Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

Location(s): California Campus

The rigorous Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Associate of Applied Science degree program at PennWest California trains individuals to assist physical therapists (PT’s) in providing rehabilitation services that improve people’s quality of life by improving physical mobility and function. This program can be completed in five semesters over two years and prepares you for the National Physical Therapy Examination and PTA licensure. A maximum of 26 students will be admitted based upon GPA in the first-semester pre-technical courses. Clinical internships give you the experience you need to excel in your career. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Advisement Sheet

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will understand the role of the physical therapist assistant and work in a manner consistent with their state practice act and American Physical Therapy Association’s Code of Ethics and Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant.
Students implement appropriate physical therapy intervention techniques based on the plan of care established by a licensed physical therapist.
Students perform appropriate measurement techniques within the limits of practice to assist the supervising physical therapist.
Students interact with patients and families in a manner which provides the desired psychosocial support including the recognition of cultural socioeconomic differences.
Students produce quality documentation in an efficient manner.
Students value professional literature and integrate evidence-based practice.
Students will achieve an effective transition from this education program to a physical therapist assistant career.

Curriculum Requirements

General Education

Oral Communication - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Written Communication - ENGL 1200 - College Composition Credit Hours: 3
Quantitative Reason - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - PSYC 1000 - Introduction to Psychology Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - PTA 1000 - Introduction to Physical Therapist Assistant Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - EXSC 1310 - Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Wellness I Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - EXSC 1315 - Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Wellness II Credit Hours: 3

Competencies

Ethical Reasoning - PTA 2400 - Physical Therapist Assistant Special Topics Credit Hours: 3
Information Literacy - PTA 2250 - Physical Therapist Assistant Interventions in Orthopedic Impairments Credit Hours: 4

Major

Required Major Courses

PTA 1010 - Basic Physical Therapy Procedures Credit Hours: 1
PTA 2300 - Physical Therapy Interventions Across the Lifespan Credit Hours: 3
PTA 2900 - Therapeutic Modalities Credit Hours: 4
EXSC 1317 - Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Wellness II Lab Credit Hours: 1
PTA 1100 - Introduction to Pathology Credit Hours: 2
HLSC 2750 - Functional Kinesiology Credit Hours: 3
PTA 4950 - Physical Therapy Clinical Internship I Credit Hours: 4
PTA 2050 - Interventions in Cardiopulmonary Impairments Credit Hours: 3
PTA 2100 - Physical Therapy Interventions for Neurological Impairments Credit Hours: 4
PTA 2250 - Physical Therapist Assistant Interventions in Orthopedic Impairments Credit Hours: 4
PTA 2400 - Physical Therapist Assistant Special Topics Credit Hours: 3
PTA 2600 - Pharmacology and Imaging for the PTA Credit Hours: 2
PTA 2000 - Professional Issues in PTA Credit Hours: 2
PTA 4955 - Physical Therapy Clinical Internship II Credit Hours: 12

Total Credits: 69

Depending on the program of study, students may need to complete additional credits to ensure the total credit hour requirement is met.