A 1:10 faculty to student ratio in labs means you can expect personalized support.
When 100% of licensed graduates are employed within one year, you know you're investing in a program that will generate returns.
Among the program’s full-time faculty members, there are over 75 years of collective experience, which means you're learning from knowledgeable instructors.
Learn anatomy using a state-of-the-art 3D medical education system that produces life-size digital cadavers.
Let's map out your next move together.
This program offers classroom learning, observation, and hands-on training. The curriculum prepares students for entry-level practice as a physical therapist assistant. In the classroom, you will gain familiarity with concepts and techniques before you begin to learn in a hands-on clinical setting.
In the second fall semester and then once more in the second spring semester, you will participate in clinical education courses. During these courses, you will spend 40 hours a week in clinical facilities. Supervision will come from a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
Review the 2025 Physical Therapist Assistant financial fact sheet.
As a physical therapist assistant student, you will learn how to treat patients in a variety of ways. These include exercise, soft tissue mobilization, gait and balance training, and other techniques. You will be able to demonstrate exercises and assist patients with mobility to help them return to their prior level of function.
You'll understand how to work with a physical therapist, as well as how to communicate with other healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. This program offers classroom learning, observation, and plenty of hands-on training.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). This allows you to become a licensed physical therapist assistant.
Learn more about how points are awarded and calculated during the program application process.
You will first need to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree.
You are then eligible for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) in the state where you wish to work.
Assistants:
Therapists:
Among other duties, a physical therapist assistant:
Physical therapists can work in many locations. They may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient orthopedic clinics, school systems, geriatric healthcare facilities and home health agencies.
Central Piedmont is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees.
The Central Piedmont Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
703-706-3245
Concerns or complaints about the Physical Therapist Assistant program can be directed to:
Tamara Adkins, PT, DPT,
Program Director Central Piedmont Community College
P.O. Box 35009
Belk/Health Careers Building
Charlotte, NC 28235-5009
Email: tamara.adkins@cpcc.edu
Phone: 704-330-2722, ext. 3146
Comments must be provided in writing and signed by the author. Anonymous submissions will not be acknowledged, nor will written comments provided on behalf of an anonymous source. Comments received via phone or email will be directed to submit this form (PDF).
Complaints may also be filed directly to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) at:
3030 Potomac Ave. Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
Phone: 703-706-3245
E-mail: accreditation@apta.org
Website
*No retaliation will occur by either the PTA program or college due to a complaint being filed.
