Help people heal, regain their strength and mobility, and improve their quality of life with a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Associate of Applied Science degree from Montco. Taught at Blue Bell Campus's state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center, you'll earn 70-credits.

At the end of the program you will be prepared to take the Physical Therapist Assistant National Physical Therapy Examination for state certification/licensure. You will also be able to demonstrate values-based behavior while effectively and efficiently assisting physical therapists who serve the diverse population of Montgomery County and surrounding communities. PTAs work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They are employed in such settings as hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, school systems, sports medicine facilities and private practices.

Program outcomes

• Demonstrate proficient entry-level knowledge and skills in safely, effectively and efficiently implementing a physical therapist established comprehensive plan of care;
• Adhere to the legal, ethical and professional regulations and standards that determine the scope of practice of physical therapy and perform physical therapy duties within the PTA scope of practice;
• Communicate effectively with sensitivity and awareness of individual differences with patients, families, colleagues, and other healthcare providers;
• Exhibit observable behaviors that indicate a commitment to PTA values-based behaviors.

Program Curriculum

Sequence of courses

Courses in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Pre-Technical Phase and Technical Phase are listed in sequential order. All Pre-Technical courses must be completed before enrollment into the Technical Phase courses. The Pre-Technical courses BIO 131, BIO 132, PHY 115, ESW 222 and ESW 224 must be completed within five years before enrollment into the Technical Phase courses. The PTA Technical Phase is a 16 month, continuous phase consisting of four sequential semesters. Students are admitted to the Technical Phase Physical Therapist Assistant Program for the spring each year.