What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) assist physical therapists in helping individuals regain the ability to function at their maximum physical ability and provide select interventions to achieve the goals the physical therapist has set for an individual’s recovery that lead to healthier and more active lifestyles. If you like helping people and enjoy hands-on work, this could be the career for you.
Students in this program learn the technical and communication skills needed to become a successful PTA. At Terra State, our PTA students have the ability to multi-task, are compassionate, detail-oriented, have good interpersonal skills, are well-organized and self-motivated. Does this describe you?
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our Physical Therapist Assistant program are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Learn more about this career below or check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What degree or certificate can I earn?
-
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Terra State Community College is accredited
by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac
Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703.706.3245; email:
accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If you need to contact the program/institution directly, please call 419.559.2308
or email asergent01@terra.edu.
| Rates | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation rate | 77.8% | 80% | 62.5% | 75% | 55.6% | 100% | 100% |
| First-Time Licensure Pass Rate | 83.3% | 60% | 80% | 60% | 50% | 100% | 100% |
| Ultimate Licensure Pass rate | 100% | 100% | 80% | 60% | 66.7% | 100% | 100% |
| Employment rate (within 1 year following graduation) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Two-Year Averages | 2017 2018 |
2018 2019 |
2019 2020 |
2020 2021 |
2021 2022 | 2022 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation rate | 78.9% | 71.3% | 68.8% | 65.3% | 77.8% | 100% |
| Ultimate Licensure Pass rate | 100% | 90% | 70% | 63.4% | 83.4% | 100% |
| Employment rate (within 1 year following graduation) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Application Instructions
- Apply to Terra State
- Have official transcripts for all previously completed college coursework sent to the attention of the Records Department for transfer credit determination
- Complete the PTA Program Application, following all published deadlines and requirements (PDF version of application is here when the application is open: July through January each year)
- Please read Student/Clinical Education Handbook and then fill out and submit the Handbook quiz with the application packet
- Direct any questions to Brian Hall (419.559.2185).
Current Application Deadlines
| Summer 2024 Application Timeline (Flexible deadlines may apply, and dates may be subject to change.) | |
|---|---|
| LOI to Program Chair by: | April 1, 2024 |
| Completed Application Packet to Program Chair by: | May 1, 2024 |
| Applicant Day: | May 23, 2024 |
| Application status is determined by: | May 30, 2024 |
| Mandatory Orientation (D113): | Mid-June 2024 |
| Program Start Date: | Late June 2024 |
FAQs
Does Terra State have degree transfer options for other programs?
Click here to see Terra State’s other Degree Transfer Options
Meet our Physical Therapist Assistant faculty
Our PTA faculty are happy to answer any questions you have about the program.