Barry PhilipsIf you want to become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Texas, choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you will make. PTA programs provide students with the academic knowledge, hands-on skills, and clinical experience needed to work with patients recovering from injuries, illnesses, surgeries, and physical disabilities.
Texas has numerous colleges and career institutions offering Physical Therapist Assistant programs. These programs typically combine classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical education. After completing an approved program and meeting the state’s licensing requirements, graduates can pursue employment in hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, nursing facilities, sports medicine centers, home healthcare, and other healthcare settings.
In this guide, we highlight 25 PTA schools in Texas, along with their locations, program information, and common admission requirements. Whether you are searching for a PTA school in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Fort Worth, or another Texas community, this list can help you compare your options.
Top 25 PTA Schools in Texas
1. Amarillo College
Location: Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo College is an option for students interested in pursuing Physical Therapist Assistant education in the Texas Panhandle. The program combines academic study with laboratory and clinical preparation.
Students learn about human anatomy, therapeutic procedures, patient care, rehabilitation techniques, and other subjects relevant to PTA practice.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Minimum academic standards
- PTA program application
- Health and clinical requirements
Students should check the current program admission guide for the latest prerequisites and application deadlines.
2. Austin Community College
Location: Austin, Texas
Austin Community College provides students in the Austin area with an opportunity to pursue PTA education. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level work under the supervision of physical therapists.
The curriculum typically combines classroom instruction, laboratory activities, and clinical education.
Common requirements include:
- Admission to Austin Community College
- Completion of prerequisites
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Program application
- Health documentation
- Clinical eligibility requirements
3. Blinn College
Location: Brenham, Texas
Blinn College is another Texas institution offering a pathway into the Physical Therapist Assistant profession.
Students receive training in areas such as therapeutic exercise, patient care, anatomy, rehabilitation procedures, and clinical practice.
Common requirements include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- College admission
- Prerequisite courses
- Required GPA
- Program application
- Clinical and health requirements
4. Concorde Career College – Dallas
Location: Dallas, Texas
Concorde Career College in Dallas offers career-focused healthcare education, including training for students interested in becoming Physical Therapist Assistants.
The program is designed to give students a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Common requirements include:
- Completion of institutional admission requirements
- Required educational prerequisites
- Academic eligibility
- Health documentation
- Clinical requirements
Prospective students should confirm the current program structure and admission criteria before applying.
5. Concorde Career College – San Antonio
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Students in San Antonio can consider Concorde Career College as another option for PTA education. The program focuses on preparing students for practical work in physical rehabilitation environments.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Academic prerequisites
- Required documentation
- Health and immunization requirements
- Clinical eligibility
6. Del Mar College
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Del Mar College provides an allied-health pathway for students interested in physical rehabilitation careers. Its PTA program combines academic instruction with practical and clinical preparation.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA
- PTA program application
- Health requirements
- Clinical clearance
7. El Paso Community College
Location: El Paso, Texas
El Paso Community College is an option for students seeking PTA education in West Texas. The program prepares students for work with patients who need rehabilitation following injury, illness, surgery, or other conditions.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Prerequisite coursework
- Academic requirements
- Program application
- Health documentation
- Clinical requirements
8. Houston Community College
Location: Houston, Texas
Houston Community College provides an opportunity for students in the Houston metropolitan area to pursue PTA education.
Students receive classroom and practical preparation in subjects relevant to physical rehabilitation and patient care.
Common requirements include:
- Admission to the college
- Completion of prerequisites
- Minimum GPA
- PTA application
- Health documentation
- Clinical eligibility
9. Kilgore College
Location: Kilgore, Texas
Kilgore College offers healthcare education for students interested in developing professional skills in rehabilitation and patient care.
Its PTA pathway combines academic study with hands-on learning and clinical experience.
Common requirements include:
- High school diploma or GED
- College admission
- Prerequisite courses
- Academic requirements
- Health documentation
- Clinical clearance
10. Laredo College
Location: Laredo, Texas
Laredo College is another option for students interested in pursuing PTA education in South Texas.
The program provides students with knowledge and practical skills related to therapeutic exercise, patient mobility, rehabilitation, and physical therapy procedures.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA
- Program application
- Health requirements
- Clinical requirements
11. Lone Star College
Location: Greater Houston Area
Lone Star College provides healthcare education opportunities for students in the Houston region and surrounding communities.
Students interested in PTA education should carefully review the program’s prerequisite courses and application process before applying.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Required prerequisites
- Academic eligibility
- Program application
- Health documentation
- Clinical requirements
12. McLennan Community College
Location: Waco, Texas
McLennan Community College offers a PTA pathway for students interested in careers in physical rehabilitation.
