Career Description

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs help people of all ages who have medical problems, or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTAs must complete a 2-year associate's degree and are licensed health care providers. Examples of care provided by a PTA include (but are not limited to) teaching patients/clients exercise for mobility, strength and coordination, training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers, massage, and the use of physical agents such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

For a more complete description of careers in physical therapy, refer to the website of the American Physical Therapy Association.Will open new browser window or tab

Program Overview

BPCC's PTA Program consists of a Pre-PTA component and a Clinical component. Students may work at any pace (part time/full time) to complete the pre-PTA courses and other requirements. When the pre-PTA courses have been completed (with a “C” or better), students apply for admission to the clinical component. Applications for the clinical component of the program are taken each spring, with a new clinical class beginning each July. The program is designed so that a full-time student may complete the pre-PTA component in 1 year and the clinical component in 13 months.

Program Data


  2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011
# Admitted to PTA Program 20 20 20 20 20
# Graduated with  PTA AAS 20 19 20 20 20
Pass Rate  on Licensure Exam 100% 100% 95% 100% 90%
Employed within 6 months of passing Licensure Exam 100% 93% 100% 100% 100%

Program Mission

The PTA Program is committed to:

  • Provide an accredited program of instruction in Northwest Louisiana and the surrounding area for students who desire to pursue education in physical therapy at the associate degree level.
  • Serve the needs of the regional physical therapy community through graduating well-qualified physical therapist assistants to work under the direction of physical therapists in a variety of clinical environments.

Accreditation

The Bossier Parish Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).Will open new browser window or tab

Program Philosophy

The PTA Program at BPCC:

  • stresses clear delineation of PT/PTA roles and responsibilities.
  • values variety in instructional delivery strategies to meet the needs of diverse learning styles.
  • establishes a learning environment that utilizes state of the art equipment and technology to prepare graduates to perform to industry standards.
  • facilitates the assimilation of knowledge and skills from across the curriculum through case-based laboratory practicals and assignments that foster critical thinking.
  • supports student skill development through the provision of quality and variety in clinical education experiences and instruction
  • emphasizes student growth in the area of affective skills and professional behaviors.
  • encourages lifelong learning and skill development.
  • participates in service to the profession and consumers of physical therapy.
  • is committed to excellence through ongoing assessment and revision of curriculum and instructional methods.

Admission to the Program

The selection process for the PTA Program clinical component begins each spring. Students should be aware of the following requirements and procedures regarding clinical selection:

  • Transfer students must complete all BPCC College Admissions Forms and a request for official transcriptsPDF File to be sent to the BPCC Admissions office early in the spring semester so that all transfer courses are accessible in the BPCC system (are visible on the BPCC transcript) by the April 15th application deadline.
  • Students must submit a completed PTA Clinical Application Packet by the application deadline of April 15th.
  • Pre-PTA (qualification) courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester in the application year. In some situations, however, up to 3 credit hours may be completed in the first summer session (June session/session B) when available and with prior approval of the academic advisor.
  • GPA in pre-PTA (qualification) courses must be 2.500 or higher and students must earn a “C” or better in all courses to be eligible for application.
  • Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of observation, volunteer or work experience in two different physical therapy settings under the supervision of two different licensed physical therapy providers with Clinical Observation Rating Forms received by the Program by the application deadline.
  • Interviews are conducted in late May or early June of each year. The top scoring 50 qualified applicants will be notified by mail of their scheduled interview day/time.
  • 20 students per year are selected for the clinical component of the program.

Bossier Parish Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, qualified disability, marital status, veteran's status, or sexual orientation in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of its operations. Bossier Parish Community College does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. » More

Special Requirements

  • Students who are selected for the clinical component of the PTA Program must be available for daytime, evening and occasional weekend classes.
  • Clinical PTA students must be prepared to complete one or more full-time clinical rotation/externships (4-5 weeks in duration) at an out of town facility.
  • Students selected for PTA clinicals must adhere to the PTA Clinical RequirementsPDF Filerelated to additional tests/immunications required, documentation submission and policies/procedures of the division/program.
  • Students selected for PTA clinicals pay a clinical fee, in addition to regular tuition, each clinical semester.