
• Rehabilitation Procedures
• Clinical Education I, II, and III

Program outcomes such as graduation rates and NPTE pass rates are published through the college and accreditation body. Prospective students should verify the most recent data directly through the Hinds Community College website.

Other Accredited PTA Programs Near Raymond, Mississippi

While Hinds Community College is the only PTA program located directly in Raymond, several other accredited programs are available within driving distance.

CollegeLocationDistance from RaymondDegreeAccreditedHinds Community CollegeRaymond, MSIn townAAS PTAYesHolmes Community CollegeRidgeland, MSApprox. 35 milesAAS PTAYesItawamba Community CollegeFulton, MSApprox. 180 milesAAS PTAYesPearl River Community CollegeHattiesburg, MSApprox. 90 milesAAS PTAYes

You can confirm accreditation status for any program through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or CAPTE directory.

Admission Requirements for PTA Programs in Raymond

PTA programs in Mississippi are competitive and typically admit students once per year. Requirements often include:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of prerequisite college courses such as Anatomy and Physiology I and II
• Minimum GPA, often 2.5 to 3.0
• Observation hours in a physical therapy setting
• Background check and drug screening
• Immunization records and CPR certification

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Apply for general admission to the college.
2. Complete prerequisite coursework with required grades.
3. Gain documented observation hours under a licensed PT or PTA.
4. Submit a selective admission application to the PTA program.
5. Attend an interview if required.
6. Accept admission and complete compliance requirements before clinical placement.

Because seats are limited, early preparation significantly improves admission chances.

Program Cost and Financial Aid Options

Tuition varies depending on residency status. In-state community college tuition in Mississippi is among the most affordable in the Southeast.

Estimated total program costs for in-state students typically range from $6,000 to $9,000 in tuition alone, excluding books, uniforms, equipment, and exam fees. For accurate figures, consult each college’s tuition page.

Financial Aid Resources

• Federal Pell Grants via FAFSA
• Mississippi state financial aid programs
• Institutional scholarships
• Work-study programs
• Healthcare employer tuition assistance

Completing the FAFSA early maximizes eligibility for grant-based aid.

PTA Licensing Requirements in Mississippi

After graduating from a CAPTE-accredited program, candidates must:

• Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam for PTAs administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
• Apply for licensure through the Mississippi State Board of Physical Therapy
• Meet continuing education requirements for license renewal

Without graduation from an accredited program, you cannot sit for the licensure exam.

Career Outlook and PTA Salary in Raymond, MS

Physical Therapist Assistants in Mississippi earn an average annual salary between $58,000 and $62,000, depending on experience and setting. Urban-adjacent areas like Raymond and Jackson may offer slightly higher wages due to hospital-based employment opportunities.

Common Employers Near Raymond

• Outpatient rehabilitation clinics
• Acute care hospitals in Jackson
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Sports medicine clinics
• Home health agencies

Graduates with strong clinical evaluations and professional references often secure employment shortly after licensure, especially in outpatient and geriatric care settings.

How to Choose the Best PTA Program for You

Not all accredited programs are equal. When evaluating options near Raymond, consider:

1. NPTE Pass Rates

High first-time exam pass rates indicate strong academic preparation.

2. Graduation Rates

This reflects student support systems and program effectiveness.

3. Clinical Partnerships

Programs with diverse clinical sites provide broader real-world experience.

4. Faculty Expertise

Instructors with active clinical backgrounds enhance applied learning.

5. Total Cost and Commuting

In-town programs like Hinds Community College eliminate relocation expenses and reduce transportation costs.

Is an Online PTA Program an Option?

Because PTA education requires hands-on lab training and in-person clinical rotations, fully online programs are not available. Some programs may offer hybrid formats for general education courses, but core technical coursework and labs must be completed on campus.

Any program claiming to offer a fully online PTA degree that qualifies for licensure should be verified through CAPTE before enrolling.

Graduate Success and Long-Term Opportunities

Many PTA graduates use their associate degree as a foundation for expanded healthcare careers. Some pursue advanced certifications in orthopedics or geriatrics, while others bridge into healthcare administration or continue toward related bachelor’s degrees.

With steady demand, competitive salary potential, and meaningful patient interaction, becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant in Raymond, Mississippi is both financially practical and professionally rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions about PTA Programs in Raymond, Mississippi

How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Raymond, MS?

If you attend Hinds Community College in Raymond, the PTA program usually takes 2 years (5 semesters) of full-time study and leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. You may need extra time to finish prerequisites before you start the technical PTA courses.

Why is CAPTE accreditation important for PTA programs in Mississippi?

You must graduate from a PTA program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and apply for licensure in Mississippi. You can confirm a program’s status in the CAPTE accredited programs directory.

What admission requirements should you expect for a Raymond-area PTA program?

You usually need a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses like Anatomy and Physiology, a minimum GPA (often 2.5–3.0), documented observation hours in a physical therapy setting, and a background check and health clearances. Hinds Community College lists its current PTA admission criteria on the official program page.

How much do Physical Therapist Assistants earn in Mississippi?

PTAs in Mississippi typically earn about $58,000 to $62,000 per year, depending on your experience, setting, and region. You can review updated wage data in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics profile for PTAs on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Can you complete a PTA program fully online?

No. PTA programs include hands-on labs and supervised clinical rotations that must take place in person. Some schools may offer general education or support courses online, but the core PTA coursework and clinical education must follow CAPTE standards, which you can review on the CAPTE accreditation overview.