Find PTA Programs in North Carolina
Starting your physical therapy career in North Carolina? Compare top CAPTE-accredited PTA programs and PT Aide programs across the Tarheel state of NC and online, helping you make a well informed choice based on cost, pass rates, student ratings, and job placement success.
Find the right physical therapy assistant or aide program and start your healthcare journey today.
Top PTA Programs in North Carolina
Click the name of the PTA program to learn more or click the green request info button to request additional information from each school.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters (2 years) |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | Not Available |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 70% |
| 🪪 Licensure Rate | 100% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 98% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | November 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 3.9 |
If you’re looking into PTA programs in North Carolina, Caldwell Community College in Hudson should be on your radar. The class size is small—only about 24 students are accepted each year—which means you’re not just a number. Students move through the program together, which really helps create a sense of community.
What really stood out to us? Their graduates have had a 100% pass rate on the licensing exam three years in a row. That says a lot about how well they prepare you. The program also offers clinical rotations in a bunch of different settings—outpatient, nursing homes, even home health—so you get a feel for what you might want to do after graduation.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters (75 credit hours 2 yrs) |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $9,300 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 80% |
| 🪪 Licensure Rate | 89% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | Accepted via email |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.7 |
Central Piedmont’s PTA program might not be the flashiest, but it’s got a solid reputation in the Charlotte area. It runs for five semesters (about two years), and students complete 75 credit hours with clinical training mixed in throughout. It’s all on campus, which is ideal for hands-on learners.
Tuition for in-state students comes out to just over $9,000. As for results—roughly 8 out of 10 students graduate, most pass the licensure exam, and grads seem to do well finding jobs. In fact, their job placement rate has been consistently high.
One standout is location: being based in Charlotte means students get access to a wide mix of clinical sites, from larger hospitals to smaller outpatient facilities. That’s a big plus for anyone looking to explore different types of physical therapy settings. The program also scores a 4.7 out of 5 from students, which is one of the highest we’ve seen among North Carolina community colleges. Applications are accepted by email, which helps keep the process simple.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters (69 credit hours 2 yrs) |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $5,244 (tuition only) |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 95% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 94% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | February – May |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.4 |
If you’re thinking about going into physical therapy here in NC then you should know that Craven Community College’s PTA program is one a lot of folks seem to like. It runs over five semesters and offers hands-on experience throughout—not just in the last stretch like some programs.
Cost-wise, it’s pretty reasonable. Tuition alone comes in a bit over $5,200, which is on the lower end compared to similar programs in the state. More importantly, students tend to do well—nearly all of them graduate, most pass their boards, and from what we’ve seen, job placement looks really strong.
Because the school’s based in New Bern, students get access to nearby clinical partners, which adds a lot of real-world value to the classroom work. Reviews sit around 4.4 out of 5, so overall it’s a respected option. Just note, applications usually open around February and close in May.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters (2 years) |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $7,477 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 92% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 94% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 97% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | Nov 1 – Jan 30 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 3.6 |
If you’re looking into PTA programs in North Carolina, Fayetteville Tech is one that’s definitely worth a look. It’s a two-year program spread out over five semesters, and it leans heavily into hands-on training, which is exactly what you want if you’re serious about getting into this field.
What makes it stand out right away is the cost—at just under $7,500, it’s actually one of the most affordable PTA programs in the state. But affordability doesn’t mean lower quality. About 92% of students make it to graduation, 94% go on to pass their licensing exam, and nearly all of them (97%) find jobs not long after.
The campus is in Fayetteville, and students benefit from partnerships with nearby healthcare providers—so there are solid clinical opportunities throughout. Based on what students have shared, the program holds a rating of 3.6 out of 5. Applications are open from early November through the end of January, so there’s a decent amount of time to get everything submitted.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters (69 credit hours 2 yrs) |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $7,500 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 73% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 97% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | April 21 – May 30, 2025 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.4 |
Guilford Technical Community College offers a five-semester (69 credit hours, two-year) associate degree program for those interested in becoming physical therapist assistants here in North Carolina.
With a total cost of only about $7,500, the program is a solid value and nearly the most affordable in all of NC. which is amazing when considering its strong outcomes. About 73% of students graduate, 97% go on to pass the national licensing exam, and every graduate secures employment in the field. Applications for the next cohort are open from April 21 to May 30, 2025.
Located in Jamestown, GTCC offers students access to a wide range of clinical experiences through local healthcare partnerships. The program is fully accredited by CAPTE and has received a solid 4.4 out of 5 rating from students, highlighting its quality and support.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters (75 credit hours 2 yrs) |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $7,792 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 80% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 91% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | March 15 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.3 |
If you’re in eastern North Carolina and thinking about a career as a physical therapist assistant, Martin Community College in Williamston is a strong local option. Their PTA program runs for five semesters (about two years) and includes 75 credit hours of classroom and clinical training.
It’s very affordable too at around $7,800 for the full program and students seem to do very well. About 80% graduate, 91% pass the licensing exam, and every graduate over the past couple of years has found a job in the field. That says a lot about the quality of the program and the support students receive.
