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| Home | Health Programs | Physical Therapist Assistant Program | General Information |
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Physical Therapist Assistant Program- General Information
Legal Limitations for Licensure Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply to take the National Licensing Examination to become physical therapist assistants. Obtaining a passing score on the national exam is required to practice as a physical therapist assistant in Tennessee. However, individuals who have been convicted of crimes other than minor traffic violations could be ineligible for physical therapist assistant licensure in the State of Tennessee, even though they have successfully completed the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Physical therapist assistants may not practice unless under the supervision of a physical therapist. General Admission Requirements Any student desiring to pursue an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant must: 1. Apply, meet admission requirements, and be accepted by Walters State Community College. 2. Indicate Pre-Physical Therapist Assistant as the desired major on the WSCC application form. 3. See an advisor from the Health Programs Division prior to registering for classes and obtain faculty approval to register. 4. Complete all required remedial and developmental courses. 5. Complete BIOL 2010 and 2011, BIOL 2020 and 2021, and MATH 1530 or 1630 prior to making application for the PTA specialty courses. A grade of "C" or better must be achieved in each required science course, with a GPA of at least 2.0 in the other general/core requirements completed. Biological science courses previously taken must have been completed within the last 10 years. 6. Students cannot audit any PTA courses without the approval of the department director and the Dean of Health Programs Division. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program prepares students to apply to take the National Licensing Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants. A Physical Therapist Assistant can perform a range of physical therapy procedures specific to a patient's diagnosis under the supervision of a physical therapist. As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you will have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of patients, from pediatrics to the older adult and every age and functional level in between. Obtaining a passing score on the national examination is required to practice as a physical therapist assistant in the state of Tennessee. The primary goal of physical therapy is to rehabilitate patients suffering from various diagnoses that affect their mobility and overall functional status. The Physical Therapist Assistant provides specifically prescribed treatments and exercises that improve one's mobility, reliever pain, and prevent or limit physical disability. In addition, Physical Therapist Assistants help restore, maintain and promote overall fitness and health. Physical Therapist Assistants may find employment in many diverse settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, private physical therapy practices, home health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and long term care facilities. At this time there are numerous job opportunities for the PTA nationwide. The Program The physical therapist assistant program curriculum consists of general education/ pre-PTA requirements and specialty courses. Students attending school full time should be able to complete the general education/pre PTA and specialty courses within 5 semesters. Students must complete general education/pre PTA courses and complete admission requirements prior to entering the specialty phase. The specialty courses can only be completed on a full time basis. This phase includes a full time clinical component during the final weeks of each semester in which students are assigned to regional clinicals sites to provide physical therapy under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or assistant Housing and Transportation The college does not provide housing facilities for students either on or off campus. Students must provide their own reliable transportation to and from clinical sites.
Estimated Expenses
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Phone: (423) 585-2600 · Toll Free: (800) 225-4770 · Contact Walters State