Physical Therapist Assistant AAS Degree Courses

Program Details
Award Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Credits 65
Enrollment Full-time
Program Start Spring

2023–2024 Suggested Sequence of Study

The following suggested sequence of study is for new full-time students starting the program Spring 2024.

When registering for classes refer to Self-Service > Student Planning to view your specific program requirements, your progress, and ensure proper registration. See Registering for Credit Classes for registration information and instructions.

Courses and costs are subject to change. See what's included in the cost calculation.

Pre-Program Coursework

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher must be achieved for Term 0 coursework.

You are not eligible for the Iowa Vocational Technical Tuition Grant while taking prerequisite courses.

See Admissions Requirements for more information.

Course Descriptions: Show All | Hide All

Term 0 — Prerequisites *
BIO-168 Human Anatomy and Physiology I *
Must be completed with a minimum grade of B-
4 $891.00
ENG-105 Composition I -OR- 3 $652.50
SPC-101 Fundamentals of Oral Communication
Must be completed with a minimum grade of C-
3 $652.50
HSC-113 Medical Terminology
Must be completed with a minimum grade of C-
2 $435.00
PSY-111 Introduction to Psychology -OR- 3 $652.50
PSY-121 Developmental Psychology
Must be completed with a minimum grade of C-
3 $652.50
Total Credits 12
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $2,631.00

Technical Program Coursework

Physical Therapist Assistant program technical coursework, Term 1, begins each Spring.

Terms 1–5 require students to be on campus or in an assigned clinical site on a full-time basis.

The program has a dress code for both on-campus coursework and clinical education.

Prior to entering an assigned clinical site, the student must:

  • Have a physical examination with updated immunizations recorded on the Hawkeye Community College form. The form and instructions will be provided to all eligible students during the in-program orientation.

  • Pass a criminal background, sex offender, and adult/dependent abuse background checks. Instructions will be provided during program orientation. Failing a background check will result in dismissal from the program.

  • Complete Mandatory Reporting, Workplace Safety training, and HIPAA training. This training is part of the HSC-108 Introduction to Healthcare Professions course.

    Basic Life Support CPR level is also required and can be obtained through the Hawkeye Community College Business and Community Services department.

    All of these opportunities can be coordinated through communication with the Physical Therapist Assistant program director.

Students must achieve a minimum grade of C or higher in all program coursework.

You may only fail one program course; failing more than one course will be grounds for dismissal from the program.

Clinical experiences are completed off-campus. Sites may be local, in-state, or out-of-state. You are responsible for transportation to and from clinicals, as well as any associated housing costs. You will not be allowed to select specific clinical sites, but may make requests for special needs or geographical locations.

Term 1 — Spring
BIO-173 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Must be completed with a minimum grade of B-
4 $930.00
PTA-101 Introduction to PTA 2 $435.00
PTA-120 Kinesiology 3 $850.50
PTA-150 Pathophysiology 3 $652.50
Total Credits 12
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $2,868.00
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $258.00

Term 2 — Summer *
PTA-111 PTA Fundamentals 4 $1170.00
PTA-202 Cardiopulmonary and Integumentary Rehab 2 $435.00
PTA-310 PTA Clinical I 1 $474.50
Total Credits 7
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $2,079.50
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $557.00

* Term 2 — Summer requires students to be on campus two mornings per week.

Term 3 — Fall
PTA-194 Therapeutic Agents I 12WK1 3 $773.50
PTA-211 Musculoskeletal I 12WK1 3 $689.50
PTA-233 Therapeutic Exercise 12WK1 4 $870.00
PTA-242 Adult Neurology 12WK1 2 $435.00
PTA-350 PTA Clinical II 4WK4 2 $565.00
Total Credits 14
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $3,333.00
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $288.00

Term 4 — Spring
PTA-113 Fundamentals for PTA II 12WK1 3 $727.50
PTA-195 Therapeutic Agents II 12WK1 3 $657.50
PTA-212 Musculoskeletal II 12WK1 3 $652.50
PTA-243 Pediatric Neurology 12WK1 2 $435.00
PTA-400 PTA Clinical III 4WK4 2 $435.00
Total Credits 13
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $2,907.50
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $80.00

Term 5 — Summer
PTA-284 PTA Professional Issues 2 $535.00
PTA-450 PTA Clinical IV 5 $1361.50
Total Credits 7
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $1,896.50
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $374.00

Cost Calculation

Calculations are based on 2023–2024 resident tuition and fees and course fees.

  • Course Cost Calculation: $217.50 × course credits + course fee (if applicable).

  • Total Tuition + Course Fees Calculation: Sum of tuition and course fees for all courses for the term.

    • If more than one course can be taken to fulfill the requirement, the first course listed is used in the total tuition and fees calculation.
  • Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: Remaining course fees after tuition has been subtracted.

Additional costs not included in the cost calculations:

Contact Information

Academic/College Success Advisor

Lisa Wright
Student Services
Hawkeye Center 208
319-296-4014 ext.1068
Email Lisa Wright
Schedule an appointment with Lisa Wright

Faculty Advisors

Last Names A – M

Melissa Schneider
Health Education and Services Center 228
319-296-4434
Email Melissa Schneider

Last Names N – Z

Cassady Bartlett
Health Education and Services Center 228
319-296-2329 ext.1484
Email Cassady Bartlett

Program Director

Melissa Schneider
Health Education and Services Center 228
319-296-4434
Email Melissa Schneider

Administrative Assistant

Health Education and Services Center 222
319-296-4010

Dean

Science and Health Sciences

Troy Moran, Ed. D
Tama Hall 110B
319-296-4457
Email Troy Moran

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