Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

Physical Therapist Assistant Degree (M039)

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program is a two-year course of study leading to an Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degree. Students combine academic study in physical therapist assisting procedures, anatomy, kinesiology, medical conditions, and professionalism with clinical education and practice.

Graduates work under the supervision of professional physical therapists and are successfully employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, extended care and sub-acute facilities, schools and pediatric centers, private PT practices, and out-patient clinics. They are trained to treat patients suffering from physical disabilities related to disease or injury or needing post-surgical rehabilitation using various procedures and modalities, therapeutic exercises, mobility training, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, general conditioning, posture and body mechanics instruction, and other patient education.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). BCCC’s PTA Program has been designated as Statewide by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

 

Graduates of the program are fully qualified to take the national licensing examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). It is required to be eligible for licensure in Maryland and most other states.

Prospective applicants should contact the Selective Admissions Counselor at the College’s Admissions, Recruitment and Orientation Office for detailed information on the special academic, observation/volunteer hours, and application requirements for selective admission and continued enrollment in the PTA Program. Applicants are accepted into the program for the fall semester and must take all PTT courses in sequence as designated, while maintaining a minimum grade of “C” in each PTT course.

Note: Under Maryland law, the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners may deny issuing a PTA license to any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude. Hence, applicants are required to complete a background check after acceptance to the PTA program and prior to licensure in many states, including Maryland. Applicants are strongly advised to consider results of a thorough background check and how their results may impact their ability to complete clinical requirements in the program and/or apply for licensure. The PTA program faculty has no authority regarding licensure.

Upon acceptance into the Program, students:

1. Must complete an American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR course. A copy of both sides of the card must be provided on the first day of class.
2. Are required to carry health insurance as long as they are in the program.
3. Submit proof of current health status by physical exam completed less than 3 months before the beginning of the Spring (2nd) semester.
4. Submit proof of up-to-date immunization/titers by the beginning of the second semester:
   1. The Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) must be done annually or chest xray with documentation of negative results less than 3 months before the beginning of the spring semester
   2. Rubella, Rubeola and Mumps titer or immunization
   3. Varicella (chicken pox) titer and immunization
   4. Hepatitis B vaccine or written declination/waiver
   5. Seasonal flu/influenza immunization
5. Are required to have a criminal background check and a drug screen
6. Must maintain a minimum of “C” in each PTT and science course to progress through the course and semester sequence.

Please see the Admission Specialist for the Health Sciences programs for additional information regarding essential abilities and/or functions required for the program.

Suggested Sequence of Courses

** All BCCC students must meet the College’s Computer Literacy requirements in order to receive a degree or a certificate. All first-time, full- and part-time degree and certificate seeking students are required to complete the PRE 100  course within the first six credits.