Richmond, VA – Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) programs, which play a vital role in rehabilitation and therapy services, will face significant federal aid changes beginning in 2026. While most PTA programs are accredited associate-degree tracks, federal reforms still impact borrowing limits, certificate-level offerings, and program performance requirements.
According to federal guidance, any PTA certificate, bridge program, or skills add-on that is unaccredited, non-credit, or below 150 instructional hours cannot receive Title IV funding. Programs between 150 and 600 hours must meet strict Workforce Pell requirements, including a 70% completion rate, 70% job placement rate, and tuition that does not exceed graduates’ value-added earnings measured three years after completion.
Beginning July 1, 2026, PTA programs that fall into certificate-level categories must also pass the federal “low earnings outcomes” test. Under this rule, programs lose Direct Loan eligibility if graduates earn the same or less than adults with only a high school diploma for two out of three years. While PTA roles generally offer stronger wages than other allied health certificates, programs in rural or low-pay regions may still face compliance challenges.
Additionally, PTA students will face new federal loan caps, limiting annual and lifetime borrowing across all degree levels.
