Physical Therapist Assistant AS Degree

The Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares students for employment as physical therapist assistants (PTA). The PTA functions through the direction of a physical therapist (PT) to implement the PT’s plan of care. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to aid patients and clients in their return to maximal function. PTA students are instructed in thinking processes and skills such as therapeutic exercise, orthopedic and neurological interventions, therapeutic modalities, and the art of patient care. In addition to patient treatment courses, students study the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, clinical pathology, and kinesiology. Clinical education experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum and offer students the opportunity to practice the techniques learned and practiced each semester. Students can complete the program in two years.

It is recommended that students interested in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program see a counselor in the counseling department and read the information on the School of Health Sciences & Education webpage.

Program Entrance Requirements: Acceptance under the existing eligibility and selection criteria available on the School of Health Sciences & Education webpage.  Program eligibility and selection processes are subject to change. Prospective students are encouraged to check the school web page periodically or call 760.773.2578

Accreditation:

Effective April 25, 2023, College of the Desert's Physical Therapist Assistant Program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 760-773-2578 or email PTAAdmissions@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate entry-level competency of all required skills of a PTA for employment in a variety of Physical Therapy clinical settings.
2. Competently perform as a Physical Therapy Assistant adhering to the ethical codes of conduct.
3. Report and record client data, which effectively communicates the need and rationale for physical therapy intervention using appropriate medical terminology.
4. Qualify to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant licensing examination.

Program Requirements