Associate Degree
Physical Therapist Assistant
The Physical Therapist Assistant program strives to develop competent paraprofessionals in their given field through education that stresses problem-solving, critical-thinking, and independent skill performance such that our graduates will provide quality care to the public in a positive and professional manner. Our mission is consistent with that of Central Penn College.
You Will Learn
This degree program will help students gain an appreciation of diversity in health care by using an applied approach to understand the anatomy of the human body, disease processes that affect the body, and the principles of rehabilitation.
- Provide services under the direct supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, safe and effective manner
- Implement treatment programs developed by a Physical Therapist
- Teach patients, family members and caregivers, and other health care providers how to safely and effectively perform selected treatment procedures and functional activities
Admissions Requirements
- Secondary school courses: one unit of biology, one unit of chemistry or physics, and two units of math (one of which is algebra). A GPA of 2.5 or better is required, while a GPA of 3.0 or better is preferred.
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- Additional requirements apply to transfer students or students that have been out of High School for more than five years. Please contact an admissions counselor at (800) 759-2727 for more information.
- Observation hours: 20 hours must be observed in at least two different physical therapy facilities.
- Reference forms: Two reference forms are required and can be obtained from Admissions.
- Application deadline: April 1st for Summer start, November 1st for January start
Internship/Capstone Experience
As a career-oriented college and as an addition to our hands-on curriculum, Central Penn requires all students to complete an internship as a part of their academic program. This opportunity allows students to participate and experience their future careers in the real world. Internships for the PTA program consists of one 2-week clinical rotation and two 7-week internships after finishing all coursework. A criminal background check will likely be required prior to final internships.
Potential Careers
Upon graduation, students will be eligible to sit for their national licensure exam (NPTE) on which a passing score must be obtained before practicing as a PTA. PTA's assist Physical Therapists in providing services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They may work in various environments including hospitals, nursing facilities, private practices and rehabilitation centers. While students are enrolled in the program they are eligible to work as physical therapy technicians.
Graduate Success Rate
Based on our most recent One-Year Graduate Survey, 82.9% of Central Penn graduates were employed in their chosen field or continuing their education within one year of graduation.
Program Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (CAPTE/APTA).
Middle States Accreditation
Central Penn College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Ph: 267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Disclosure
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please click here to visit our 'Disclosures' page.
