Schedule

The Physical Therapist Assistant program consists of four terms and is designed to be completed in 16 months. The PTA program is offered four days a week. Theory classes meet 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Clinical lab sessions meet 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Students are required to complete clinical education courses, termed Clinical Practicums and Clinical Affiliations, as part of this program. Clinical Practicum courses run two weeks each, Monday through Friday, eight hours per day. Clinical Affiliation courses run six weeks each, Monday through Friday, eight hours per day. Please speak to your Admissions Representative regarding the full-time clinical education schedule requirements.

Courses

Term 1

Builds a foundation of prerequisites such as College Writing I, Speech Communication, and Anatomy & Physiology. Students are also introduced to the scope of work of a Physical Therapist Assistant.

Terms 2-3

Covers the core courses and skills labs of the curriculum including Kinesiology, Therapeutic Exercise, Procedures/Modalities, and Orthopedic and Neurological Interventions. Students also begin observing and are able to get hands-on experience with practitioners in the field in clinical rotations.

Term 4

Students are placed in two 6-week clinical rotations where they practice under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist and, in most facilities, a Physical Therapist Assistant. Students also participate in a Professional Issues course and a Program Review to help them bolster clinical skills, train in cultural sensitivity, and prepare for the national licensure examination. 

*Schedule, courses and program duration are subject to change.