Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

Credit Hours Required: 63.5

Program Notes:

¹ Group I.A. must be completed by the end of the Fall term prior to the selective adminission application deadline date of February 1. Candidates must successfully complete the course, or its direct equivalent at another accredited institution, as defined by Macomb Community College with a punitive grade of C or better prior to the selective admission deadline date of February 1. A punitive grade is one that affects the grade point average. A grade of C- is not acceptable. A GPA will be calculated on the prerequisite courses.

² BIOL 2710 Course must be taken within 5 years of the Physical Therapist Assistant application deadline date with grades earned in Winter 2020 or newer. Courses older than 5 years will not be used for ranking. If a student is required to repeat a course at Macomb Community College due to the 5-year requirement, the repeated course may not be covered by financial aid. BIOL 2710 must be completed by the end of the Fall  term prior to the selective admission application deadline date of February 1. Candidates must successfully complete the course, or its direct equivalent at another accredited institution, as defined by Macomb Community College with a punitive grade of C or better prior to the selective admission deadline date of February 1. A punitive grade is one that affects the grade point average. A grade of C- is not acceptable. A GPA will be calculated on the prerequisite courses.

³ HHSC 1020 may be taken prior to applying for selective admission.  It can be taken after acceptance to the program, but must be taken in the summer semester before the start of the program or during the first semester of the program.

• Students must apply through the selective admission process and be accepted into the physical therapist assistant program before taking any PTAS course.
• Forty (40) hours of volunteer service in a Physical Therapy Department is required prior to any PTAS course.

Physical Therapist Assistant - Additional Program Information

Program Description:

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: View Selective Admission for detailed information.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) curriculum is designed to prepare students to assume positions as skilled technical health workers. A balanced curriculum in general education and specialized courses enables students to develop technical competency necessary to enter this rewarding health career. Correlation of the clinical experience is an integral part of the academic program.

Physical Therapist Assistants work within a physical therapy service under the supervision of professional physical therapists. PTAs assists the physical therapist in performing selected procedures related to the physical management of illness, injury, and wellness throughout the lifespan.

Program Outcomes:

At the conclusion of this program students will:

1. Demonstrate clinical decision making using evidence and critical thinking to provide safe and effective physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist

2. Demonstrate professional behaviors consistent with the role of the physical therapist assistant

3. Communicate effectively orally and in writing with patients, families and other health care providers demonstrating awareness of individual differences

4. Demonstrate behaviors and actions that support institutional and program growth in establishing a culture of JEDI

5. Successfully complete the FSBPT licensing exam

6. Secure employment as a physical therapist assistant

Requirements & Specific Information:

Additional expenses to be met by the student before entering the first clinical placement are: (1) a health history and physical examination including testing for tuberculosis, and (2) hospitalization insurance as neither the hospital nor the College insures the student against accidents or illnesses.

Students must achieve grade “C” or better, or grade “Pass” (if the course is a Pass/Fail course) for all the Core and the General Education courses which are prerequisites and/or considered a part of this program.  Other General Education courses which are not part of the program, but are required for the degree, require only a passing grade.

Accreditation:

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education located at 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314‑1488. The phone number is: 800.999.2782.

Career Opportunities:

Physical Therapist Assistant

Transfer Pathways:

We Work Hard to Make Transferring Easy!

Macomb Community College is a great place to start if your goal is to earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. Whether you are already considering a specific transfer destination/program or have not yet decided on a major, Macomb’s Office of Articulation and Transfer provides you with and helps you explore a variety of transfer options.

Transfer Opportunities