Associate's Degree
Physical therapist assistants play an important role in the delivery of effective rehabilitation services to patients in need. Our Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program could train you to work with patients to help them improve function, relieve pain, and maintain their health. You can receive training in how to treat patients using a variety of procedures such as heat or cold application, electric stimulation, ultrasound, and therapeutic exercise.
Included in the program are both coursework and clinical work to prepare you for a potential career working with people and witnessing the difference you can make in their lives. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded an associate of science degree.
Physical Therapist Program Features
- Extensive training with physical therapy professionals
- Training in computerized anatomy and physiology laboratories
- Hands-on training in the treatment of physical therapy patients
Potential Physical Therapist Career Opportunities
As a graduate of this program, you may seek future entry-level employment as a physical therapist assistant.
Courses and Typical Length of Study
The approximate length of study for this degree program is 67 semester credit hours.
Career
Courses |
Semester Credit Hours |
| PTAS110* |
Introduction to Physical Therapy |
3 |
| PTAS202* |
Physical Therapy Assistant Procedures I/Lab |
3 |
| PTAS204* |
Introduction to Clinical Education |
1 |
| PTAS206* |
Therapeutic Modalities/Lab |
4 |
| PTAS208* |
Human Kinesiology/Lab |
4 |
| PTAS212* |
Physical Therapy Assistant Procedures II/Lab |
2 |
| PTAS215† |
Clinical Education Experience I
(240 hours taken during the summer semester) |
4 |
| PTAS216* |
Therapeutic Exercise/Lab |
4 |
| PTAS217* |
Pathophysiological Conditions |
3 |
| PTAS218* |
Applied Neurology/Lab |
4 |
| PTAS220† |
Clinical Education Experience II (240 hours) |
4 |
| PTAS221* |
Physical Therapy Assistant Seminar |
2 |
| PTAS225† |
Clinical Education Experience III (240 hours) |
4 |
| PTAS226* |
Physical Therapy Assistant Seminar II |
2 |
General Education
Courses |
|
| ENGL103* |
English Composition |
3 |
| ENGL110* |
Oral Communications |
3 |
| MATH120* |
Introductory Algebra (or higher level math
elective with Department Chair approval) |
3 |
| NSCI106* |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab |
4 |
| NSCI206* |
Human Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab |
4 |
| PSYC102* |
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
| PSYC231* |
Growth and Development: Life Span |
3 |
Total Credit Hours |
67 |
*All PTA majors must achieve a minimum level of competency equivalent to a grade of C (2.0) or better in all the career and general education courses in order to continue in the PTA program.
†All PTA majors must achieve a minimum level of competency equivalent to a “Pass” as per the Clinical Performance Instrument in order to successfully pass this course and continue in the PTA program.
Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, 703.706.3245.
Degree Program Outcomes
The physical therapist assistant program is designed to prepare graduates to meet the following outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theories related to human impairments and the physiological processes
that underlie those impairments
- Demonstrate proficiency in patient/family education, the application of data-collection skills, and therapeutic interventions utilizing evidence-based practice (EBP) and research to enhance patient outcomes
- Utilize problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the application of physical therapy interventions and patient management
- Demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communication that meets the legal requirements of the profession
and is culturally sensitive
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role and scope of physical therapist assistant practice as it relates to both legal and ethical concerns
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic administration and reimbursement principlesas they apply to the physical therapist assistant (PTA)
- Demonstrate the knowledge and obtain the clinical experience to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination
for physical therapist assistants
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