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Physical Therapist Assistant Associate in Science Degree

(Day Program)

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a member of the health care team who has completed a two-year associate degree educational program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The PTA performs interventions such as modalities, training patients in exercises, mobility and activities of daily living and other related tasks that have been directed and supervised by a physical therapist (PT).

The PTA program can accept up to 20 students each fall.  Historically, we have accepted 15 students who want a single major, and set aside 5 seats for students in other programs who want a double major with PTA.   If by chance, all 5 “dual major” seats are not claimed, we have given the remaining seats to students who want a single major.

Applicants who meet the college requirements but who need to complete college preparation courses in order to meet the PTA program requirements may choose to matriculate into the General Studies – Exploratory 3 program.  Students can reapply to the PTA program when the program requirements have been fulfilled.

Please see the “PTA application process” button on program web page.

All courses in the PTA program must be successfully completed within 3 years unless special permission has been obtained from the program director to continue for a fourth year.  The testing of competencies is required after a leave of absence or a prolonged period of study.

The PTA program combines classroom and laboratory work at the college with three full-time six-week supervised clinical education experiences.  The Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education works with each student to assign appropriate clinical sites.  Assignments depend on the availability of clinical sites.  Students may be required to temporarily relocate or travel long distances.  A car is required for personal transportation to all clinical education experience assignments.  A criminal background check and updated immunizations may be required at certain clinical sites.  The student will be responsible for those expenses.

The student must pass all PTAC and AHLC courses with a minimum grade of “C”. All PTAC and AHLC courses are based on a 7-point scale (C=80).  At selected points in the program, students must pass a comprehensive examination in order to progress.

Graduates must pass a national examination and satisfy licensing requirements in most states in order to practice legally under the supervision of a physical therapist.  Job opportunities exist for PTAs across the United States in a variety of settings.

2006 accreditation by CAPTE: American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.  Telephone: (703)706-3245.

*more information is available on the college web site: www.rivervalley.edu