Physical Therapist Assistant

• PTA 100 – Terminology for Physical Rehabilitation 1 Credit
• PTA 101 – Introduction to Physical Therapy Principles 2 Lecture / 0 Lab / 2 Credits
• PTA 102 – Basic Principles of Physical Therapy Lab 0 Lecture / 2 Lab / 1 Credit
• PTA 113 – Physical Agents 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits
• PTA 114 – Clinical Kinesiology 2 Lecture / 4 Lab / 4 Credits
• PTA 116 – Human Diseases 3 Credits
• PTA 161 – Clinical Education I 130 Hours / 1 Credit
• PTA 220 – Therapeutic Exercise 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits
• PTA 235 – Rehabilitation 2 Lecture / 2 Lab / 3 Credits
• PTA 236 – Management of Cardiopulmonary Conditions 1 Lecture / 2 Lab / 2 Credits
• PTA 238 – Management of Orthopedic Conditions 1 Lecture / 3 Lab / 2 Credits
• PTA 241 – Clinical Education II 250 Hours / 2 Credits
• PTA 251 – Clinical Education III 250 Hours / 2 Credits
• PTA 260 – Professional Issues 1 Credit (satisfies core requirement)
• PTA 270 – Neurology in Physical Therapy 2 Lecture / 4 Lab / 4 Credits
• PTA 280 – Program/NPTAE Review 1 Lecture / 0 Lab / 1 Credits

The demand for physical therapist assistants is expected to rise 41% from 2014 to 2024, an increase of 31,900 jobs.*

The average median wage for a physical therapist assistant in the state of Pennsylvania is $48,010.*

*Bureau of Labor Statistics

Upon completion of the Associate of Science Degree Physical Therapist Assistant program, the graduate will:

• perform as a competent and skilled physical therapist assistant at the entry level, having an in-depth knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences, relative to patient/client management from the simplest to the most complex patient conditions;
• apply knowledge to prevent, correct and/or alleviate acute or prolonged movement dysfunctions;
• function in a clinical team atmosphere, appropriately referring patients/clients to other healthcare providers/agencies/ resources within the context of managed patient care;
• demonstrate awareness for the commitment to a pursuit of personal and professional development and growth, becoming lifelong learners seeking experiences necessary to remain current with changes in health care policy and patient care;
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, Core Values, and Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy as a guide for practice;
• demonstrate advocacy skills for the professional and the consumer; and
• be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) to enable entry-level employment in the physical therapy field.