Physical Therapist Assistant

About Physical Therapist Assistant

As a PTA, you will work with physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or health problems. You’ll help people walk again, get stronger, and live more active lives. PTAs work with all kinds of people—young, old, and everyone in between.

In our program, you will learn:

• How the body moves
• How to use exercise and equipment to help patients
• How to support physical therapists during treatments
• How to talk with patients and cheer them on

You’ll get classroom lessons and hands-on training at real clinics. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to take your licensing exam and start working right away.

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Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) work under the supervision of:

• Physical Therapists utilizing therapeutic exercise
• Functional training
• Adaptive devices (including prosthetics)
• Physical agents (water, electricity, sound, light, heat and cold) to restore, maintain, and promote optimal physical function.

Program Opportunities

• Receive hands-on clinical experience in a variety of settings
• Develop an ongoing collaborative relationship with faculty and fellow students
• Enhance your personal leadership and group interaction skills
• Become skilled in an exciting and rewarding health care occupation
• Receive an Associate in Applied Science degree for Physical Therapist Assistant that is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association

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Information Sessions

You can book an information session with our OTA/PTA advisor using the link below.

RSVP for an Information Session

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Associate Degree Option

Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is a key member of the rehabilitation team.  A PTA works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, designing and implementing treatment programs to help individuals to restore mobility, strength and function.

Length of Program: 107 credits
Average Salary: $67,354
Location: Main Campus

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Full Degree Details

 

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Are you looking for the old web page? Visit the previous PTA website.

Career Outlook

A career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a great way to help people feel better and stay active. PTAs work with physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or health problems like arthritis or stroke.

What PTAs Do

PTAs help patients by:

• Showing them how to do exercises
• Using equipment to build strength and movement
• Helping people walk again or move with less pain
• Keeping track of how patients are doing

PTAs give care that helps people live better, safer, and more active lives.

Where PTAs Work

PTAs work in many places, such as:

• Hospitals
• Physical therapy clinics
• Nursing homes
• Sports and rehab centers
• People’s homes

You can find jobs in small towns or big cities.

Job Opportunities

There is a high demand for PTAs. As more people get older or need therapy after surgery or injury, more PTAs are needed. This means good job chances for new graduates.

Job Growth

The PTA field is growing much faster than average, according to job experts. That means lots of new jobs will be opening up over the next 10 years.

Pay and Hours

Most PTAs earn around $50,000 to $65,000 a year. Some make more depending on where they work. Most jobs are full-time, but there are part-time jobs too. Some PTAs may work evenings or weekends.

Room to Grow

PTAs often stay in the field for many years, but some choose to:

• Go back to school to become a Physical Therapist
• Teach or train new PTAs
• Work in special areas like sports or pediatrics

 

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