Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Physical Therapist Programs in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Rio Rancho.
Looking to kickstart your career in physical therapy but uncertain where to begin?
Discover the top-rated Physical Therapist Programs in New Mexico tailored for aspiring professionals.
This guide highlights respected programs, their key benefits, and unique features, ensuring you find the best fit for your journey in physical therapy.
New Mexico State University – Pre-Health Physical Therapy Program
The New Mexico State University (NMSU) offers a robust Pre-Health Physical Therapy program designed to give you a strong foundation for a career in physical therapy. Unlike some programs, NMSU does not require a specific undergraduate major. This flexibility allows you to choose from common Pre-Physical Therapy majors like Kinesiology and Athletic Training.
Key Features of NMSU’s Program:
- General Core Courses: Courses such as General Biology (BIOL 2610G/2610L and BIOL 2110G/2110L), PSYC 350 and/or PSYC 351, and CEPY 1120G provide a well-rounded educational base.
- Career Prospects: With a median salary of $91,010 annually and a projected job growth rate of 21% from 2020 to 2030, physical therapy offers excellent career opportunities.
- Health Promotion: Gain knowledge to develop fitness and wellness regimes, aiming to enhance overall health and prevent future issues.
You will benefit from a curriculum that prepares you to handle a variety of health conditions while helping individuals improve their general health.
For more information, be sure to visit NMSU’s program page.
Central New Mexico Community College – Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) features a comprehensive Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, providing you with practical knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors necessary for a successful career.
What Sets CNM Apart:
- Evidence-Based Curriculum: Includes classroom coursework, clinical laboratory work, and patient simulations for hands-on learning.
- Clinical Education: Features three full-time clinical education experiences supervised by experienced clinical instructors.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring a high-quality education.
Impressive Outcomes:
- Graduation Rates: 87.5% in 2021 and 90.9% in 2022 with a two-year graduation rate of 89.2%.
- Examination Pass Rates: First-time pass rates for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) were at 91% in 2021, 100% in 2022, and 90% in 2023 with an ultimate pass rate of 100%.
- Employment Rates: Graduates have a remarkable employment rate of 100% within six months of licensure.
Ready to learn more? Visit CNM’s PTA program page for detailed information.
Eastern New Mexico University – Pre-Physical Therapy Program
Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) offers a thorough Pre-Physical Therapy program tailored to prepare you for graduate studies in physical therapy. The program is designed for flexibility, allowing you to align your coursework with the specific requirements of your desired graduate program.
Core Components of ENMU’s Program:
- Comprehensive Course List: Courses include General Biology (with lab), General Chemistry (with lab), Organic Chemistry (with lab), General Physics (with lab), Language and Communication, and Psychology.
- Tailored Guidance: Emphasizes early engagement with the physical therapy graduate program of your choice to ensure appropriate coursework completion.
- State-of-the-Art Resources: Access to online learning platforms, library services, and health advisory resources to support your education.
ENMU stands out by providing personalized application support and a robust academic foundation.
To find out more, visit ENMU’s Pre-Physical Therapy Program page.
San Juan College – Physical Therapist Assistant Program
At San Juan College, the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program offers both on-campus and online/hybrid options, giving you the flexibility to choose the format that best fits your needs. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the program can be completed in as few as five semesters.
Key Highlights of San Juan College’s PTA Program:
- Flexible Learning Options: Choose between in-person and online/hybrid classes. Note: Online/hybrid students will need to travel to campus for lab sessions lasting 9-18 days per semester.
- Diverse Curriculum: Courses cover key areas such as physical therapy fundamentals, therapeutic exercise procedures, clinical techniques, and treatment strategies.
- Hands-On Experience: Participate in two full-time clinical externships to gain practical experience in real-world settings.
Graduates often find employment in varied settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab units, nursing homes, home health agencies, and more.
Interested in this flexible program? Visit San Juan College’s PTA program page for more details.