The program combines academic preparation with laboratory and clinical learning.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA
- Program application
- Health clearance
- Clinical eligibility
13. Northeast Texas Community College
Location: Mount Pleasant, Texas
Northeast Texas Community College provides students in Northeast Texas with an option for pursuing Physical Therapist Assistant education.
The program is designed to provide the knowledge and practical skills required for entry-level PTA practice.
Common requirements include:
- High school diploma or GED
- College admission
- Prerequisites
- Academic requirements
- Clinical requirements
- Health documentation
14. Odessa College
Location: Odessa, Texas
Odessa College is an option for students seeking PTA education in West Texas.
Students can expect a combination of classroom education, laboratory practice, and clinical experience as part of their professional preparation.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Prerequisite coursework
- Minimum academic standards
- Program application
- Health requirements
- Clinical clearance
15. Pima Medical Institute – Houston
Location: Houston, Texas
Pima Medical Institute provides career-focused healthcare education and offers students an alternative route into the physical rehabilitation field.
The PTA curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Common requirements include:
- Institutional admission
- Educational prerequisites
- Academic requirements
- Health documentation
- Clinical eligibility
16. San Jacinto College
Location: Pasadena, Texas
San Jacinto College serves students in the Houston metropolitan area and provides healthcare education opportunities, including PTA training.
The program prepares students for clinical environments where PTAs work alongside physical therapists.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Required prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA
- Program application
- Health documentation
- Clinical requirements
17. South Plains College
Location: Levelland, Texas
South Plains College offers students in the region an opportunity to pursue education in physical therapist assisting.
Students receive training that can prepare them for rehabilitation work in healthcare environments.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Prerequisite coursework
- Academic requirements
- Program application
- Health clearance
- Clinical eligibility
18. South Texas College
Location: McAllen, Texas
South Texas College offers a PTA educational pathway for students in the Rio Grande Valley.
Students receive instruction in subjects related to physical therapy, patient care, therapeutic activities, and rehabilitation.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Prerequisites
- Minimum GPA
- Program application
- Health documentation
- Clinical requirements
19. St. Philip’s College
Location: San Antonio, Texas
St. Philip’s College provides students in San Antonio with an option for entering the allied-health field through PTA education.
The program combines academic instruction with hands-on and clinical learning.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Required prerequisites
- Academic standards
- PTA application
- Health requirements
- Clinical clearance
20. Tarrant County College
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Tarrant County College is another option for students in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who are interested in becoming Physical Therapist Assistants.
Students are exposed to academic, laboratory, and clinical aspects of PTA practice.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA
- Program application
- Immunization and health documentation
- Clinical eligibility
21. Victoria College
Location: Victoria, Texas
Victoria College provides students with an opportunity to pursue PTA education through an associate-level pathway.
The program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level work in physical rehabilitation under appropriate professional supervision.
Common requirements include:
- High school diploma or GED
- College admission
- Prerequisite courses
- Academic requirements
- Clinical requirements
- Health documentation
22. Western Technical College
Location: El Paso, Texas
Western Technical College provides career-focused healthcare education for students interested in entering healthcare professions.
Prospective PTA students should carefully examine the program’s current accreditation, admission requirements, curriculum, costs, and licensing eligibility before enrolling.
Common requirements include:
- Institutional admission
- Required academic qualifications
- Program prerequisites
- Health documentation
- Clinical requirements
23. Wharton County Junior College
Location: Wharton, Texas
Wharton County Junior College provides another pathway for students interested in physical rehabilitation careers.
Students receive education designed to develop their understanding of patient care, therapeutic procedures, and physical rehabilitation.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Prerequisite courses
- Academic requirements
- Program application
- Health clearance
- Clinical eligibility
24. Weatherford College
Location: Weatherford, Texas
Weatherford College is located west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and provides students with an option for PTA education.
The program incorporates academic learning and practical clinical preparation.
Common requirements include:
- College admission
- Prerequisite coursework
- Minimum academic standards
- Program application
- Health documentation
- Clinical requirements
25. Texas Health School
Location: Houston, Texas
Texas Health School is another healthcare-focused institution that prospective PTA students may investigate.
Before enrolling, students should pay particular attention to the program’s current accreditation status, eligibility for Texas licensure, graduation outcomes, tuition, and admission requirements.
Common requirements include:
- Institutional admission
- Educational prerequisites
- Academic requirements
- Health documentation
- Clinical eligibility
How to Choose a PTA School in Texas
Choosing a PTA school should involve more than simply selecting the institution closest to your home. Several factors can affect your education and future career.
Check Accreditation
Accreditation is one of the most important things to verify before applying. Students should confirm the program’s current accreditation status and determine whether it meets the educational requirements for pursuing PTA licensure in Texas.
