Best Physical Therapist Assistant Programs in Vancouver Washington

Key Takeaways

• Clark College in Vancouver is the only CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program located directly in Vancouver, WA.
• Several respected PTA programs are within commuting distance, including schools in Portland and Southwest Washington.
• Students must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited program and pass the NPTE-PTA to become licensed in Washington.
• Most PTA programs award an Associate of Applied Science degree and take about 2 years to complete.
• Physical therapist assistants in Washington earn competitive wages, with strong job growth projected statewide.

How to Choose the Right PTA Program Near Vancouver, WA

Physical Therapist Assistants play a critical role in rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, and outpatient therapy practices. Choosing the right program requires more than finding the closest campus. You should evaluate:

• Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• Graduation and licensure pass rates
• Clinical placement partnerships in the Vancouver-Portland metro
• Total tuition and fees
• Program format, including hybrid or in-person labs

In Washington, graduation from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program is required to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs and apply for state licensure.

Top Physical Therapist Assistant Programs Near Vancouver Washington

1. Clark College – Vancouver, WA

Location: Vancouver, WA
Degree Awarded: Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Program Length: Approximately 2 years, including clinical rotations
Accreditation: CAPTE

Clark College offers the only PTA program physically located in Vancouver, making it the most convenient choice for local students. The program combines classroom research, hands-on lab instruction, and multiple supervised clinical experiences in regional healthcare facilities.

Why Clark College stands out:

• Established partnerships with local outpatient clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers
• Strong focus on manual therapy skills and therapeutic exercise
• Local networking advantages for employment within Clark County
• Community college tuition rates for Washington residents

Because it is a competitive-entry program, applicants must first complete prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, and general education before applying.

2. Mt. Hood Community College – Gresham, OR

Distance from Vancouver: About 25 minutes by car
Degree Awarded: Associate of Applied Science
Accreditation: CAPTE

Though located in Oregon, Mt. Hood Community College is a practical option for Vancouver students willing to commute. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional healthcare collaboration.

Oregon residents receive in-state tuition, and Washington residents should confirm residency policies and tuition differentials before enrolling.

3. Whatcom Community College – Bellingham, WA

Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 4.5 hours (less ideal for daily commute)
Degree Awarded: Associate in Applied Science

This program is highly regarded statewide for student outcomes and clinical preparation. While not local, it is an option for students willing to relocate within Washington.

Side-by-Side PTA Program Comparison

SchoolLocationDegreeApprox. LengthLocal to Vancouver?Clark CollegeVancouver, WAAAS2 YearsYesMt. Hood CCGresham, ORAAS2 YearsCommuteWhatcom CCBellingham, WAAAS2 YearsNo

Admission Requirements for PTA Programs in Washington

While requirements vary slightly, most PTA programs near Vancouver expect:

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

Competitive programs often rank applicants based on science GPA, entrance exam scores if required, and healthcare experience.

Washington State Licensing for Physical Therapist Assistants

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

1. Apply to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs
2. Pass the NPTE-PTA
3. Submit a license application to the Washington State Department of Health
4. Complete required background checks and fees

Once licensed, PTAs in Washington must comply with continuing education requirements to maintain active status.

Career Outlook for PTAs in Vancouver and Southwest Washington

The demand for physical therapist assistants continues to grow due to aging populations and increased need for rehabilitative care. In Washington State, PTAs earn competitive wages compared to national averages.

In the Vancouver-Portland metro area, PTAs work in:

• Outpatient orthopedic clinics
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Hospitals
• Sports medicine centers
• Home health agencies

Clark County's expanding healthcare infrastructure supports steady employment opportunities, particularly in outpatient rehabilitation settings.

Tuition and Financial Aid Considerations

Community college PTA programs typically offer the most affordable pathway into the profession. In-state tuition at Washington public colleges is significantly lower than private institutions.

Students should explore:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Washington College Grant
• Work-study programs
• Healthcare employer tuition assistance

When comparing programs, calculate total cost of attendance including books, lab fees, uniforms, transportation to clinical sites, and licensing exam costs.

Clinical Experience and Local Partnerships

Hands-on clinical training is the core of any high-quality PTA program. Programs near Vancouver coordinate rotations in regional clinics throughout Clark County and the greater Portland metro area.

Before enrolling, ask programs:

• How many clinical hours are included?
• Are placements guaranteed?
• Can I complete clinical rotations in Vancouver?
• What percentage of students receive job offers from clinical sites?

Strong local partnerships translate into stronger job placement outcomes.

Is There an Online PTA Program in Vancouver?

No fully online PTA programs exist due to hands-on lab and clinical requirements. However, some programs offer hybrid formats where general education courses are online while labs and clinical components are in person.

If flexibility is important, look for hybrid delivery models but verify that in-person labs are accessible within commuting distance.

Who Should Apply to a PTA Program?

A career as a physical therapist assistant is ideal for individuals who:

• Enjoy working directly with patients
• Are interested in rehabilitation and human movement
• Prefer a two-year healthcare degree over a doctoral pathway
• Want a stable, in-demand healthcare career in Washington State

With one accredited program located directly in Vancouver and several strong options nearby, prospective students in Clark County have multiple pathways into this rapidly growing healthcare field.

Frequently Asked Questions about PTA Programs Near Vancouver, WA

Is there a CAPTE-accredited PTA program in Vancouver, WA?

Yes. Clark College in Vancouver is the only CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program located directly in Vancouver, WA. Other accredited options are within commuting or driving distance, such as Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, OR, and Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, WA.

How long does it take to become a PTA near Vancouver, WA?

Most PTA programs near Vancouver take about two years of full-time study to complete, including classroom work, labs, and clinical rotations. After graduation, you also need time to take and pass the NPTE-PTA and complete your Washington State licensure application.

What are the basic admission requirements for PTA programs in Washington?

You usually need a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite college courses like Anatomy and Physiology, a minimum GPA (often 2.5–3.0 or higher), documented observation hours in a physical therapy setting, a background check, immunizations, and current CPR certification. Some programs also consider healthcare experience and entrance exam scores.

How do you get licensed as a PTA in Washington State?

To become licensed, you must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, apply for and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs (NPTE-PTA), then submit a license application to the Washington State Department of Health with required fees and background checks. You must also complete ongoing continuing education to keep your license active.

Can you complete a PTA program online if you live in Vancouver, WA?

No fully online PTA programs are available because labs and clinical training must be done in person. Some schools offer hybrid formats where you take general education or lecture courses online, but you still need to attend on-campus labs and local clinical rotations.