Applications are due by March 15 each year, so it’s worth planning ahead if you’re interested. Overall, it’s a well-regarded program that’s fully accredited by CAPTE, and with a student rating of 4.3 out of 5, it’s clear folks have had a positive experience here.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters (72 weeks) |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $7,805 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 95% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 93% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | September 1 – June 2 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.6 |
Nash Community College offers a five-semester (72-week) associate degree program for students looking to become physical therapist assistants in or near Rocky Mount, NC.
With a total program cost of $7,805, it’s an affordable choice – especially when you consider the strong program outcomes. The program boasts a 95% graduation rate, a 93% exam pass rate, and a 100% employment rate after graduation. Applications are open from September 1 through June 2, giving applicants a long window to get everything submitted.
Located in Rocky Mount, the college provides strong community support and partnerships with local healthcare providers, giving students a range of real-world clinical experiences. The program is fully CAPTE-accredited and holds an impressive 4.6 out of 5 student rating, showing just how well it’s received by those who’ve gone through it.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters (74 credit hours 2 yrs) |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $9,845 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 69% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 95% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | Not Available |
| 🏫 Application Dates | Not Available |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 3.9 |
North Carolinians will want to consider that Rowan-Cabarrus Community College offers a five-semester (74 credit hours, two-year) associate degree program for aspiring physical therapist assistants in the Salisbury, NC area.
With a total cost of $9,845, it’s a slightly higher investment compared to some other community colleges, but the program delivers solid outcomes with 69% of students graduating and 95% passing the national licensing exam. While employment rates and application deadlines aren’t publicly listed, the program is fully accredited by CAPTE.
Located in the Rowan and Cabarrus County area, RCCC provides students with access to local clinical opportunities which are very important for the field of physical therapy and a supportive learning environment. With a student rating of 3.9 out of 5, it’s a well-regarded option for those ready to start a career in physical therapy.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 2 years (640 hours) |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | Not Available |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 77% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 83% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | June 20, 2025 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.3 |
If you’re in western North Carolina and looking to become a physical therapist assistant, South College in Asheville might be a great fit. The PTA program takes about two years to complete and includes 640 hours of real, hands-on clinical training which is very important for a career in pt.
From what we’ve found, the outcomes are strong: around 77% of students finish the program, 83% pass their licensing exam, and every graduate gets a job. That kind of job placement is definitely reassuring. The next application deadline is June 20, 2025, so if you’re thinking about applying, there’s still time to get everything in order.
The Asheville campus has a good reputation, and it’s in a beautiful part of the state. The smaller class sizes and one-on-one support seem to really make a difference, and students give it a solid 4.3 out of 5. For anyone in the area looking to get into the PTA field, this program is worth checking out.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters (2 years) |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | Not Available |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 75% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 95% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | March 1 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.4 |
If you’re in western North Carolina and thinking about becoming a physical therapist assistant, Southwestern Community College in Sylva is definitely worth a look. The program runs for five semesters (2 years) and offers a complete curriculum of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience to prepare students to pass the NPTAE for licensing in NC or any other state.
Even though we couldn’t find the full cost listed online, the program’s results speak for themselves, around 75% of students graduate, 95% pass the licensing exam, and every graduate ends up landing a job. That kind of track record is hard to ignore. The application deadline is March 1, so you’ve got time to prepare if you’re thinking about applying.
SCC has a great reputation around here, especially for its healthcare programs, and the student rating for the PTA program is a strong 4.4 out of 5. If you’re local and serious about getting into physical therapy, this program is a strong, community-focused option to consider.
| ⏱️ Program Length | 5 semesters (2 years) |
| 📜 Program Type | Associate Degree |
| 🧑🏫 Delivery Method | On Campus |
| 💲 Total Program Cost | $6,978 |
| 🎓 Graduation Rate | 75% |
| 🪪 Exam Pass Rate | 95% |
| 👩⚕️ Employment Rate | 100% |
| 🏫 Application Dates | March 1 |
| ✅ Accreditation | CAPTE |
| ⭐ Student Rating | 4.4 |
If you’re thinking about becoming a physical therapist assistant and live near Dobson, Surry Community College is one option to consider. The program takes about two years and includes five semesters of both classroom and hands-on PT training.
It is the most affordable PTA program in NC at $6,978 for the total cost of the program and amazingly the program’s results look pretty solid – about 75% of students finish, 95% pass the licensing exam, and every graduate has found a job so far. Applications are due by March 1.
The college campus and city have a small-town feel and offers access to local clinical sites, which is great for getting real-world experience close to home. Student ratings are also very solid at 4.4, nevertheless we’d always suggest checking out the campus and talking to current students before making your decision.
Designed to Help You Choose
Our comprehensive data empowers users to effectively compare and select the best PTA programs in North Carolina that align with their personal and professional goals. Quickly compare info such as graduation rate, tuition costs, exam pass rates, course curriculum, accreditation, financial aid opportunities, career success rates, campus locations, online classes and more.
In-Person Programs
Find CAPTE accredited PTA programs in North Carolina that are traditional campus-based local programs.
Online Programs
Find online PTA programs in North Carolina that are non-traditional flexible programs with courses taken remotely.
Hybrid Programs
Find hybrid PTA programs in North Carolina that offer a blend of campus-based and online learning.
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