Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

*BIOL 145 and BIOL 146 may be substituted for BIOL 142.

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Integrate critical thinking skills to assess and mitigate safety risks for patients and for all aspects of patient care within a variety of practicing health care environments.
• Utilize evidence-based data, standardized assessment tools, and treatment interventions to make informed decisions for patient care and promote optimal treatment outcomes for patients across the lifespan.
• Demonstrate appropriate professional conduct in all aspects of physical therapy patient care, with commitment to the APTA’s Core Values, Standards of Ethical Conduct, as well as all legal regulations for physical therapist assistant practice.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with patients, families, caregivers and all members of the interprofessional health care team to optimize a patient-centered continuum of care.
• Adapt physical therapy treatment to provide culturally sensitive, equitable and inclusive care by recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds, values and psychosocial factors of patients and families.
• Analyze numerical data to inform clinical patient care decision making when providing physical therapy treatment for patients and diseases representative of those commonly seen in a variety of practice settings.
• Develop modifications within the physical therapist assistant’s plan of care using clinical judgment based on patient response to treatment, symptoms, and patient preferences to facilitate optimal patient outcomes, health, and wellness.
• Advocate for equitable health care practices by recognizing and addressing barriers to health care access, treatment, and successful outcomes for underserved and marginalized patient populations.
• Utilize self-assessment to evaluate personal strengths, areas for growth, internal biases, and professional goals to promote a commitment to lifelong learning within an ever-changing health care environment.

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.