Physical Therapist Assistant
Available: Phil Campbell and Shoals Campuses
Advisors: K. Sheppard (5331) kim.sheppard@nwscc.edu
B. Smith (5379) bsmith@nwscc.edu
S. Watson (6253) sberrian@nwscc.edu
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a skilled technical health worker who, under the supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist, assists in patients’ treatment programs. The assistant, following established procedures, carries out a planned patient care program. Duties of the Physical Therapist Assistant are varied but include rehabilitation of orthopedic, neurological, pediatric, and sports-related problems. Physical Therapist Assistants are employed in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health-care agencies, private practices, and other specialized health-care settings.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is a two-year course of study. The student should complete the first year of general education course prerequisites before being eligible to apply to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Three semesters are necessary to complete the final year of the program, which begins in the fall semester. The second year classes include technical and clinical experience in a variety of health-care settings where the student performs selected clinical procedures under the supervision of a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant.
See program webpage for accreditation information. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the National Licensing Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Acceptance to Wallace State College does not guarantee admission to the Physical Therapist Program.
General Required Courses to be Completed at Northwest- Shoals Community College.
Entering students are required to complete ORI 107. Transfer students are exempt from this requirement.
Students must complete specialized courses at Wallace State to receive this degree. Wallace State enrolls students in this program competitively and only in certain terms. See your advisor.
WSCC Program Director: Allen Keener 256.352.8333