This dynamic and in-demand profession is well-suited for students with strong academic abilities and the desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
A physical therapist assistant provides care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to restore function to individuals affected by physical impairments, dysfunction, and disabilities. Services are provided across a wide spectrum of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, outpatient clinics, and schools, and across the age continuum from infants to the elderly.
Accreditation Status of the PTA Program
Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Germanna Community College (including the offering at Laurel Ridge Community College) 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. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 540-423-9844 or email [email protected]. To contact the Germanna PTA Program at Laurel Ridge directly, please call 540-843-0798 or email Dr. Taylor Gore at [email protected] or after May 2024, Dr. Rekha Parameswaran, [email protected].
A link to confirmation of the accreditation status is available on the Germanna PTA Program website or clicking on the CAPTE logo.
Apply to this Program
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program Application will be open April 15- May 15, every odd numbered year.
Visit the application page to apply.
Program Information and Curriculum
Explore Careers and Job Outlook
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 EMSI Career Coach to explore the career possibilities in this field.
In Demand G3 Program - $$ for Tuition and Fees
Discover our IN-DEMAND and STACKABLE credentials and education programs that are eligible for more funding than ever before through the G3 Scholarship! Learn more about the G3 program.
Tuition and Funding Options
Tuition rates for this program are approximately one-third the cost of attending a four-year college or university in Virginia. Compare savings now!
An estimated $15.2 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships are awarded to Laurel Ridge Community College students each year. We are committed to using all available funds to help you gain access to a college education.
Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments.
View all financial aid, payment options, and more HERE.
Information Sessions
Please visit this site for upcoming PTA information sessions:
Offered the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Accreditation, Licensure, and Associations
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.
Program Details
For up-to-date program Information and details please visit Germanna Community College PTA program.
Location
All classes are held at the Luray- Page County Center, located at 200 College Drive, Luray, 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.
Cost of Attendance
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) along with Germanna Community College invite you to use the Cost of Attendance Student Financial Fact Sheet. The Student Financial Fact Sheet can help determine the cost of attendance.
The purpose of the Student Financial Fact Sheet is to provide the public with current, accurate, reliable, and easily available information about the cost of attendance. This is in accordance with CAPTE Rules of Practice and Procedures 8.20(c) Student Costs.
TEAS Testing
Testing begins in mid-December and runs through May 15.
- One retake permitted 2 weeks after initial test.
- Reserving a Seat
- Step 1: Reserve a Seat at your preferred Campus using the links below.
- Step 2: Check your email for a Confirmation of your seat request, which will contain vital information about paying for and completing your exam.
- TEAS Testing Dates 2025
Middletown Campus
Fauquier Campus
Luray-Page County Center
Need Accommodations?
Testing accommodations are available for the ATI TEAS exam. Students are required to have a letter of accommodation to receive alternate testing conditions for the exam.
All testing must be completed within the testing centers’ normal hours of operation. Testers with extended time accommodations should consider this when reserving their seat. For testing center hours, please see the Testing Center web page.
To best facilitate testing accommodations, please follow these instructions:
- Students who require testing accommodations will need to first contact the Office of Accommodations and Disability Servicesto obtain a letter for any necessary accommodations.
- Once a letter of accommodations is acquired, the student must then forward the letter to the Testing Center where testing will take place:
- Middletown Campus – [email protected]
- Fauquier Campus – [email protected]
- Luray-Page County Center – [email protected]
- The student will then be contacted to schedule a new testing date, depending on the accommodation, and receive further instructions on how to register for the exam.
Contact Us
Dr. Rekha Parameswaran, PT, DPT
Site Coordinator
[email protected]
Tracey F. Williams, M.Ed., PTA
Director Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Germanna Community College
[email protected]
Have a Question?
Do you have a specific question about this program or how to get started at Laurel Ridge? Please use the form below and a member of our staff will respond as soon as possible.
Laurel Ridge subscribes to EMSI and provides this link for general career information. Emsi’s products and services use data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and proprietary analytical processes.