Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assisting
18 Month Associate's Degree
73 Total Credits
Clinical Training Experience
Hands-On Simulations
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18 Month Associate's Degree
73 Total Credits
Clinical Training Experience
Hands-On Simulations
Degree Overview
The Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program prepares students for supervised roles as entry-level physical therapist assistants. PTAs work as part of a healthcare team, providing care under the direction of licensed physical therapists to help patients improve mobility, strength, and overall function.
The program curriculum includes hands-on training in managing conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries, neurological impairments, and post-surgical recovery. Students learn to use therapeutic exercises, modalities, and manual techniques to assist patients in achieving their rehabilitation goals. The program also emphasizes effective communication, ethical practices, and adherence to safety standards in patient care.
Through ECPI’s year-round accelerated schedule, students can earn their associate degree in Physical Therapy Assistant in as little as 18-months.
Knowledge and Skills
Graduates should grow in the following areas:
- Therapeutic Techniques
Help patients improve mobility, strength, and coordination using exercises and treatments like heat, ice, ultrasound, massage, and electrical stimulation.
- Clinical Competence
Care for patients with injuries, arthritis, burns, neurological conditions, and post-surgical needs under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
- Physical and Cognitive Skills
Demonstrate observation, motor skills, balance, strength, coordination, and stamina for effective therapy delivery.
Physical Therapist Assistant Curriculum
The Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program
Featured Courses & Overview
Professional Issues for the Physical Therapist Assistant
PTA101
It discusses the role of the physical therapist assistant as a member of the health care team in the delivery of rehabilitation services. The course addresses the educational and licensing requirements for a physical therapist assistant prior to entering the health care work force.
Medical and Surgical Conditions I
PTA145
This course also includes the classic or common physical therapy plan of care/protocols and establishes the justification for progression, modification or discontinuation of physical therapy intervention.
Credit Hours
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Course Categories
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Description
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50
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Core Curriculum
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Courses that provide an educational foundation, building essential skills across diverse subjects.
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20
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Arts & Sciences
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Courses which delve into both creative expression and the scientific world, shaping well-rounded thinkers.
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3
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Self Integration
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These courses set you up for college success and beyond.
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73
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Total Credit Hours
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Newport News Campus:
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Graduation rate for 2022 – 2023 is 88%.
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National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants first time pass rate 2022 – 2023 is: 64%.
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National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants ultimate pass rate 2022 – 2023 is: 88%.
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PTA graduates who sought employment that were employed within 12 months of graduation for 2022 – 2023 is 100%.
Richmond Campus:
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Graduation rate for 2022 – 2023 is 89%.
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National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants first time pass rate 2022 – 2023 is: 86%.
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National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants ultimate pass rate 2022 – 2023 is: 97%.
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PTA graduates who sought employment that were employed within 12 months of graduation for 2022 – 2023 is 95%.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), which requires the calculation of employment rates. These annual rates, as reported in the program’s Annual Accreditation Report (AAR), are calculated as the percentage of graduates who sought employment that were employed as a Physical Therapist Assistant within one year following graduation. This accreditor has established the employment rate threshold as the employment rate averaged over the most recent two years that is consistent with national trends as determined by annual reporting mechanisms. Therefore, this rate represents the program’s employment rate averaged over the most recent two years (graduating cohorts 2022 – 2023).
Programmatic Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at ECPI University (Newport News and Richmond/Emerywood, Virginia campuses, and Lake Mary, Florida campus) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 757.490.9090 or email PTADirector@ecpi.edu.
Complaints Falling Outside of ECPI University Due Process
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Institutional Accreditation
ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. ECPI University also offers credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.
Questions about the accreditation of ECPI University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
