Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

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CIP 510806 (PTA)

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a health care provider working under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. The PTA is involved in the treatment of individuals with muscular, skeletal, cardiopulmonary and nervous system disorders. The PTA may also be involved in injury prevention or programs specifically targeted toward individual or group wellness. The PTA is able to provide physical therapy services as specified in a care plan developed by a Physical Therapist. Treatment program implementation may include: therapeutic exercise, ambulation training, activities of daily living and administration of physical agents such as heat and cold.

The PTA program at Arapahoe Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 303 797-5897 or email pta@arapahoe.edu.

The program is five semesters in length with a summer term following the first year. Upon successful completion, the graduate is awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree.

To be eligible for PTA licensure/certification, in addition to being a graduate of an accredited program, individuals must successfully complete the National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (www.fsbpt.org). For employment an employer may also require successful completion of a background check, drug screen, CPR certification and/or various vaccinations and immunizations.

Contact the School of Health and Public Services Office, Room A2000, 303.797.5855. Please refer to the PTA Program Information for application and placement test scores. You can contact the School Office by phone 303.797.5855 for a copy of the PTA Program Information. See further information online at https://www.arapahoe.edu/academics-programs/programs/physical-therapist-assistant

Admission Requirements

Admission to Arapahoe Community College
A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 to be considered in the selective admission
The PTA program is selective admission that accepts a limited number of applicants each year. In order to qualify for consideration for admission into the PTA program, each applicant must submit the following:
- Completed supplemental PTA program application. Applications are accepted between February 1 and May 15 each year.
Official transcripts of general education courses completed sent directly from the issuing institution to Arapahoe Community College - Admissions and Records.
Unofficial transcripts of general education courses completed attached to the PTA program application.
ENG 121 and BIO 201 (or BIO 106 ) with a “C” or better are pre-requisites for PTA courses
Students should have been assessed to be at college-level in English and Mathematics (see Student Resources and Services - Assessment in this Catalog)
Minimum scores to be considered are:
ACCUPLACER test:
- at least 246 or higher in Next Generation Writing
- at least 230 or higher in Next Generation QAS
Three letters of recommendation on the required form.
Documentation of work related or volunteer hours in Physical Therapy on the required form.
Handwritten answers to the questions regarding the program, found in the application packet.
BIO 106 or BIO 201 must have been completed in the last five years.

Program Requirements

General Education Courses (16 credit hours)

BIO 201 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab: GT-SC1 4 Credits OR
BIO 106 - Basic Anatomy and Physiology 4 Credits
COM 115 - Public Speaking 3 Credits OR
COM 125 - Interpersonal Communication 3 Credits *
ENG 121 - English Composition I: GT-CO1 3 Credits
PSY 101 - General Psychology I: GT-SS3 3 Credits
PSY 235 - Human Growth and Development: GT-SS3 3 Credits

Note(s):

*Students planning to transfer their speech credit to another institution should complete COM 115 .

Major Courses (59 credit hours)

HPR 117 - Anatomical Kinesiology 3 Credits
PTA 110 - Basic Patient Care in Physical Therapy 5 Credits
PTA 115 - Principles and Practices in Physical Therapy 2 Credits
PTA 117 - Anatomical Kinesiology Lab 2 Credits
PTA 120 - Modalities in Physical Therapy 5 Credits
PTA 124 - Rehab Principles of Medical I 2 Credits
PTA 131 - Professional Communication I 1 Credit
PTA 134 - Rehab Principles of Medical II 2 Credits
PTA 135 - Principles of Electrical Stimulation 2 Credits
PTA 140 - Clinical Kinesiology 5 Credits
PTA 141 - Professional Communication II 1 Credit
PTA 175 - The Language of Physical Therapy 1 Credit
PTA 205 - Psychosocial Issues In Health Care 2 Credits
PTA 230 - Orthopedic Assessment and Management Techniques 5 Credits
PTA 240 - Neurological Assessment and Management Techniques 5 Credits
PTA 278 - PTA Seminar 2 Credits
PTA 280 - PTA Internship I 4 Credits
PTA 281 - PTA Internship II 5 Credits
PTA 282 - PTA Internship III 5 Credits

Total: 75 credit hours

Graduation Requirements

All major, general education and other courses required for this degree must be completed with a “C” or better to meet graduation requirements.
Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.