Associate of Applied Science | 74 credits including prerequisites

Health Professions Division
Jordan Campus JHS 059
Program Information 801-957-6200
Program Website
Academic and Career Advising
Academic Advisor Jordan Campus, JHS 065, 801-957- 6215
Health Science Admissions JHS 065, 801-957-6253

Program Faculty
Professors − Ken Freeman, DPT; Diana Ploeger, PT, M Ed

Program Description
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program provides both general and technical education. The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

The program consists of four semesters of physical therapist assistant coursework and labs in addition to the prerequisite courses. Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded an associate of applied science degree. Graduates are able to sit for the national examination for physical therapist assistants, which allows the individual to be eligible for licensure in states that require licensure to practice. To practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Utah, licensure is required.

Career Opportunities
The Physical Therapist Assistant is a health care provider working with individuals and their families under the supervision of a physical therapist in providing patient care by applying a variety of therapy treatments in a variety of health care settings. Treatment techniques include Therapeutic exercises, heat, cold, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, traction, and massage. Health care settings include hospitals, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centers, out-patient clinics, sports medicine clinics, work hardening programs, schools and homes. The physical therapist assistant will be involved in modification of treatment programs, client/family education and discharge planning under the direction of a physical therapist.

Estimated Cost for Students
Estimated cost including tuition, fees, books, uniform, APTA membership: $11,000
Tuition per semester: www.slcc.edu/students-current/tuition-fees

Estimated Time to Completion
Students will follow the suggested semester schedule, time to completion for entire program is five semesters 

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Program Entry Requirements

ADMISSION PROCESS

1. Be admitted to SLCC as a matriculated student. Apply here.
2. High School Graduate or equivalent.
3. For transfer credit, please see Transfer & Articulation Information.
4. Complete placement exam, or submit current SAT/ACT test scores, if MATH and ENGL course work have not been transferred to SLCC, (required before you are able to register for classes that have MATH and ENGL courses as prerequisites).See: www.slcc.edu/testing/
5. AP scores of 3 or higher for a prerequisite course will be considered for admission into the program; however, this does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Please see the Physical Therapist Assistant academic advisor.
6. Program course prerequisites are as follows:
   1. ALL prerequisites have a limit of two attempts every 5 years
   2. BIOL 2320 /BIOL 2325  must be completed w/ a B or better within the last 5 years
   3. PTA 1010  and PTA 1500  must be completed w/ a B or better within the last 5 years
   4. Remaining prerequisite courses must be completed with a C or better

• BIOL 2320 - Human Anatomy  
• BIOL 2325 - Human Anatomy Lab  
• ENGL 1010 - Intro to Writing (EN)  
• MATH 1040 Intro to Statistics (QL)  or MATH 1050 College Algebra (QL)  
• PSY 1100 - Lifespan Human Growth and Development (SS)  
• PTA 1010 - Intro to Physical Therapy  
• PTA 1500 - Practice Issues for the PTA  

NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to examine each course description for details of other prerequisite classes. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to submitting application for the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
See the Physical Therapist Assistant webpage for essential information regarding completion of program application and additional application requirements http://www.slcc.edu/ptassistant/index.aspx

Pre-admission exam - A minimum score of 75% is required for consideration for admission to the program. However, this does not guarantee admission into the program. Please see the Physical Therapist Assistant program academic advisor.

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Specialized Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Salt Lake Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education,1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-1488, telephone:  703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.

Program Objectives
See program website for detailed information on the Physical Therapist Assistant Program assessment outcomes www.slcc.edu/ptassistant

Licensure Information
Graduation from the Physical Therapist Assistant program does not guarantee the ability to obtain a Utah state license to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant.  Licensure is the exclusive right and responsibility of each state.  In order to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant, students must satisfy individual state requirements, independent of SLCC graduation requirements.  It is highly recommended that students consult in advance with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), or similar agencies in other states, to find out more about eligibility for licensure.  DOPL can be reached at 801-530-6628 or at their website.

For students who plan to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in another state, here is one suggested website for researching state licensure requirements: License Finder sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. If you have difficulty finding the licensure requirements for your state, please contact your academic advisor or SLCC’s state authorization coordinator for help. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes	Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes
	1 - Acquire substantive knowledge 2 - Communicate effectively 3 - Develop quantitative literacies 4 - Think critically & creatively 5 - Become a community engaged learner 6 - Work in professional & constructive manner 7 - Develop computer & information literacy
1. Program graduates demonstrate technological skills appropriate for entry-level employment as a physical therapist assistant.	Acquiring substantive knowledge in field of their choice, developing knowledge and skills, thinking critically
2. Program graduates demonstrate research skills appropriate to an entry-level physical therapist assistant.	Thinking critically and developing quantitative literacies
3. Program graduates demonstrate professionalism through behaviors consistent with the APTA Code of Ethics and state licensure regulations for physical therapist assistants.	Developing knowledge and skills to be civically engaged
4. Program graduates demonstrate skills in the use of current equipment consistent with the field of physical therapy.	Developing knowledge and skills to be civically engaged
5. Program graduates communicate clearly with physical therapy stakeholders in verbally and written formats.	Communicating effectively