Why Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?


Physical therapist assistants play an important role in the rehabilitation and treatment of patients with diverse medical conditions or injuries. Through the use of therapeutic modalities, exercise and other techniques, physical therapy assists patients in the relief of pain and discomfort as well as restoring optimal function. Graduates of this program are prepared to perform entry-level physical therapy procedures and related tasks under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Clinical education experiences in a wide variety of health care facilities are provided.

Employment opportunities are rapidly increasing in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, schools, patients' homes, sports medicine clinics and private practices.

Graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. 

 

Application to Apply to the Physical Therapy Assistant Program is Now Open!

Please click the link below to complete your application. Before applying, be sure to apply to CCAC through the general application here. If you experience any technical difficulties, please email alliedhealthinfo@ccac.edu.

Apply to the Physical Therapy Assistant Program Now

 

Accreditation

Number of Programs Offered: 1

Program Type: Associate

Date of Next Review: June 30, 2025

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), 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 724-325-6643 or email sbannister@ccac.edu.

PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet

 

Middle States Accreditation

In addition to the accreditation by CAPTE, CCAC's Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Status: Accreditation Reaffirmed
Last Reaffirmation: 2018
Next Self-Study Evaluation: 2025-2026

For more information, visit CCAC's institutional page.

Middle States Action Letter June 2017

Middle States Action Letter June 2018

Middle States Action Letter June 2019

 

Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S. (628.2)

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is designed to prepare graduates to perform physical therapy procedures and related tasks under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Graduates complete 715 hours of supervised clinical experience that is coordinated with 450 hours of classroom learning. The physical therapist assistant (PTA) performs a variety of treatment procedures in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, schools, patient homes, sports medicine clinics and private practices. 

Take the Next Step

 

Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

The PTA program has limited enrollment. A complete online application is required for consideration for PTA program admission. Applicants are encouraged to save copies of all online application documents. Applications are accepted November 1 through March 1.  Applications submitted after March 1 will be placed in the applicant pool. 

The following steps are required for a student applying to the Physical Therapist Assistant program:

  • Apply to the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC).
  • Take the CCAC Placement Test.
    • Applicants who have college-level courses from other institutions must submit official transcripts to transcripts@ccac.edu. Applicants must include an unofficial copy of transcripts and a copy of your transcript evaluation summary in the application packet.
  • Meet with an Academic Advisor.
  • Complete all prerequisites including developmental courses if needed.
    • Complete General Biology (BIO-151) or Introduction to Biological Sciences (BIO-110) with a "C" or better
    • Exception: Successful completion of Anatomy and Physiology course equivalent to CCAC BIO 161 Anatomy and Physiology 1. BIO 161
    • Anatomy and Physiology 1 and BIO 162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 courses must have been successfully completed with a letter grade of "C" or better within the last ten (10) years.
    • Students who have enrolled in the same developmental course more than three (3) times will not be considered for acceptance in an Allied Health program. Students who have enrolled in the same science course more than three (3) time will not be considered for acceptance.
    • A "W" or "I" grade also count as an enrollment attempt. 

  • Submit a complete online Allied Health Programs Application.
  • Submit a completed PTA Total Admission Score (TAS) Sheet in the application packet. 
  • A minimum TAS of 3.0 or higher is required to apply.
  • Submit a copy of your unofficial transcript.  This is required even if you are a prior or current CCAC student.
  • Submit a completed and signed Clinical Observation Form (Job Shadowing). 
  • Submit a completed Essential Functions Form.
  • Submit your Self Essay.

The intent of the Self Essay is to provide an opportunity to reflect on your experiences and goals as well as to research the profession. Your life experiences and career exploration activities should assist you in writing your essay. 

Self Essay Requirements:

  1. Formatting
    • Use college level English writing.
    • Use clear and concise language.
    • Typed one to two (1-2) pages in length.
    • Use standard twelve (12) point font.
  2. Header
    • Your full name
    • Address, phone and email address
    • CCAC Student ID number
  3. Topics
    • A brief summary of recent and pertinent life experiences:
      • Education (high school to present) 
      • Recent work experience
        • Related personal or family medical experiences (optional)
      • Volunteer work or community service
      • Hobbies and interests
      • Awards and honors
      • Memberships
    • A brief definition of your major field of interest, in your own words.
    • A brief explanation of your choice of career goal.
    • A brief summary of your self-perceived strengths and weakness.
    • A brief summary of your educational and career goals.

Online applications are accepted November 1 through March 1.

Applications submitted after March 1st will be placed in the applicant pool for consideration in the event a seat becomes available. 

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Outcomes

Program Complaints are put in writing to the: Dean of Nursing, Allied Health and Sciences, CCAC/Boyce Campus, 595 Beatty Road, Monroeville, PA 15146
Classes of 2022 and 2023 Percentage
Graduation Rate 53%
Graduate First Time success on NPTE-PTA 87.5%
Graduate Ultimate success on NPTE-PTA 95.8%
Employment Rate 100%

Contact Information

Dr. Stephen Bannister

Email us to request more information!

If you would like more information about our Allied Health programs, please email us!