Physical Therapist Assistants, or PTA’s, are skilled health care providers who work under the supervision of a physical therapist.  PTAs assist the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs to help restore or improve function, relieve pain, encourage independence, and educate patients and their families.  PTAs administer a variety of services such as therapeutic modalities (for example: heat, cold, ultrasound), gait training, therapeutic exercise, and training in activities of daily living. PTAs work with patients or clients in a variety of areas such as hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics, as well as in the home, in schools, and on the job. The main goal in physical therapy is helping people help themselves. Because of the humanitarian nature of this profession, PTAs must have a genuine interest in caring for others.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.  Additional information regarding accreditation may be on obtained from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; accreditation@apta.org.; (703) 684-2782 or (702) 706-3245.

Program Admission Requirements

Any individual meeting the following conditions may apply to the program:
 

** Licensure of Persons with history of Criminal Conviction / Substance Abuse
 

Additional information regarding rules governing licensure may be found in the complete 2004 Physical Therapy rules located on the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy web site at http://www.ecptote.state.tx.us.

The Board of Trustees approved a new Board Policy (#3337) on July 15, 2004 for all students participating in a Nursing or Allied Health Program clinical course.  This policy requires all students to pass a criminal background check and drug screening prior to enrolling in a clinical course.  This policy is being implemented to ensure uniform compliance with Joint Commission standards pertaining to Human Resource management and state licensing regulations.  Moreover, the public is demanding greater diligence in light of national reports of increasing numbers of medical errors.

Following acceptance to the program, students will be provided specific procedures for obtaining the prescreening criminal background check and drug test.  The student is responsible for the cost of a criminal background check and drug test.

Students having questions about this rule should see the PTA Program Chair or the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Division.  All consultations are confidential.

Selection Process

PTA Program selection process includes 2 phases.  In the first phase, students are ranked from highest to lowest utilizing verified points based on the sum of
 

Once Phase I points are tabulated, the top 30 applicants with the highest scores are notified and asked to return for the second phase of the selection process.  Other applicants not selected for the second phase are notified within 30 days of the application deadline.  Phase II may include a written assignment and group activity.  Scores from both phases are added and applicants are numerically ranked using a worksheet.  As an option to applicants, composite ACT scores may be utilized for additional points during the final computation according to the following scale: 17 = 1 point, 18 = 2 points, 19 or better = 3 points.  The first 16 applicants with the highest scores are invited to join the program.

The final number of admissions is dependent on available resources.  Applicants receive written notice of their status, i.e. accepted, alternate, or not accepted, by the end of June of the current year.  In the case of tied applicants, finalists will be chosen based on 1) previous alternate status, 2) date of application, and 3) previous application/ eligibility.

Program Application

A new applicant pool is established for each fall class. Applications will be available from PTA faculty advisors to students meeting admission requirements. The deadline for submission of completed applications is the first Friday in May. Applicants will be notified of their status by mid-July. Please contact the PTA program's office at (956) 872-3161 for additional information. Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of June.

Graduation Requirements

To earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant, a student must meet college graduation requirements and complete all coursework as prescribed in the degree plan with a minimum grade of “C.”

Licensure

The State of Texas requires licensure in order to practice as a PTA.  After successful completion of this program, graduates are eligible to sit for the licensure examination.  To date, 100% of program graduates have successfully gained licensure.

Employment

100% of Program Graduates passing their licensure exam and seeking employment in physical therapy have obtained positions as PTAs.  Program Graduates are working in a large variety of practice settings.

Job Outlook

Please see the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics @ http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm

Physical Therapy Related Links

    • American Physical Therapy Association – www.apta.org
    • Texas Physical Therapy Association – www.tpta.org
    • Clinic Participation Requirements
    • Technical Performance Standards