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Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

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Degrees & Certificates:

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), 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. (See PTA Department Web Site.)

Physical Therapist Assistants work with a wide range of individuals who have physical limitations or disabilities resulting from injury, disease, or surgery.

PTAs 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:

  1. Complete required supporting courses prior to entering the program;
  2. 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;
  3. 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 February 1, 2009 and are due April 15, 2009.

Special fees and requirements

  1. In addition to the usual tuition and fees, there may be co-op fees for some Physical Therapist Assistant courses.
  2. Because of the nature of the program, student insurance is required.
    • Student liability insurance—available through the college for about $14 per year.
    • Health insurance—any policy is acceptable; also available through the college.
  3. Access to reliable transportation is required. Bus service will not accommodate transportation needs as clinical sites range from south of Olympia to Everett.
  4. Prior to beginning clinical work students must have:
    • Documentation of required immunizations and TB test
    • 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.

  1. 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 February 1 and are available online or call ext. 2641.

Students applying to the PTA program must have the following:

  1. A minimum college grade point average of 2.5 (possible 4.0)
  2. At least 15 quarter credits of graded college level work
  3. Demonstration of math competence by:
    • COMPASS score showing placement into Math 072or higher; or
    • Completion of Math 070 or higher with a grade of 2.0 or better; or
    • Completion of Math supporting course requirements with a grade of 2.0 or better
  4. Demonstration of English competence by:
    • COMPASS score showing placement into English 110; or
    • Completion of English 100, 102, or 110 with a grade of 2.0 or better
  5. 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.

Course Descriptions:

For course descriptions, please see our Course Catalog.

Contact Information:

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