Compare Tuition and Fees
Look beyond advertised tuition. Your total cost may include:
- Application fees
- Tuition
- Laboratory fees
- Books
- Uniforms
- Equipment
- CPR certification
- Transportation
- Background checks
- Drug screening
- Clinical expenses
Review Prerequisites
Different programs can have different prerequisites. Compare the courses required before admission and determine whether credits from previous colleges will transfer.
Consider Clinical Training
Clinical education is a major part of PTA preparation. Investigate where students complete clinical rotations and whether you may need to travel to clinical sites.
Consider Program Location
A conveniently located program may reduce transportation costs and make it easier to balance school with other responsibilities.
Examine Graduation and Licensing Outcomes
When comparing programs, consider available information about graduation rates, licensure examination performance, employment outcomes, and student support.
PTA Licensure Requirements in Texas
Completing a PTA program does not automatically make someone a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in Texas.
Graduates must meet the requirements established by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Texas law requires applicants to demonstrate completion of an appropriately accredited physical therapy educational program.
Prospective students should therefore consider licensure requirements before enrolling in a program. A program’s current accreditation and its relationship to Texas licensing requirements are particularly important.
Applicants may also need to satisfy examination, application, background-check, documentation, and other requirements established by the Texas licensing authority.
PTA Career Opportunities in Texas
After completing an appropriate PTA education and obtaining the required license, graduates may pursue positions in several healthcare environments.
Hospitals
Hospitals employ rehabilitation professionals to help patients regain mobility and function following illness, injury, or surgery.
Outpatient Clinics
Outpatient physical therapy clinics are common workplaces for PTAs. Patients may visit these facilities for orthopedic, neurological, sports, or other rehabilitation needs.
Nursing and Rehabilitation Facilities
PTAs can also work with older adults and other patients who require ongoing rehabilitation services.
Home Healthcare
Some PTAs work in home-based rehabilitation, providing services to eligible patients in their homes under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Sports Rehabilitation
Sports medicine and rehabilitation facilities can provide opportunities for professionals interested in working with athletes and physically active patients.
Comparison Table: Top PTA Schools in Texas
| School | Location | PTA Education | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo College | Amarillo | PTA | Prerequisites and clinical training |
| Austin Community College | Austin | PTA | Academic and clinical requirements |
| Blinn College | Brenham | PTA | Prerequisites and program admission |
| Concorde Career College | Dallas | PTA | Career-focused training |
| Concorde Career College | San Antonio | PTA | Career-focused training |
| Del Mar College | Corpus Christi | PTA | Classroom and clinical education |
| El Paso Community College | El Paso | PTA | Prerequisites and clinical training |
| Houston Community College | Houston | PTA | Academic and clinical preparation |
| Kilgore College | Kilgore | PTA | Professional PTA education |
| Laredo College | Laredo | PTA | Academic and clinical preparation |
| Lone Star College | Houston area | PTA | Prerequisites and clinical education |
| McLennan Community College | Waco | PTA | Associate-level pathway |
| Northeast Texas Community College | Mount Pleasant | PTA | Clinical and academic preparation |
| Odessa College | Odessa | PTA | West Texas option |
| Pima Medical Institute | Houston | PTA | Healthcare-focused education |
| San Jacinto College | Pasadena | PTA | Houston-area option |
| South Plains College | Levelland | PTA | PTA professional preparation |
| South Texas College | McAllen | PTA | PTA educational pathway |
| St. Philip’s College | San Antonio | PTA | Allied-health education |
| Tarrant County College | Fort Worth | PTA | Dallas-Fort Worth option |
| Victoria College | Victoria | PTA | Associate-level pathway |
| Western Technical College | El Paso | PTA | Career-focused option |
| Wharton County Junior College | Wharton | PTA | PTA professional education |
| Weatherford College | Weatherford | PTA | DFW-area option |
| Texas Health School | Houston | PTA | Verify current program status |
Related
Conclusion
Texas offers a wide range of options for students who want to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. From community colleges in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso to programs serving smaller Texas communities, prospective students have several pathways to consider.
However, the most important step is not simply finding a school with a PTA program. You should carefully investigate the program’s current accreditation, admission requirements, prerequisites, tuition, clinical training, graduation outcomes, and Texas licensure eligibility before submitting an application.
If becoming a licensed PTA in Texas is your goal, start by identifying programs that meet the applicable educational and accreditation requirements, then compare their costs, locations, admission processes, and clinical opportunities.
With the right preparation and an accredited educational pathway, a PTA career can provide an opportunity to work directly with patients and contribute to their rehabilitation and improved quality of life.