Associate of Science

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is designed to prepare graduates to perform physical therapy procedures and related tasks under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Graduates complete 715 hours of supervised clinical experience that is coordinated with 450 hours of classroom learning. The physical therapist assistant (PTA) performs a variety of treatment procedures in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, schools, patient homes, sports medicine clinics and private practices. Through the utilization of therapeutic modalities, exercise, and other techniques, physical therapy aids patients in the relief of pain and discomfort as well as assisting the disabled in restoring optimal functioning.

Enrollment is limited by availability of clinical sites and other factors. Students must submit separate application to be considered for program admission. Applicants should have a successful record of achievement in high school courses or develop these skills prior to program admission. Students must also meet pre-program requirements, which include the successful completion of BIO 151 - General Biology 1  or BIO 110 - Introduction to Biological Science  or completion of the Biology Waiver Examination. Exception: Anatomy & Physiology 1 and/or 2 successfully completed.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, 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 724-325-6643 or email sbannister@ccac.edu.

Graduates of this accredited program will be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants (NPTE-PTA) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants (NPTE-PTA).

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Meet the requirements for an Associate of Science degree exhibiting entry level competencies as a physical therapist assistant; be prepared to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant (NPTEPTA) and gain employment.
2. Display professional behaviors that are congruent with the core values, standards and ethics of the physical therapy profession.
3. Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity, lifestyle values and choices of others.
4. Communicate effectively with clients, family members and other health care providers.
5. Utilize reflective judgment and problem solving skills and demonstrate participation in professional development opportunities to promote health and wellness.

Program Director:
Stephen Bannister, PT, DPT, EdD, OCS, LMT
Phone:  724-325-6643
Fax/office: Same
Email:  sbannister@ccac.edu

See Physical Therapist Assistant Program for more information.