Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

Additional information available on the Physical Therapist Assistant Department website.

Recommended basic skills courses are

• College Readiness in English
• College Readiness for Quantitative Literacy 

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. PTAs assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

The physical therapist is responsible for the services provided by the PTA. Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

PTAs provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant degree program, students should be able to:

• Eligible to sit for Licensure examination
• Work under the supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal, safe, and professional manner
• Implement a comprehensive treatment plan developed by a physical therapist promoting optimal outcomes for patients
• Recognize the relationship between concepts learned from liberal arts and basic science coursework and physical therapy knowledge and skills
• Demonstrate effective oral, written, and nonverbal communication in a culturally competent manner with patients and their families, colleagues, other health care providers, and the public
• Interact skillfully with patients across the life span
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and life-long learning