The University of New Mexico – Physical Therapy Program
The University of New Mexico (UNM) offers a three-year Physical Therapy program that stands out for its commitment to developing specialists in movement who can lead interprofessional collaborative teams. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), this program is designed for individuals eager to focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.
Key Features of UNM’s Physical Therapy Program:
- Diverse Expertise: The faculty includes board-certified clinical specialists in neurologic, orthopaedic, and pediatric physical therapy, ensuring high-quality education.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Core subjects include neuroanatomy, neuropathology, pathophysiology of common diseases, differential diagnosis, and applied research.
- Clinical Experiences: Students engage in diverse clinical education experiences that provide hands-on training, including patient screening, examination, evaluation, and care plan formulation.
- Community Focus: The program emphasizes service to New Mexico’s diverse communities and offers an integrated clinical experience at the REACH clinic, where students apply their theoretical knowledge under faculty supervision.
UNM’s program is an excellent choice for those looking to specialize in various areas of physical therapy while gaining practical experience in a clinical setting.
For a detailed overview, visit UNM’s Physical Therapy program page.
Clovis Community College – Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Clovis Community College provides a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program that spans four semesters and offers a total of 71 credit hours. The program is CAPTE accredited and designed to prepare students to assist licensed physical therapists effectively.
Highlights of Clovis Community College’s PTA Program:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers human anatomy and physiology, plan of care implementation, advanced care implementation, and clinical practicums.
- Observation Requirement: Students must complete 25 hours of observation with a licensed physical therapist or assistant, enhancing real-world understanding.
- Well-Rounded Education: In addition to specific physical therapy courses, the program includes subjects like English composition and developmental psychology.
Graduates from Clovis Community College’s PTA program find varied job opportunities in healthcare settings, benefiting from a positive employment outlook.
For more details, visit Clovis Community College’s PTA program page.
Pima Medical Institute – Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Pima Medical Institute offers an Associate degree in the Physical Therapist Assistant program that equips students to work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. This program is recognized for meeting licensure requirements in New Mexico and is delivered through both on-ground and hybrid methods.
Key Components of Pima Medical Institute’s Program:
- Program Duration: 75 weeks with a total of 1,586 program hours (1,631 at the Las Vegas campus due to an additional class).
- Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science (Houston) or Associate of Occupational Science (other campuses) degree.
- Comprehensive Training: Covers patient observation, mobility enhancement, pain alleviation, and effective communication with supervising physical therapists.
- Clinical Externships: Ensures students gain hands-on experience through real-world clinical placements.
Graduates are eligible to apply for the National Physical Therapy Examination, making this program a solid path toward licensure and employment.
Explore further details at Pima Medical Institute’s PTA program page.
Choosing the Best Physical Therapist Program in New Mexico
Selecting the right physical therapist program is crucial for your career. Here’s a guide to help you evaluate your options effectively:
- Accreditation:
- Clinical Experience Opportunities:
- Cost and Financial Aid:
- Curriculum:
- Flexibility:
- Job Placement Rates:
- Faculty Expertise:
Choosing the best program involves aligning it with your personal career aspirations and educational needs. Thorough research on each program’s strengths and how they fit your professional objectives will help you make an informed decision.
Physical Therapist Programs By State
Conclusion
Finding the best physical therapist program in New Mexico involves careful consideration of various factors, including accreditation, clinical experience, cost, curriculum, flexibility, job placement rates, and faculty expertise. Whether you choose New Mexico State University, Central New Mexico Community College, Eastern New Mexico University, San Juan College, the University of New Mexico, Clovis Community College, or Pima Medical Institute, be sure to select a program that aligns with your long-term career goals. Take the time to explore each program’s specifics and find the one that best meets your educational needs and career aspirations.
Embarking on the journey to become a physical therapist is an exciting step towards a rewarding career. Explore these programs, make informed choices, and set yourself up for future success.