Physical Therapist Assistant
Program Description
If you are interested in how the human body works and what it takes to help someone regain mobility and independence, you should consider a career as a physical therapist assistant. Our Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares you to work side-by-side with physical therapists to help patients of all ages recover from medical problems and other health-related conditions limiting their ability to move.
During clinical education, you will have the opportunity to use classroom knowledge and laboratory skills to provide care to patients in a health care facility under the direction of a clinical instructor. In our dedicated lab space, you will explore strengthening muscles and dealing with more complex injuries and therapy, such as neurological issues requiring a higher level of treatment. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to take the national licensure exam.
START HERE: Please follow the steps on the Get Started Checklist (PDF) to complete the program application process.
Admissions Resources:
- Student Health Statement & TB Documentation (PDF) (Required)
- Professional Awareness—Presentation & Job Observation Form (PDF) (Required)
- Online Program Application (Required)
- Digital Resume (Required)
- Essential Functions (PDF)
You're a Good Fit
Physical therapist assistants work under the direction of physical therapists and help patients of all ages recover from injuries and regain movement. You will be a successful physical therapist assistant if you:
- are interested in how the human body works and moves
- want to interact directly with patients and have good interpersonal skills
- are interested in a hands-on career
- are able to communicate effectively (both verbal and written)
- can motivate people
- excel in science
Careers
Demand for physical therapy services is expected to increase in response to the health care needs of an older population and growing rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow 31% through 2026. Recent SCC graduates report an average annual starting salary of $48,048. Career options include:
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Traveling PTA
Accreditation
The Southeast Community College Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
703-706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Website: https://www.capteonline.org/
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call the PTA Program Director, Bridget Clark at 800-642-4075, ext. 2771 or 402-437-2771 or email: bclark@southeast.edu.
Complaints regarding the program or the program graduates should be addressed to the PTA Program Director, Bridget Clark. Unresolved complaints about the Program Director or the program itself should be directed to Jill Sand, Dean of Health Sciences at 800-642-4075, ext. 2729 or email: jsand@southeast.edu. All complaints will be documented, including the projected outcome, and kept on file at the program facility. Complaints regarding Accreditation of this program should be addressed to CAPTE.
2-Year Outcome Data
| Year | Graduation Rate | National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rate 1st Attempt | National Physical Therapy Examination Ultimate Pass Rate | Placement Rate For Graduates Seeking Employment Within 1 Year of Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 88% | 87% | 97% | 97% |
| 2021 | 90% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. | 89% | 81% | 99% | 99% |
State Licensure or Certification Requirements
While SCC has not made a state-by-state determination of whether this program’s curriculum is acceptable in other states, all SCC students who successfully graduate from this program may sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for the Physical Therapist Assistant. If the student passes the NPTE, the student may be licensed/certified in any state. Other state requirements may apply (such as finger prints, criminal background check, etc.).
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution
Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA) institution. As such, SCC is unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following areas at this time: American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.