HEALTH PROFESSIONS: Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is designed for those who wish to enter employment as physical therapist assistants working under the supervision of a physical therapist. Graduates may work in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, fitness and wellness centers, public schools, and similar settings.

Entrance requirements for this program include high school graduation or GED and successful completion of BIO 141, ENG 111, HLT 105, PHY 100, PSY 230, and SDV 101. Students are also expected to participate in observation hours in specific health care settings, and to provide two letters of recommendation related to their preparation for the program. Selection is highly competitive, and is based on a system of points using these criteria, with high achievement in BIO 141 as a key determinant.

The program admits 25-30 students each fall. Applications must be received by April 1 for students entering the technical aspect of the program (semester 2) in the following fall semester. Transcripts from other colleges attended must be sent to Tidewater Community College, Central Records Office/Office of the College Registrar, P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, VA, 23509, and be evaluated prior to the application deadline date.

Once admitted, students must maintain current CPR certification, updated annually at the professional rescuer level, a documented medical examination, including an annual TB test, and maintain a C average or better to remain in good standing. Students are readmitted to the program upon successful completion of a readmission examination with a grade of 80% or higher.

The program is offered on a full-time basis during daytime hours. There is no online option. Once accepted, students are enrolled for four consecutive semesters. Students will attend three full-time clinical rotations, one of four-week duration and two of six-week duration. Students are wholly responsible for all transportation to and from clinical facilities and are financially responsible for their clinical uniforms and laboratory clothing.

Licensure is required in most states. In Virginia, program graduates must pass a national licensure examination.

The Physical Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 706-3245, www.apta.org.

Associate of Applied Science Degree: Physical Therapist Assistant (180)

1        Eligible courses are listed on page 28 in the 2011-2012 catalog.  See your academic

          advisor or counselor to choose the appropriate course(s).

Contact(s):

• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Health Professions Division
• TCC Information Center