Welcome to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program!   

 

This program provides a foundation for graduates to become highly skilled in providing patient services using physical therapy techniques under the supervision of a physical therapist in clinics, hospitals, and many other health care settings.  

Admission Requirements

This is a selective program with specific admissions requirements.  For additional information, contact the Admissions and Records Office at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, 240-567-1501, or the program department, 240-567-5520. Refer to PTA Program Curriculum page to identify course requirements.

Prerequisites

Thirty to forty hours of volunteer experience in a physical therapy setting and completion of BI 204 are highly recommended before entering the program.  It is advised that students hold jobs only during later evening and night hours while enrolled in the technical courses, because physical therapist assistant classes and lab sessions are scheduled days and evenings.  Also, students are required to attend full-time or part-time clinical practicum experiences, which are scheduled between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., for 40 hours per week.

Expectations

Each physical therapy course adds to material offered in previous courses.  Students in this curriculum are expected to achieve a grade of C or better in each course in the curriculum.  Upon completion of the curriculum, the graduate will receive the A.A.S. and will be eligible to take the National Licensing Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants.