Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant program integrates classroom theory with clinical lab practice. It is designed to prepare successful graduates for entry-level employment in the field as Physical Therapist Assistants. The Physical Therapist Assistant is an educated health care provider who works under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist and assists in the provision of physical therapy. The Physical Therapist Assistant provides specially prescribed treatments and exercises through a plan of care developed by the physical therapist that are aimed at improving mobility; relieving pain; or preventing and /or limiting physical disability.

Prior to admission to the technical phase of the Physical Therapist Assistant program, students must complete a platform of 28 hours which includes general education and medical courses. Students must hold a current CPR for Health Care Providers certification prior to the first day of class. Students must submit an application to the program and meet entrance requirements for acceptance into the technical phase of the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22035-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; e-mail: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 479-508-8500 or email npope@atu.edu.

Students who are pursuing a program of study where admission is limited (Cardiac Sonography, Cosmetology, Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies until admitted into their selected program.

Students are advised that the Physical Therapist Assistant Program (PTA) is strenuous in nature.  Students are therefore not allowed to take additional course work that is not directly related to their degree plan while in the PTA Program.  If a student has completed all general education course requirements prior to entering the program, the student may not have a full load of twelve credit hours or more (which could affect financial aid eligibility).  The PTA Program is very intense and requires approximately 30-36 hours per week of theory /lab/fieldwork.  This does not include prep or study time.  The hours ascribed to each semester while in the PTA Program are considered by the program to be full time.

Associate Degree

Physical Therapist Assistant