Physical Therapist Assistant

Program description

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is designed to prepare graduates to meet the requirements to practice as physical therapist assistants in a variety of health care settings. The program is competency-based and provides sequential learning experiences progressing from theoretical to applied using patient simulations in the laboratory and finally to actual patient treatments in clinical education centers. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a total of 76 units that may be completed in 5 semesters. There are 44 units of program core courses and 32 units of additional general education and prerequisite coursework. The program itself is a four-semester program after completion of the prerequisite coursework and includes 3 clinical practicums. Students will complete theory classes online and attend lab classes on campus. Graduation from the program qualifies the student for examination for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants administered by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). After successful completion of the examination and all requirements of the Physical Therapy Board of California, graduates may be licensed to work as physical therapist assistants in California. This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

1. Perform entry-level competencies as a physical therapist assistant as outlined by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and the Physical Therapy Board of California.
2. Practice interventions of therapeutic exercise, therapeutic techniques, physical agents, mechanical modalities, electrotherapeutic modalities, and functional training in a competent manner consistent with the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
3. Demonstrate expected clinical behaviors in a professional, culturally competent, and sensitive manner, consistent with established core professional values and established ethical and legal guidelines.

Program requirements

• Students filing enrollment packets must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• All program prerequisites listed must be completed with a grade of C or higher prior to the start of semester one or in progress when filing the enrollment packet.
• Students who have successfully completed Human Anatomy and/or Physiology at the time of application must have done so within the 7 years prior to the application filing date. Recency requirements may be challenged through an appeals process.

Health and safety clinical clearance

All students participating in clinical experiences must submit proof of immunity through immunizations or serum titers, cleared criminal background check, negative drug screen, current physical examination and negative TB screening, and provide current valid Basic Life Support-Health Care Provider card (CPR) which includes adult, child and infant resuscitation with two person rescue and AED training. Online CPR courses will not be accepted. Students are financially responsible for meeting these requirements according to established program process. Specific information is available on the Health and Safety Requirements tab on the website or students may call the Health Sciences Division Office (530-339-3600).

Note: Students must show competence in theory, lab, and clinical components (a grade of C or better in theory and lab courses, or a grade of Pass in practicum courses) in order to progress through the curriculum. Withdrawal from any course will require withdrawal from corequisite courses. Students will not be allowed to proceed with the next semester’s courses until they have successfully completed all prerequisite courses.

*May be used to fulfill General Education requirements. See a counselor.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements