Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program Application will be open April 15- May 15, every year.

Step 1: Become a Laurel Ridge student.

• Complete the college application

Step 2: Complete prerequisites

Physical Therapist Assistant Prerequisites: Your grades for prerequisite courses must appear on your transcripts when you submit your PTA program application.

• SDV 101 Orientation – Credits 1
• ENG 111 Composition I – Credits 3
• PSY 230 Developmental Psychology – Credits 3
• BIO 141 Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Credits 4
• Humanities Elective – Credits 3

Step 3: Attend an Information Session

• View upcoming information sessions

Step 4: Meet with a PTA Advisor

• Make an Appointment by emailing [email protected].

Step 5: Take the TEAS exam

Students must first create an account at  www.ATltesting.com and select Laurel Ridge Allied Health from the list of institutions.

Testing availability by program: Physical Therapy Assistant – February 1 through mid-May. TEAS testing is available at all 3 campus of Laurel Ridge Community College, Middletown, Fauquier and Luray- Page.

• One retake permitted 2 weeks after the initial test.

Reserve a Seat at your preferred Campus using the links below.

Check your email for a Confirmation of your seat request, which will contain vital information about paying for and completing your exam.

• Luray-Page: Luray Testing dates availability
• Middletown: Middletown Testing dates availability
• Fauquier: Fauquier Testing dates availability

Step 6: Apply to the Program

• Download the PTA Application Packet

Step 7: Complete a Background Check

• Tuesday, December 16, 2025, noon – 1 p.m. – Zoom – Register Here
• Thursday, December 18, 2025, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Zoom – Register Here

Forms used in these sessions:

• PTA Application Packet
• PTA Observation Form

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Laurel Ridge Community College is an expansion of the Germanna Community College PTA program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org. To contact the program/institution directly, please call 540-423-9821 or [email protected].

Students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and to apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a professional organization for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

All classes are held at the Luray-Page County Center, located at 200 College Drive, Luray, VA with the lab component being taught at Page Memorial Hospital.

With a brand new 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, students will be able to take advantage of small class sizes, new equipment, and a hands-on learning environment (based on current CDC guidelines) conducive to optimal clinical education and personal growth.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, most PTAs work in hospitals or privately-owned physical therapy practices. Others work in home health, schools, and rehab units.

Visit Lightcast Career Coach to explore the career possibilities in this field.

Estimated Program Cost: $12,430.30

Actual program cost may vary based on your eligible tuition rate. Tuition rates and fees are subject to change annually. The State Board of Community Colleges sets in-state tuition and mandatory fees for the Commonwealth’s 23 community colleges each academic year.

Financial Assistance: The Physical Therapist Assistant program qualifies for G3 Tuition Assistance, which means eligible students could attend at zero cost. Learn more about fiancial assistance…

Physical Therapist Assistant Student Outcomes

Laurel Ridge’s Physical Therapist Assistant program is newly established. Outcome will be published following the graduation of our first independent cohort in June 2027.

Dr. Rekha Parameswaran, PT, DPT

Dr. Rekha Parameswaran, PT, DPT, brings over 25 years of experience as a physical therapist across geriatrics, sports medicine, acute care, traumatic brain injury, and pediatrics. She currently serves as Program Director and Assistant Professor at Laurel Ridge Community College and will soon help launch the Physical Therapist Assistant program in Luray, VA. For the past four years, she has taught full time while maintaining a small private practice and volunteering at her local temple, where she leads seniors in movement and mindfulness practices to support healthy aging. Dedicated to evidence-based teaching and learner-centered design, Dr. Parameswaran integrates practical strategies that empower both students and communities. When she’s not teaching or treating, Dr. Rekha Parameswaran can be found exploring new corners of the world, getting lost in a good book, or singing Indian classical melodies. She also juggles her favorite roles offstage—wife and mom—with equal passion.

• [email protected]
• 540-843-0798

For general program inquiries, contact [email protected].