Program Description

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program 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.

All students must complete a PTA Program Admission Form prior to starting the program. Admission information, can be found on the program website.

After Union County College

Graduates are eligible to take the Licensure Examination necessary for practice as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.

Recommended Sequence

Milestone Courses