The physical therapist assistant is a skilled technical health care worker who carries out patient treatment programs under the direction of the physical therapist. The assistant works to relieve pain and/or increase function in patients via therapeutic application of heat, cold, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, exercise, gait and functional activity. Physical therapist assistants work in a variety of settings which include:

•  hospitals
•  rehabilitation agencies
•  schools
•  outpatient clinics
•  nursing homes
•  home health agencies
•  sports medicine clinics
•  traveling therapy agencies

Persons interested in pursuing this program should be comfortable working with people of all age groups in close one-to-one relationships.  They should enjoy physical activity and be patient and empathetic when working with others.

Upon completion of the program, the student is awarded an Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree.

A national licensing examination is given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.  The goal of this program is to provide knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will culminate in successful employment of the graduate as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.

Important Information

• Liability and clinical accidental insurance must be obtained through the College for which a special fee will be charged.
   

• Students admitted to this program must have a physical examination by a licensed physician or an advanced RN practitioner verifying satisfactory health status and a dental examination verifying oral health status prior to entrance into the first session of the program.  This must include all immunizations, tests, and health verifications tests, and health verifications as specified within contractual agreements with affiliating agencies.  This may be required on an annual basis at the discretion of the program director.
   

• Program requirements are subject to change.  Students should check with a counselor, advisor or the program director.
   

• Students transferring from another Physical Therapist Assistant or other health-related program must be in good standing in such program (Exceptions will be handled by the Provost's Office at the Health Education Center).
   

• In order to be successful in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, the student must be able to demonstrate essential student functions.
   

• Complaints generated from the community that fall outside of the College's due process may be reported to either the PTA Program Director, or the Health Education Center Provost office.