Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

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 student may complete the pre-PTA component in 1-2 years and the clinical component in 13 months.

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 College Admissions Forms and a request for official transcriptsPDF File to be sent to BPCC prior to the deadline of April 15th.
  • 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 by the application deadline.
  • Interviews are conducted in 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.

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.