Associate in Applied Science inPhysical Therapist Assistant

BIOL 145 Anatomy – Physiology I (4)
BIOL 150 Medical Terminology (3)
ENG 101 Composition I or (3)
ENG 101C Composition I
PTA 100 Introduction to PTA (3)
PTA 113 Physical Agents I (2)
PTA 201 Kinesiology (4)
PTA 207 Therapeutic Massage (1)

BIOL 146 Anatomy – Physiology II (4)
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
PTA 202 Physical Rehabilitative Techniques (3)
PTA 203 Pathology (2)
PTA 204 Practicum I (3)

PSYC 200 Human Growth and Development (3)
PTA 205 Physical Therapy Science (2)
PTA 208 Therapeutic Exercise I (3)
PTA 214 Practicum II (4)
SPEC 114 Interpersonal Communication (3)

MATH 108 Statistics for General Education or
MATH 108C Statistics for General Education or
CS 100 Introduction to Computers (3)
PTA 210 Therapeutic Exercise II-Neuro (4)
PTA 213 Physical Agents II (1)
PTA 290 Clinical Seminar (3)
SPEC 175 Intercultural Communication (3)

Yes, the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Black Hawk College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
703-706-3245
accreditation@apta.org

To contact the program/institution directly, please call 309-796-5394 or email abelsd@bhc.edu.

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate behaviors that provide patient safety and appropriate critical thinking skills commensurate with the practicing health care environment.
• Demonstrate safe and evidence-based treatment interventions, competence in data collection commensurate with conditions and diseases in today’s health care environment.
• Demonstrate ability to practice under a supervising physical therapist and adhere to the policies and procedures bestowed upon the PTA in that health care environment.
• Demonstrate behaviors appropriate for the delivery of physical therapy services showing respect to individual and cultural diversities, including verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills that ensure patient, family, and healthcare comprehension and safety.
• Participate in progression and development in individual careers based upon personal interests, practicing environment, and self-assessment needs that facilitates life-long learning.
• Demonstrate adherence to Standards of Ethical Conduct established by the APTA and represent the highest expectations from the physical therapy profession.
• Demonstrate clinical critical thinking skills by identifying when to modify patient treatments within the plan of care established by the supervising physical therapist.

In-District Cost

Tuition (72 hours x $164) = $11,808
Lab fees ($75/credit hour in core classes) = $3,225
Books (four semesters) = $1,500
Parking tags (two years) = $100
Approximate overall cost: $16,633

Download the PTA Financial Fact Sheet (PDF)

Graduation Rate

2023: 100%
2022: 100%
2021: 100%
2020: 96%
2019: 100%

Cumulative last two years: 100%

Ultimate Pass Rate (National Physical Therapy Examination)

2023: TBD
2022: 89.5%
2021: 85%
2020: 86.4%
2019: 85.7%

Cumulative last two years: 86%

First Time Pass Rate

2023: 63%
2022: 68.4%
2021: 80%
2020: 68.2%
2019: 81%

Employment Rate (six months after passing National Physical Therapy Examination)

2023: 100%
2022: 100%
2021: 100%
2020: 100%
2019: 100%

Cumulative past two years: 100%

Students interested in pursuing a Master or Doctorate of Physical Therapy should contact the specific PT program for more information on transferable courses. Generally, only the biology and general education classes are transferable.

Yes, as the selection process is very competitive. Applications will be accepted starting September 1. Applications postmarked on or before October 31 will be granted an interview in February. Applications postmarked after October 31 will be notified of an interview if there are remaining spots available in the upcoming class.

No. The program reviews the application pool every year and students not selected must re-apply to be considered for the next class.