Physical Therapist Assistant - A.A.S. Degree (Career)
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists to help people improve mobility, reduce pain, restore function, and return to everyday activities after illness or injury.
As a PTA, you may:
- Teach exercises that improve strength, balance, coordination, and mobility.
- Help patients learn to walk safely using crutches, canes, or walkers.
- Perform therapeutic techniques, including soft tissue mobilization.
- Apply physical therapy treatments such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound, as directed by a physical therapist.
- Monitor patient progress and document changes throughout treatment.
PTAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes, schools, sports medicine and fitness facilities, industrial settings, and research organizations.
Howard Community College's accredited Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) program prepares you to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants. Unlike PTAs, physical therapy aides and technicians receive on-the-job training and do not provide physical therapy services.
Demand for physical therapist assistants is expected to remain strong as the need for rehabilitation services continues to grow. A career as a PTA offers opportunities to work in a variety of settings with competitive salaries and geographic flexibility.
In compliance with CAPTE standards, public results for the HCC Physical Therapist Assistant program's cohort student outcomes for graduation rate, licensure examination pass rate, and employment rate for the recent 2-year average are available in the PTA Program Outcomes Report.
Visit the PTA department page for more information on this popular allied health program.