Now accepting applications for fall 2026! Apply early, rolling admissions
About our Program
As a PTA, you will work with physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or health problems. You’ll help people walk again, get stronger, and live more active lives. PTAs work with all kinds of people—young, old, and everyone in between.
What sets us apart:
- Green River has the most established PTA program in the state of WA - over 50 years of graduating successful PTAs who are highly sought for employment.
- Some employers request GRC graduates only.
- We have a 100% employment rate and a high pass rate on the national board examination.
- Faculty are well respected in the PT community, both locally and in the nation.
Mission
Green River College's (GRC's) Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is committed to preparing students with the competence, critical thinking and discernment for successful employment as PTAs The PTA program provides comprehensive, accessible, quality, learning‐ centered and patient‐centered education.
The program is dedicated to empowering program graduates to provide quality patient care under the supervision of physical therapists with diverse populations in a variety of health care settings. Graduates will be prepared to practice in legal, ethical, safe, accountable, and effective manners and be able to adapt and respond appropriately within the ever‐changing environment of health care.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Green River College awards an Associate in Applied Science degree and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education. The program prepares graduates for immediate employment. Studies in the program include anatomy and physiology, technical physical therapy courses and practical clinical experiences in area health care facilities.
All of Green River's PTA program graduates who have sought employment in physical therapy have been employed. Many students have obtained jobs prior to graduation.
Program Opportunities
- Receive hands-on clinical experience in a variety of settings
- Develop an ongoing collaborative relationship with faculty and fellow students
- Enhance your personal leadership and group interaction skills
- Become skilled in an exciting and rewarding health care occupation
- Receive an Associate in Applied Science degree for Physical Therapist Assistant that is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association
Career Opportunities
- PTAs are employed in a wide variety of settings including hospitals and rehabilitation facilities; outpatient clinics and offices; skilled nursing, extended care or convalescent facilities; home health agencies; hospices; schools and other pediatric facilities; sports therapy clinics and athletic facilities.
- The demand for physical therapist assistants is strong in the Puget Sound area and nationwide.
- All of Green River's PTA program graduates who have sought employment in physical
therapy have been employed.
On average, 90% to 100% of program graduates are consistently employed within 6 months of passing the licensure examination. - Many students have job offers prior to graduation
Information Sessions
You can book an information session with our OTA/PTA advisor using the link below.