Training Opportunities

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a two-year program of study that prepares students to work within the practice of physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs are employed in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities, home health agencies and other health care settings. Admission to the program is selective and competitive. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students earn the Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible for state licensing.

Pre-requisites required:
The graduate must be able to multi-task, demonstrate high energy for a fast paced work environment, communicate well, and display a superior level of ethics to provide quality health care.

Length of Program:
2 years

Summary of Program Requirements:
The graduate must be able to multi-task, demonstrate high energy for a fast paced work environment, communicate well, and display a superior level of ethics to provide quality health care.

Skills Needed

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a two-year integrated program taught over five semesters. During the program, students are given the opportunity to master the theories and principles of treatment to work with patients to relieve impairments, overcome disability, and restore movement, skills, and function. Classes include lecture and laboratory sessions to develop knowledge, skills, and the attitudes required of an entry-level physical therapist assistant. Upon completion of the curriculum plan the student will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant.  As a licensed physical therapist assistant, graduates are eligible to work under the direction of a physical therapist in a variety of health care settings providing physical therapy service to patients.

Pre-requisites required:
There are no prerequisites program entrance. However, students are granted admission committee points for ACT score, overall GPA, GPA obtained relating to program specific courses, and identified college courses: English Composition 1, Psychology, Speech, Humanities, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Physical Science, and Algebra. Tabulated scores are used to formulate a decision on admission for incoming students.

Length of Program:
2 years

Summary of Program Requirements:
There are no prerequisites program entrance. However, students are granted admission committee points for ACT score, overall GPA, GPA obtained relating to program specific courses, and identified college courses: English Composition 1, Psychology, Speech, Humanities, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Physical Science, and Algebra. Tabulated scores are used to formulate a decision on admission for incoming students.

Skills Needed
Skills Required: Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment. Interpersonal skills sufficient to interact with co-workers, members of the rehab team as well as patients and their families from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, educational, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Communication skills sufficient for interaction with others verbally, non-verbally and by writing. Physical ability to move from one area of the facility to another and maneuver in small space. Gross and fine motor skills sufficient to administer physical therapy treatments safely and effectively. Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs. Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment essential to physical therapy Tactile ability sufficient for patient assessment. Accountability and responsibility.

"The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a 2-year program of study that prepares students to perform physical therapy interventions under the supervision of a physical therapist. Such interventions include: strengthening activities after an injury, balance and agility activities to decrease risk for falls, gait and posture activities to promote good body mechanics. PTA’s can practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities, home health agencies and other health care settings. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are awarded the Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant and are eligible* for PTA license examination."

Pre-requisites required:
Contact for more information.

Length of Program:
2 years

Summary of Program Requirements:
Contact for more information.

Skills Needed
Contact for more information

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is a two-year program of study that prepares students to work within the practice of physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs are employed in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities, home health agencies and other health care settings. Admission to the program is selective and competitive. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students earn the Associate in Applied Science degree and. are eligible for state licensing.

Pre-requisites required:
Applicants must meet Pearl River Community College admission requirements.

Length of Program:
2 years

Summary of Program Requirements:
Applicants must meet Pearl River Community College admission requirements.

Skills Needed
Active Listening, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Ethics, Critical Thinking