Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares students with the entry-level skills and knowledge to provide treatments that improve patients' mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or lessen physical disabilities.

Students will learn physical therapy interventions, data collection techniques, and how to follow a physical therapy plan of care. They will also learn to effectively educate and communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.

Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Duties may include instructing patients in exercises and activities of daily living, performing manual treatments, and administering modalities such as ultrasound.

Expected Student Outcomes

Graduation rate: ≥ 90% (Phase 2 students)
Licensure exam passage: ≥ 85%
Employment within six months of taking the NPTE: ≥ 90%

Accreditation

Effective April 19, 2011, the PTA Program at Hawkeye Community College has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates that the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses and that the program is progressing toward accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation.

National Licensure Exam

Graduation from an accredited program is required to sit for the national licensure exam. A social security number is required to apply to take the national licensure exam.

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