The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is offered at the Quad-Cities Campus with clinical practice available throughout a large regional area. The program admits up to 24 students for each incoming class, which begins each fall.
Overview
New students applying to Black Hawk College should select the AAS/General Occupational and Technical Studies (GOTS) until such time as they have been officially accepted by the department into this program.
The Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant prepares students to perform physical therapy procedures under the supervision of a physical therapist. Physical therapist assistants are primarily employed in hospitals, extended care and nursing home facilities, and in private practices.
Admission Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent.
- A physical examination prior to any clinical coursework.
- The program admits up to 24 students for each incoming class.
- Fill out application.
- Interview with PTA selection committee. The interview is part of a written and oral selection process.
- Minimum of “C” average in courses previously completed at Black Hawk College and any courses transferred from other colleges.
Students must also successfully document and meet all health and background checks required by academic departments and/or clinical sites prior to admission to program and/or courses.
The PTA Program is now taking applications for Fall 2024.
PTA Application Packet 2024-25 (PDF)
- 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.
Accreditation
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
If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 309-796-5394 or email abelsd@bhc.edu.
Expenses and Outcomes
PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet (PDF)
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
Graduation Rate
2023: 100%
2022: 100%
2021: 100%
2020: 96%
2019: 100%
2018: 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%
2018: 92.3%
Cumulative last two years: 86%
First Time Pass Rate
2023: 63%
2022: 68.4%
2021: 80%
2020: 68.2%
2019: 81%
2018: 69.2%
Employment Rate (six months after passing National Physical Therapy Examination)
2023: 100%
2022: 100%
2021: 100%
2020: 100%
2019: 100%
2018: 100%
Cumulative past two years: 100%
CAPTE has a mechanism to consider formal complaints about physical therapy education programs. Please refer to the CAPTE website.