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 Assistant 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 Assistant 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.
ENGL103*—English Composition
Credits: 3 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: ENGL094 or placement by academic assessment
ENGL110*—Oral Communication
Credits: 3 Semester Credit Hours
MATH120*—Introductory Algebra
Credits: 3 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: MATH095 or placement by academic assessment
NSCI106*—Human Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab
Credits: 4 Semester Credit Hours
NSCI206*—Human Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab
Credits: 4 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: NSCI106
PSYC102*—Introduction to Psychology
Credits: 3 Semester Credit Hours
PSYC231*—Growth and Development: Lifespan
Credits: 3 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: PSYC102 or Department Chair approval
PTAS110*—Introduction to Physical Therapy
Credits: 3 Semester Credit Hours
PTAS202*—Physical Therapist Assistant Procedures I & Lab
Credits: 3 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: NSCI106, PTAS110
PTAS204*—Introduction to Clinical Education
Credits: 1 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: NSCI106, PTAS110
PTAS206*—Therapeutic Modalities & Lab
Credits: 4 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: PTAS202, PTAS202L, PTAS204
PTAS208*—Human Kinesiology & Lab
Credits: 4 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: NSCI205, PTAS206
PTAS212*—Physical Therapist Assistant Procedures II & Lab
Credits: 2 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: NSCI205, PTAS206
PTAS215†—Clinical Education Experience I
Credits: 4 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: PTAS208, PTAS212, and Department Chair / Program Director approval
PTAS216*—Therapeutic Exercise & Lab
Credits: 4 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: PTAS215
PTAS217*—Pathophysiological Conditions
Credits: 3 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: PTAS215
PTAS218*—Applied Neurology & Lab
Credits: 4 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: PTAS216, PTAS217
PTAS220†—Clinical Education Experience II
Credits: 4 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: PTAS218 and Program Director / Department Chair approval
PTAS221*—Physical Therapist Assistant Seminar I
Credits: 2 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: PTAS218
PTAS225†—Clinical Education Experience III
Credits: 4 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: PTAS220 and Program Director/Department Chair approval
PTAS226*—Physical Therapist Assistant Seminar II
Credits: 2 Semester Credit Hours; Prerequisites: PTAS221
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
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Hesser College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.
Click here to view student outcome rates for the physical therapist assistant program at Hesser College.
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