Physical Therapist Assistant

Program Overview

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. The PTA implements the Physical Therapist’s plan of care, assessing patient status and modifying selected interventions to progress and protect the safety and comfort of the patient. The PTA helps people of all ages who have impairments that limit movement, function, work and recreational activities. The PTA works in a variety of settings, including hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, skilled nursing facilities, schools, sports facilities, and more. The PTA provides a variety of physical therapy techniques as they carry out the Physical Therapist’s plan of care for the patient, including therapeutic exercise, functional training, soft tissue mobilization, and physical modalities, such as electrotherapy and ultrasound. The PTA may also assist the Physical Therapist in injury prevention, fitness, and wellness-oriented programs for a healthier and a more active lifestyle. To work as a PTA, an individual must graduate from a PTA program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), must apply and be accepted as a licensed/certified PTA applicant, and must pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) and, if required by the state, the state jurisprudence examination. Other requirements vary from state to state, according to physical therapy practice acts or state regulations governing physical therapy.

Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

Program Mission

In keeping with the mission of Concorde, the PTA program will provide a student-centered learning environment that will prepare knowledgeable, competent and caring individuals for a rewarding career as a PTA. Through diverse training in the classroom and laboratory as well as real-world experiences, PTA students will acquire the theoretical knowledge, technical skills, critical reasoning, and professional behaviors necessary to become contributing and collaborative members of the healthcare profession. The program is dedicated to graduating entry-level PTAs who will utilize evidence-based, current practice to best meet the diverse needs of employers and citizens, while providing quality patient care under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. Ultimately, the program strives to instill professional commitment, community involvement, and lifelong learning that will continually enhance the career of the PTA.

Skill Competency

The Physical Therapist Assistant program has a unique testing policy that ensures student competency of skills necessary to progress in the program. See the Physical Therapist Assistant Student Handbook for the Minimum Competence & Program Continuation policies.