Program Overview
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program provides both general and technical education. The Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
The Program consists of four semesters of physical therapist assistant coursework and skill-based instruction in addition to several selected prerequisite courses. Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded an associate of applied science degree. Graduates are able to sit for the National Examination for Physical Therapy Education (NPTE), which allows the individual to be eligible for licensure. To practice as a physical therapist assistant in Utah, licensure is required.
Career Opportunities
The physical therapist assistant is a health care provider working with individuals and their families under the supervision of a physical therapist in providing patient/client care by applying a variety of therapy treatments in a variety of health care settings. Treatment interventions include patient education, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, physical agents and mechanical modalities. Health care settings include hospitals, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centers, out-patient clinics, sports medicine clinics, workplaces, schools and homes. The physical therapist assistant will be involved in the modification of treatment programs, client/family education and discharge planning under the direction and general supervision of a physical therapist.
What You Will Learn
- Program graduates demonstrate technological skills appropriate for entry-level employment as a physical therapist assistant.
- Program graduates demonstrate research skills appropriate to an entry-level physical therapist assistant.
- Program graduates demonstrate professionalism through behaviors consistent with the APTA Code of Ethics and state licensure regulations for physical therapist assistants.
- Program graduates demonstrate skills in the use of current equipment consistent with the field of physical therapy.
- Program graduates communicate clearly with physical therapy stakeholders in verbally and written formats.
Estimated Cost
Books: $1,125.00
Course Fees: $500.00
Immunizations/Screens: $332.00
APTA Membership: $85.00
NOTE: Fees may vary based upon specific registration and are subject to change.
Career Outlook
Some careers shown require further education beyond this program.
Additional Information
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Selective Admissions Application Requirements
This program has selective admission and has additional requirements to be accepted into the degree program. Specific requirements and process can be found here. Please contact the Health Sciences Admissions Office, healthsciencesadmissions@slcc.edu, or 801-957-6253 for additional information.
Specialized Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Salt Lake Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1488, telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.
Licensure Information
We have made a good-faith effort to collect state licensure requirements for the SLCC programs of study that lead to professional licensure. You can view additional information about state licensure requirements on our Professional Licensure webpage.