Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science
Please Note: This program will not be enrolling new students until 2014.
From relieving pain to improving mobility, physical therapist assistants play an important role to patients in need of both physical rehabilitation and compassion. Their skills are depended on by those recovering from surgery or injury and also by an aging population, with national employment for physical therapist assistants expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2020.*
The physical therapist assistant degree program at Kaplan College in Dallas, TX could train you to work under the supervision of a physical therapist and help patients maintain their health and physical comfort. Our program includes instruction in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Features
The physical therapist assistant associate’s degree program is designed to prepare you to assist with the direct care of patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. Coursework covers the following topics:
- Observing patients and reporting to a physical therapist
- Assisting patients with specific exercises
- Using different techniques and equipment to help patients
- Educating patients and their family members about treatment
- Helping prepare eligible students to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination for physical therapist assistants (PTAs)†
Real-World Clinical Experience
Prior to graduation from Kaplan College in Dallas, TX, you will be required to complete clinical rotations at an approved facility.‡ This opportunity offers interaction with professionals in the physical therapist field and hands-on experience to help prepare you to pursue entry-level employment after graduation.
Potential Physical Therapist Assistant Career Opportunities
As a graduate of Kaplan College, you may seek future entry-level positions as a physical therapist assistant with employers such as:
- Acute-care hospitals
- Outpatient practices
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing homes
Effective November 9, 2011, the physical therapist assistant program at Kaplan College has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone: 703.706.3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) that indicates that the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses and that the program is progressing toward accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation.
Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited program is required for eligibility to sit for the licensing exam.