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Physical Therapist Assistants
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Physical Therapist Assistants, under the supervision of Physical
Therapists, utilize therapeutic exercise, functional training, adaptive
devices (including prosthetics), and physical agents (water, electricity,
sound, light, heat and cold) to restore, maintain, and promote optimal
physical function.
Physical Therapist Assistants work with a wide
range of individuals who have physical limitations or disabilities
resulting from injury, disease, or surgery. They are employed in a wide
variety of settings that include:
hospitals and rehabilitation facilities
outpatient clinics or offices
skilled nursing, extended care, or
convalescent facilities
home health agencies
hospices
school systems
sports therapy clinics
athletic facilities
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at
Green River Community College awards an Associate in Applied Science
degree and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical
Therapy Education. The program prepares graduates for immediate
employment. Studies in the program include anatomy and physiology,
technical physical therapy courses and practical clinical experiences in
area health care facilities.
Employment Outlook
The demand for physical therapist assistants is strong in the Puget Sound
area and nationwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 44%
increase in the need for physical therapist assistants this decade.
Starting salaries are variable. In the Seattle/Tacoma area an average
range is $18–$24 per hour, plus benefits.
When can new students enroll?
The Physical Therapist Assistant courses begin fall quarter of each year and
must be taken in sequence. Students must:
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Complete required supporting
courses prior to entering the program;
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Complete and submit a General
Admissions application to Green River Community College (if you have not
previously attended GRCC) AND complete and submit a separate Physical
Therapy Assistant application;
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And be admitted by the PTA faculty into the
program.
Thirty-two (32) students will be accepted into the Physical Therapist
Assistant program each year. Application forms are available online in late
fall quarter or by calling the Career & Advising Office at (253) 833-9111 ext.
2641. Applications are accepted starting December 15, 2007 and are due April
16, 2008.
Special fees & requirements
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In addition to the usual tuition and fees,
there may be co-op fees for some Physical Therapist Assistant courses.
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Because of the nature of the program, student insurance is required.
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Access to reliable transportation is required. Bus service will not
accommodate transportation needs as clinical sites range from south of
Olympia to Everett.
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Prior to beginning clinical work students must have:
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Documentation of required immunizations and TB test
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Proof of required certifications including; CPR, Blood-Born Pathogens
(AIDS) and HIPPA
Hepatitis B vaccination is strongly
recommended for health care workers.
The above are not necessary before entering the program.
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The Physical Therapist Assistant program
complies with the “Child/Adult Abuse Information Act,” RCW 43.43.830
through 43.43.840. Authorization for child/adult abuse background check is
requested of each applicant.
Does the program transfer to four-year
schools?
The classes for the Physical Therapist Assistant program are not designed
to transfer. Students who seek physical therapist degrees should pursue a
Bachelor’s degree and then attend a physical therapist program.
Special program notes
Green River’s Physical Therapist Assistant program offers you the
opportunity to do the following:
Receive hands-on clinical experience in a
variety of settings
Develop an ongoing collaborative relationship
with faculty and fellow students
Enhance your personal leadership and group
interaction skills
Become skilled in an exciting and rewarding
health care occupation
Receive an Associate in Applied Science degree
for Physical Therapist Assistant that is accredited by the American
Physical Therapy Association
Program Application
Prospective students must apply to the PTA program. Applications are
accepted beginning December 15 and are available online or call ext. 2641.
Students applying to the PTA program must have
the following:
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A minimum college grade point average of 2.5 (possible 4.0)
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At least 15 quarter credits of graded college level work
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Demonstration of math competence by:
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COMPASS score showing placement into Math 072or higher; or
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Completion of Math 070 or higher with a grade of 2.0 or better; or
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Completion of Math supporting course requirements with a grade of 2.0 or
better
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Demonstration of English competence by:
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COMPASS score showing placement into English 110; or
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Completion of English 100, 102, or 110 with a grade of 2.0 or better
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A plan for completion of required supporting courses prior to the
beginning of the program.
All college admission requirements must also
be met prior to entry. PTA program admission requirements are subject to
change.
In addition to paying the usual tuition and
fees charged at Green River, the student is also required to purchase
liability insurance and personal health insurance. The student is expected
to provide his/her own transportation to clinical off-site facilities.
The Physical Therapist Assistant courses must
be taken in sequence. Related Instruction requirements should be taken
prior to entry to the program.
Selection process
Students who satisfy the above requirements will be selected based on
academic preparation, COMPASS scores, GPA, and familiarity or experience
with physical therapy or closely related field. Qualified applicants who
have not completed related instruction requirements may be accepted on a
provisional basis until these requirements are completed with a 2.0 or
better grade and an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher. Such students should
have a plan for the completion of related instruction requirements. Please
see an advisor.
For specific information about the Physical
Therapist Assistant Program, contact:
Educational Planning
Extension 2641
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