Accreditation approved; applications being accepted this spring
~ Press release provided by Laurel Ridge Community College
Four years after launching the Physical Therapist Assistant Program (PTA) – as an accredited satellite program of Germanna Community College – at the Luray-Page County Center, Laurel Ridge Community College has received accreditation to begin offering the training as an independent program. The first cohort of Laurel Ridge students will start in fall 2026.
Laurel Ridge’s program has recently been accredited by CAPTE (Commission for Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education). To attain successful accreditation, Laurel Ridge had to meet various benchmarks, such as recruiting qualified and dedicated core faculty members, demonstrating a solid curriculum, providing access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology, and having a roster of sites where students could obtain optimal clinical experiences, said Dr. Rekha Parameswaran, who has been the program site coordinator since the satellite program debuted.
Under the guidance of a physical therapist, PTAs provide direct care and treatment to patients. They help patients carry out treatment plans written by the physical therapist. PTAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools and homes.
“Shortly after the satellite program launched, we realized our students would benefit more from on-site lectures and guidance, rather than distance education,” said Dr. Parameswaran. “Our team, led by President Kim Blosser, helped shape the vision of an independent PTA program at the LPCC, which we presented to CAPTE. We sincerely thank the Germanna PTA program for supporting us as a satellite site and helping pave the way for our new independent journey.”
Laurel Ridge will begin accepting applications to the PTA program in April, she said, adding it is committed to transforming healthcare in the Shenandoah Valley.
“Our mission is to deliver a stellar, specialized program that not only equips students with the skills they’ll need to excel in patient care, but also strengthens the fabric of our community,” said Dr. Parameswaran. “There is a critical shortage of physical therapists and assistants, and we are stepping up to meet that need. Not only will we be cultivating highly-trained professionals, we will be generating premium employment opportunities for local residents and attracting new clinics and healthcare businesses to the region.
“The PTA program is about more than just education. It is an engine of prosperity and wellness designed to uplift individuals, empower families and ensure a thriving community that has access to the care they deserve.”
The current class of first-year students will graduate as Laurel Ridge students in 2027. Next fall will also mark the first time both first-year and second-year PTA students will be attending the college at the same time.
The median salary for PTAs in this region is $60,00, with salaries ranging from about $50,000 as a new PTA, with experienced PTAs earning around $80,000. Physical therapist assistants also hold non-clinical roles such as clinic managers and academics.
The PTA program qualifies for G3 funding, meaning eligible Virginia residents will have no out-of-pocket tuition fees after all financial aid has been applied.
Learn more about the program at laurelridge.edu/PTA, or emailing PTAssistant@laurelridge.edu,
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