If you’re an Oklahoma resident with a passion for providing hands-on patient care in support of clinical professionals like physical therapists – this is the guide for you!
Physical therapist assistants provide direct support and compassionate patient care.
Our guide provides a step-by-step guide to becoming a physical therapist’s assistant, followed by an in-depth look at some of the state’s accredited programs.
Page Navigation
How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oklahoma – Step by Step
Finish High School
Prospective students considering becoming licensed PTAs in Oklahoma must have proof of completing a high school diploma or an equivalent.
Complete a PTA Program
Future PTAs in Oklahoma are required to complete a CAPTE-accredited program to learn the latest practices, modalities, and skills needed to support licensed PTs working in local healthcare systems.
Practice PTA Clinical Skills
All CAPTE-accredited programs will include an immersive clinical component where students are assigned to partnering healthcare facilities to practice their newly acquired skills and demonstrate their competency as working physical therapist assistants.
Complete the Required National Examination
Pre-licensed PTAs must successfully pass the National Physical Therapists Examination and any related exams before becoming eligible to apply for licensure within the state.
Apply for Licensure
Once you’ve completed the required education, testing, and training steps, the next step is to apply for licensing with the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision.
Pass a Background Check
Most occupational and medical licensing issuing bodies will require candidates to complete and pass a mandatory background check before they are eligible to become licensed or work in direct contact with patients providing clinical care and support.
Receive Your PTA License
Dedicated PTAs who complete all the previous steps will receive their PTA license from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision upon paying all required licensing fees.
Renew Your License
Renewing your PTA license is one of the most important steps for new Oklahoma PTAs.
Your license must be renewed according to the schedule provided by the issuing body.
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Oklahoma
Carl Albert State College
About the School
Carl Albert State College offers a comprehensive physical therapist assistant training program that leads students to a two-year degree.
PTA students who complete their competitive program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to work as entry-level healthcare providers.
This program has competitive admission requirements and only accepts new applicants once a year.
Curriculum
- Applied Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Experience
- Kinesiology
- Fundamentals of Physical Therapy Assisting
- Neurology and Pathology
- Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Therapy
- Therapeutic Exercise
Tuition and Fees: $$3,139.00-$4,368.00 plus textbooks, drug screen, and supply fees.
Murray State College, Tishomingo
About the School
Aspiring physical therapist assistants can get a comprehensive physical therapy education by taking courses at Murray State College.
Their program is designed for completion in around four and a half semesters for full-time students.
This program introduces students to basic physical therapy concepts and trains them on the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology along with providing foundational education through general studies.
Curriculum
- Anatomy and Movement
- Introduction to Physical Therapy
- Clinical Practicum
- Medical Terminology
- Seminar in Physical Therapy
- Rehabilitation Techniques
- The Profession of Physical Therapy
Tuition and Fees: $160.00 per credit hour with an estimated 12-18 hours per semester.
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College 
About the School
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College offers a 14-month physical therapist assistant degree program that prepares students for national testing, state licensure, and entry-level employment.
This highly competitive program includes practical, clinical, and laboratory training that gives students the fundamentals needed to support practicing physical therapists.
This program only accepts 15 students per year and operates on a highly competitive basis.
Curriculum
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Clinical Kinesiology
- Clinical Preparation
- Introduction to Physical Therapy
- Neurology and Pathology
- Pathology for the PTA
Tuition and Fees: $7,084.25
Oklahoma City Community College
About the School
Oklahoma City Community College prepares enrolled students to begin exciting new careers as licensed physical therapist assistants.
Their program teaches students the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic exercise, and a variety of patient care techniques followed by an immersive clinical experience that allows them to cement their skills and demonstrate their experience under the supervision of licensed clinicians and instructors.
Curriculum
- Dynamic Human Motion
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Physical Therapy
- Management of Neurologic Disorders
- Physical Therapy Procedures
- Therapeutic Exercise
Tuition and Fees: $139.25 per credit hour plus drug test fees, supply fees, background check fees, and other mandatory costs.
More Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Oklahoma
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Tulsa Community College
Top 7 Schools in Oklahoma
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Carl Albert State College | 1507 S McKenna St, Poteau, OK 74953, United States |
| Murray State College, Tishomingo | 1 Murray Campus Dr, Tishomingo, OK 73460, United States |
| Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College | 200 I St NE, Miami, OK 74354, United States |
| Oklahoma City Community College | 7777 S May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73159, United States |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | 100 W Campus Dr, Weatherford, OK 73096, United States |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | 100 W Campus Dr, Weatherford, OK 73096, United States |
| Tulsa Community College | 3727 E Apache St, Tulsa, OK 74115, United States |
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Oklahoma
Oklahoma physical therapists assistants make an average of $71,967.00 per year.
Entry-level PTAs on the lower end of the scale bring home about $54,270.00.
Higher-earning PTAs in OK make as much as $96,498.00 annually.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Physical Therapist Assistants in Oklahoma
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $58,201 |
| Tulsa | $60,601 |
| Norman | $57,801 |
| Lawton | $54,201 |
| Broken Arrow | $60,401 |
| Edmond | $58,001 |
| Muskogee | $60,101 |
| Enid | $57,601 |
| Bartlesville | $60,101 |
| Stillwater | $57,601 |
Regional Salary in Oklahoma
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawton, OK | 40 | $54,940 | $26.41 | $74,990 | $38,100 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 610 | $56,250 | $27.04 | $75,190 | $30,400 |
| Tulsa, OK | 400 | $58,210 | $27.98 | $79,240 | $32,870 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Physical Therapist Assistant Schools are Accredited in Oklahoma?
There are currently seven schools in Oklahoma that have been accredited by CAPTE to provide education, training, and support for future PTAs in the state.
Find a listing of the CAPTE-approved programs above.
How Can I Get Physical Therapist Assistant Training in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma physical therapist assistants must complete a minimum of an associate-level program to become eligible to work as licensed PTAs in Oklahoma.
How Long Will It Take Me to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oklahoma?
Most Oklahoma physical therapist assistant programs take around two to three years to complete with full-time enrollment.
Students should factor in time for completing prerequisites, the NPTE exam, licensing, and part-time education.
