Physical therapist assistant programs in the Rio Grande Valley area
2 accredited programs train physical therapist assistants in the Rio Grande Valley area. Here is how their graduates do on the NPTE-PTA, how many find jobs, and what each publishes as its cost.
The short version
- South Texas College reports the highest NPTE-PTA rate in the area, 100% (2024 to 2025), against a Texas program median of 90.4%.
- Results vary widely: Rio Grande Valley College reports 46.4%, 54 points below the area's best.
- Of the 2 programs, 2 publish a total cost, from $13,961 at South Texas College to $31,943 at Rio Grande Valley College.
- Physical therapist assistants around Rio Grande Valley earn a median of $72,520, 7% below the Texas median of $78,000.
- Rio Grande Valley College is below CAPTE's benchmark or on probation; see its page for details.
These lines are generated from the numbers on this page and change when the data does.
Every PTA program in the area
Highest NPTE-PTA rate first. Tap a program for its full outcomes, cost breakdown and sources. 2
| Program | NPTE-PTA rate | Job placement | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Texas College AAS, McAllen | 100% | 100% | $13,961 |
| Rio Grande Valley College AAS, Pharr | 46.4% | 100% | $31,943 |
Other career programs in the Rio Grande Valley area
How to read these numbers
Graduates who passed the NPTE-PTA licensing exam on their first try, as a two-year average for 2024 and 2025 graduates, published by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Where a program also publishes its ultimate pass rate (including retakes), it is shown separately. Job placement: graduates who sought work as a PTA and were employed within a year of passing the exam, as the program reports it. All Texas PTA programs
Sources and dates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Physical Therapist Assistants (31-2021), May 2025 estimates.
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), checked Nov. 2026.
- South Texas College: outcomes, Program page: 2-year graduation 79% (2024-2025); 100% of graduates who tested passed (2024-2025, first-time and ultimate 100% each year); employment 100% (2-year, 2023-2024)..
- Rio Grande Valley College: outcomes, Program outcomes PDF (2025-2026 revision), classes of 2024 and 2025: graduation 28 of 29 (97%); passed within one year 9 of 13 and 12 of 15 (total 75%); employment 100%. byYear is first-attempt passes from the same PDF..
- South Texas College PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet, CAPTE financial fact sheet for students in the program Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2025, in-district.
- Rio Grande Valley College PTA Financial Fact Sheet 2025-2026, CAPTE financial fact sheet for students in the program Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2025.
Every number was checked against its source on Nov. 4, 2026. Spot an error? Report it. Program Outcomes is independent and not affiliated with any school or CAPTE. Our independence policy