Program Overview
If you want a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant but also have an interest in wellness and health fitness, this dual associate degree could be perfect for you!
With this program, you have the opportunity to earn a second associate degree in Health Fitness Specialist at the same time as your Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree. It's a great way to get additional training in personalized exercise and fitness to increase your earning potential.
Students should complete the Health Fitness Specialist requirements for the dual degree before beginning clinical work as a PTA.
Earning Potential
Interested in a career in physical therapy? Learn more about our region’s employment outlook and career opportunities you can pursue in this field of study.
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. You may, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. This field generally requires formal training.
median annual salary
annual job openings
are currently employed within the State of Michigan Prosperity Regions 5 and 6.
This number is expected to over the next four years.
of current workers will reach retirement age within the next ten years.
Visit Career Coach for more details.
About Delta's Program
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State-of-the-art technologyTechnology is a big deal. That’s why we have the best technology out there – like a $20 million health wing renovation. We want to make sure when you graduate, you can hit the ground running.
Delta's program is four semesters long, starting in the fall. It's a cohort program, so you come in as a group and take your classes together from your first semester until your last. Each semester in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, students take 12+ credits and requires a full-time commitment to be successful. Students spend many hours outside of class studying and practicing their skills.
Most PTA courses are offered on campus during the day, however students may occasionally be asked to be available on nights or weekends for special events. Students also have more than 100 clinical sites to choose from.
Professional licensure
When the students pass their national licensure exam, the passing score is acceptable for licensure in all 50 states. However, each state requires their own license application (and fee) to practice. Please contact the Coordinator for further information.
At Delta College, we want every student to get the best education, so they're ready to hit the ground running when they graduate. Accreditation is one way we do that.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Delta College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
703-706-3245
Getting your degree in a health field is unique compared to other Delta programs. You must first take your prerequisite core courses, then you apply for validation.
What's validation?
The Registrar's Office validates your prerequisite courses to confirm you are eligible
to begin the clinical portion of your program.
Success Tips
- Declare the Physical Therapist Assistant program.
- Meet with your advisor regularly. Stay on track with what you need to do to apply.
- Apply for validation with the Registrar's Office once you've started your final semester of prerequisite courses.
- Stay connected for important updates from Delta!
We want to make sure you're ready when you graduate and that the knowledge you gain from your Delta degree is top-notch.
Outcome 1
Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills.
Outcome 2
Implement individual fitness programs for appropriate audiences.
Outcome 3
Utilize appropriate problem solving skills to carry out an established patient plan
of care under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Outcome 4
Utilize appropriate critical thinking abilities to carry out an established patient
plan of care under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Outcome 5
Demonstrate abilities that will enable employment as a physical therapist assistant
or health fitness specialist.
Outcome 6
Demonstrate healthy lifestyle choices to model for the appropriate audience.
We think it's important to know how we're doing so we can continually improve our programs – collegewide. We work really hard to give our students the best possible education. So, we annually evaluate and show you what we find out.
Total percent of candidates by graduation year who took the NPTE and passed.
Licensure pass rates (first-time)
2023: 11/12 graduates; 91.7%
2024: 7/10 graduates; 70%
Two-year average: 81.8%
Source: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, 2024
Licensure pass rates (ultimate)
2023: 12/12 graduates; 100%
2024: 9/10 graduates; 90%
Two-year average: 95.5%
Source: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, 2024
2023: 63.2%
2024: 57.9%
Two-year average: 60.6%
Source: CAPTE Annual Accreditation Report, 2024
Employment rates
Employment in physical therapy (full-time or part-time) within six months of passing the licensure exam.
2022: 10/10 licensed graduates, 100%
2023: 12/12 licensed graduates, 100%
Two-year average: 100%
Source: graduate surveys and personal contact
Why you should choose Delta
Delta's PTA program, started in 1976, is the second oldest in Michigan. We believe our vast experience over such a long time period is one reason why our students have such a great national exam pass rate – 100%!
Delta College PTA students and faculty are actively involved with the Michigan Physical
Therapy Association and the American Physical Therapy Association.
Reach100 is a nationwide call to membership for PT and PTA students to demonstrate their commitment to APTA membership. Delta College has reached Gold Status with 90-99% Membership.
The PTA Student Club gets involved with our community with multiple service projects and professional involvement.
Things like giving free assistive devices to community members, attending state and national conferences, volunteering at local community events and raising awareness for health-related causes are just a few examples of club activities.
One of the very best things about Delta College is your ability to start here and go on. And, in the process, save thousands (and thousands) of dollars. It's a smart choice!
In fact, if you're interested in earning a bachelor's degree, you have several options by coming to Delta first, and then transferring.
Facts & Figures
100% of recent PTA graduates are currently employed.
97% of PTA grads passed their national licensure exam last year.
Related Programs
Delta College offers over 150 degree, certificate and training options. Continue exploring and advancing your education with these related programs: