A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a healthcare provider working under the direction of a Physical Therapist. In our program, you’ll learn to treat individuals with muscular, skeletal, cardiopulmonary, and nervous system disorders, as well as injury prevention and individual and group wellness. You will also learn to provide physical therapy services as specified in a care plan developed by a Physical Therapist. Treatment program implementation may include therapeutic exercise, ambulation training, activities of daily living, and administration of physical agents such as heat and cold. Upon successful completion of our nationally accredited PTA program, you are eligible to sit for national certification by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant exam to become a licensed PTA in any US state or territory.
Skills You’ll Learn
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is focused on job-related skills in the following areas:
- Providing intervention established by the Physical Therapist (PT) in a safe manner while minimizing risk to patients, self, and others
- Providing appropriate instruction to patients, family, caregivers, and other professionals to achieve patient goals and outcomes as described in the plan of care by the PT
- Developing a plan for continuing education and/or career development that incorporates evidence-based practice
- Demonstrating the ability to meet the entry-level job responsibilities of a PTA, which includes academic and clinical preparedness, punctuality, following the PT directives, and ensuring safety, privacy, and confidentiality of patients
Career Opportunities
There are many employment opportunities for Physical Therapist Assistant graduates, including:
- Outpatient Clinics
- Home healthcare agencies
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Private practices
- Schools
- View more career opportunities
Learn more about the Physical Therapist Assistant program’s student outcome data.
Plan of Study
The recommended course sequence for this program and a complete list of related classes are available in the Academic Catalog. Click the button below to view a copy of this plan of study, which is also available as a PDF.
Questions others are asking.
We offer several credentials that provide the flexibility you need. Most degree programs last two years and provide the most in-depth study of a particular subject. Diplomas and certificates take less time and are often taken in conjunction with other degree programs. Specialized training is also available for workforce development programs that are completed in less than a year.
A PTT is a non-licensed person who supports licensed staff (PTs, PTAs, OTs, and OTAs) in a clinical setting. They perform administrative tasks, clean and maintain equipment, stock supplies, help patients complete exercises, and assist with the provision of modalities. They help the clinicians to be more effective and efficient.
A PTA is a licensed person who implements the plan of care set by a PT. They provide skilled treatments including manual therapy, gait training, therapeutic activities and exercises, and neuromuscular reeducation in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Craven Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Dr. Daniel Friedlander, Program Director at 252-638-7341 or email: friedlanderd@cravencc.edu.
You can view it here:
You can view the Craven CC PTA Program Financial Fact Sheet here: