Program Description
This is a 69-credit Associate in Applied Science degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. It is designed to prepare individuals for employment in physical therapy settings under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. Graduates are eligible to take the national licensure examination necessary for practice as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).
Course work prepares the student to perform basic physical therapy procedures and should not be considered as a direct vehicle of study towards an entry-level physical therapy academic program. The program demands that students attend classes full-time during the day. Hours for clinical practice may vary and travel to the clinical setting is the responsibility of the student.
Specific goals of the program:
- To prepare individuals for employment in physical therapy settings under the supervision of a Physical therapist.
- To work under the supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal, safe and effective manner.
- To provide, in addition to general education and basic science courses, a combination of didactic and clinical learning experiences offered in an integrated and sequential manner to assure entry level proficiency.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to deliver safe, appropriate and effective interventions to the populations they serve under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist within the scope of PTA practice;
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate appropriately, and educate the populations they serve;
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the profession by actively pursuing career development activities;
- Utilize human, fiscal and system resources appropriately to provide efficient and ethical physical therapy service;
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, integrity and cultural competence in all duties associated with being a physical therapist assistant.
There is a limit to the number of seats available in the clinical phase of the PTA program. All students must complete a PTA Program Entrance Form prior to starting the clinical phase of the program. All students must complete 50 hours of volunteer work or work-related experience and must obtain a reference on the PTA Program Reference Form. Both of these forms are available on the program website, and must be returned to the PTA Program no later than October 31.
Please note that it is always beneficial for students to complete additional non-clinical courses prior to the first semester of the clinical phase, thereby making the summer course load more manageable. Please meet with anacademic advisor in Student Services for advising on course selection.
If necessary, the PTA Program Admissions Committee will make the final determination for admission to the program based on the professional reference and a written essay or interview.
After Union County College
Graduates are eligible to take the Licensure Examination necessary for practice as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.
There is a limit to the number of seats available in the clinical phase of the PTA program. All students must complete a PTA Program Entrance Form prior to starting the clinical phase of the program. All students must complete 50 hours of volunteer work or work-related experience and must obtain a reference on the PTA Program Reference Form. Both of these forms are available on the program website, and must be returned to the PTA Program no later than October 31.
Please note that it is always beneficial for students to complete additional non-clinical courses prior to the first semester of the clinical phase, thereby making the summer course load more manageable. Please meet with an academic advisor for course selection.
If necessary, the PTA Program Admissions Committee will make the final determination for admission to the program based on the professional reference and a written essay or interview.
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