Physical Therapist Assistant Curriculum

Young male helping elderly man

Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree Program provides students with the knowledge necessary to successfully perform as physical therapist assistants in various clinical, home health, sports, and school-based therapy settings. The Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree program curriculum is designed to be relevant to current practice, and is solidly based in the evaluative criteria set forth by CAPTE, and outlined in the Normative Model of Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Education. The classes prepare college students to sit for the Physical Therapist Assistant state licensure exam.

Physical Therapist Assistants are technically trained professionals who work under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. Practice in the state of Tennessee requires graduation from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program and successful passage of the licensure board.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Daymar College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; telephone 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. These classes are designed for full-time students to complete the program in 24 months.

Students admitted to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Daymar College are required to:

  • Complete 96 quarter hours over a two-year (2) period together with their cohort
  • Pass all PTA courses with a “C” or above
  • Complete health documentation and a successful background check
  • Successfully complete three (3) clinical rotations
  • Successfully pass the final comprehensive exam

Click on a course below to see the course description.

Program Requirements Quarter Course Credit Hours
ENG101* General English 4
MED103 Medical Terminology 4
MTH103* College Math 4
PSY202* Psychology 4
PTA100** Introduction to Physical Therapy 4
PTA125** Kinesiology I 4
PTA150** Kinesiology II 4
PTA153* Anatomy and Physiology I 4
PTA154* Anatomy and Physiology II 4
PTA175** Tests and Measures 4
PTA200** Modalities I 4
PTA210** Modalities II 4
PTA220** Treatment & Procedures I 4
PTA230** Treatment & Procedures II 4
PTA240** Treatment & Procedures III 4
PTA242** Clinical I 4
PTA243** Clinical II 6
PTA244** Clinical III 6
PTA250** Treatment & Procedures IV 4
PTA260** Medical Conditions I 4
PTA265** Medical Conditions II 4
PTA270** PTA Seminar 4
SFS140 Strategies for Success 4
Total Quarter Course Credit Hours Required 96

*This course fulfills a general education requirement.

**Denotes a core course. Students must achieve a grade of 75% or above on all core course practical exams.

January 1, 2014

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