Physical Therapist Assistant AAS Degree

The Physical Therapist Assistant program has two components, didactic and clinical. Classroom instruction includes theory and laboratory practice in a variety of assessments and interventions including therapeutic exercise, manual muscle testing, physical agents, gait analysis and training, and therapeutic massage. PTA lecture and lab classes are held during daytime hours. Clinical practicums are attended during the day. Students will receive clinical education at multiple sites and a variety of practice settings. They receive instruction and direct supervision from licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants while applying and developing their hands-on skills with patients. Accreditation: The physical therapist assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The PTA Programs graduation rate: Over the last three years (graduation class of 2009, 2010, 2011), 75 percent of admitted students graduated from the PTA program.Licensure pass rate: The three year weighted average ultimate pass rate for ECC graduates from 2009-2011 is 95.35%. Employment data: One hundred percent of PTA graduates who sought jobs were employed at a job of their choice within 6 months of passing the state licensure exam. Note: Criminal background checks and drug testing are required for all health professions programs. Students applying to the health professions programs must provide a valid social security number in order to complete the criminal background check required by clinical agencies and to take licensing/certification exams. Students demonstrating a positive background check or positive drug test will be denied admission to health professions programs. Students demonstrating a positive background check or positive drug test while enrolled in health professions programs will be dismissed from the program. Requirements: 1. Attend information sessions (mandatory) 2. Apply with ECC 3. Pay health professions application fee 4. Complete and submit health professions application 5. Score in the 25th percentile or better in each section of the PSB-HOA exam 6. Grade of C or better in MTH 098 or equivalent or appropriate placement score 7. High School Diploma or GED certificate Must be 18 year of age or older to sit for state licensure examination.