Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S.

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Jennifer Stevens • (901) 333-5395

Allison Swearingen • (901) 333-5794

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is an accredited two-year associate degree that prepares graduates to perform selected components of patient treatment and assessment under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist in an ethical, legal, safe, and effective manner. This PTA program combines general education courses, physical therapy lecture and laboratory courses, and clinical education to produce competent, caring, quality oriented physical therapist assistants who are prepared for taking the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and for entering the field of physical therapy with the required knowledge, skills, and behaviors of an entry-level PTA.

First Semester: 13 Credits

Second Semester: 14 Credits

Summer II Semester: 7 Credits

Fall Semester: 17 Credits

Spring Semester: 12 Credits

Summer I Semester: 4 Credits

PTAT 2494 Terminal Clinical Education II

Total Program Credits: 70

*The Physics and Anatomy and Physiology courses noted above satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement. It should also be noted that PHYS 2010 General Physics I may be taken instead of PHYS 1210 for Health Sciences if the student plans to eventually earn a four-year degree or higher.

**MATH 1530 is recommended for PTA

The PTA program is a full-time program. Classes are held on the Union Campus. Students can expect to be in class Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Summer II and Spring semesters begin early. Clinical Education hours: 40 hours/week (Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm)

This program of study is designed as a terminal degree for a specific career field.

¹ Review General Education pages and/or consult advisor for correct selection.