Physical Therapist Assistant - A.A.S. Degree (Career)
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Accreditation and Costs
Physical Therapist Assistants promote movement, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability by providing services under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. Note that PT Assistants complete an accredited associate degree program like HCC's to sit for a national exam, whereas PT Aides or Techs are on-the-job trained and not eligible to provide physical therapy.
Physical therapy interventions that a PTA may be directed to perform include:
- teaching exercises for mobility, strength, and coordination
- training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers
- deep soft tissue massage and other mobilization techniques
- use of physical modalities such as electrotherapy and ultrasound
- measuring changes in the patient’s performance as a result of the treatment provided
PTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, nursing homes, schools, sports and fitness facilities, research organizations, and industrial settings. The need for PTAs is expected to increase into the foreseeable future as the population ages and the demand for physical therapy services grows. With a surplus of jobs available, a career in physical therapy provides competitive salaries, job security, and geographical flexibility.
Howard Community College celebrates diversity. HCC and its PTA program reflect and respect all differences in age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnic backgrounds, and ability/disability as well as the values of equal rights, equal access, and equal treatment.
In compliance with CAPTE standards, public results for the HCC Physical Therapist Assistant program's cohort student outcomes for graduation rate, licensure examination pass rate, and employment rate for the recent 2-year average are available in the PTA Program Outcomes Report.
Student Outcomes
Employment Rate for Licensed Graduates (2022-2023): 100%
Graduation Rate (2022-2023): 72.75%
Licensure Exam Pass Rate (2022-2023): 87.48% first time pass rate; 95.85% ultimate pass rate
Visit the PTA department page for more information on this popular allied health program.