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.
University Benefits
Hands-On Experience
Build skills through clinical training, simulations, and supervised rotations to prepare for work as a physical therapist assistant.
Graduate Faster
Our year-round, accelerated, programs let you earn your degree in just 18 months.
The Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program
Featured Courses
Professional Issues for the Physical Therapist AssistantPTA101
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 IPTA145
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.
Program Requirements
To receive the Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant, students must earn 73 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 5 semesters, which is equivalent to 18 months or 75 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:
National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants first time pass rate 2024 – 2025 is: 75%.
National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants ultimate pass rate 2024 – 2025 is: 88%.
PTA graduates who sought employment that were employed within 12 months of graduation for 2024 is 100%.
Newport News Campus:
Graduation rate for 2024 – 2025 is 85%.
National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants first time pass rate 2024 – 2025 is: 81%.
National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants ultimate pass rate 2024 – 2025 is: 86%.
PTA graduates who sought employment that were employed within 12 months of graduation for 2023 – 2024 is 100%.
Richmond Campus:
Graduation rate for 2024 – 2025 is 100%.
National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants first time pass rate 2024 – 2025 is: 82%.
National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants ultimate pass rate 2024 – 2025 is: 85%.
PTA graduates who sought employment that were employed within 12 months of graduation for 2023 – 2024 is 96.5%.
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 2023 – 2024).
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: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 757.490.9090 or email [email protected].
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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).
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.
