Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist and assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals with medical and health related conditions which limit their ability to perform functional activities.

The goal of physical therapy treatment is to restore function, reduce pain and prevent disability. PTAs provide care for people in hospitals, outpatient clinics, patient’s homes, schools, work settings, nursing homes and fitness facilities.

Our Physical Therapist Assistant program is five semesters long and includes three, six-week clinical rotations under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Our faculty provides a combination of individual attention, a friendly atmosphere, and a small student-to-faculty ratio.

The mission of the program is to provide students with a comprehensive quality education for the development of entry-level physical therapist assistants who are capable of performing competent, safe and ethical interventions within their scope of practice.  The program will prepare students to complete successfully the requirements for licensure, become an asset to the profession and serve the community.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at TJC, the graduate will be able to:

1. Work under the supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal and professional manner.
2. Implement a comprehensive treatment plan developed by the physical therapist.
3. Effectively collaborate as members of an interprofessional healthcare team by demonstrating professional behavior in all interactions within the role and responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant.
4. Demonstrate effective oral, written and nonverbal communication as it relates to a culturally diverse population
5. Successfully integrate concepts from general education courses and PTA technical courses into physical therapy practice.
6. Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning, evidence-based practice and professional growth in physical therapy practice.

Special admission and retention rules apply. Department specific courses must be taken in sequence. Students must complete each course with at least a “C” or better to progress through the program. Contact the department chair for details.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the program students are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to become a licensed physical therapist assistant. The state of Texas requires a license to practice. Licensure involves a separate application process and is based on successful completion of the NPTE.

Degree Plan

• Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

Cohorts are listed by year starting program.

2021 Cohort: 46 applicants with 41 meeting admission criteria. 18 students accepted and matriculated into the program.
2022 Cohort: 42 applicants with 37 meeting admission criteria. 20 students accepted and matriculated into the program.
2023 Cohort: 37 applicants with 32 meeting admission criteria. 20 students accepted and matriculated into the program.

Student Outcomes

(Average for 2022 and 2023)

Graduation Rate: 88%
First-time pass rate for NPTE board exam: 100%
Ultimate pass rate for NPTE board exam: 100%
Employment Rate: 100%

Grievance Procedure

Complaints regarding the program can be addressed to the PTA Program Director, Christine Melius at cmel@tjc.edu and/or Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Elizabeth Olivier, OTR, MHS, OTD at eoli@tjc.edu. Complaints against the Program can be made to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education at http://www.capteonline.org/home.aspx. The Program upholds a standard of prohibition of retaliation following complaint submission.