Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Explore Locations
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- For instructions on how to get started, download the application checklist for this program.
Program Availability
A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more about program waitlists.
Application Checklist
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
Summer Before First Semester
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Second Semester
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Summer Before Third Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Social Science Course Options (the Recommended Program Course is Identified with an *):
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-524-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.
- Students must earn a "B" or higher in General Anatomy & Physiology. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "B" in this course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.
- Students must earn a “C” or higher in 10-890-101, College 101.
Program Outcomes
- Function under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist in a safe, legal, ethical manner consistent with professional standards and values to ensure the safety of patients, self, and others
- Demonstrate clear and collaborative communication with patients, families, and health care team
- Exhibit behaviors and conduct that optimize inclusive, equitable patient care and patient care environments in alignment with physical therapy practice standards
- Produce documentation to support the delivery of physical therapy services
- Demonstrate critical decision making to implement and modify treatment within a plan of care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist
- Perform data collection essential for carrying out the plan of care under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist
- Perform technically competent, evidence-informed physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist
- Educate patients, families, and other health providers incorporating cultural humility and social determinants of health
- Integrate components of operational and fiscal practices of physical therapy service in a variety of settings
- Implement a self-directed plan for career development, credentialing, service and leadership skills, and lifelong learning in an ever-changing health care environment
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 50% in field
Employment Potential
A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment as a Physical Therapist Assistant. The State of Wisconsin does require a license to practice as a physical therapist assistant.
- Physical Therapist Assistant: assists the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy, performs physical therapy interventions and related tasks, carries out operational functions, makes modifications within the scope of the established plan of care, performs documentation and assessments under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
What's next after graduation?
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100 Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085 Telephone: 703-706-3245; Email: accreditation@apta.org; Website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Leah Smejkal at 920-498-6270 or email: Leah.Smejkal@NWTC.EDU.
Industry Credentials
Graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (www.fsbpt.org).
Clinical Experience
- Students will be required to purchase a uniform, provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances and participate in weekend rotations.
- Students are required to complete an American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR course prior to clinical experiences. Students are required to maintain certification to comply with affiliating agency requirements.
- Students will be required to submit immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
- Students will be required to show proof of an annual flu vaccine.
- Students may be required to complete drug testing and/or finger printing by clinical agencies.
Wisconsin Caregiver Law
NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.viewpointscreening.com/nwtc AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry and/or clinical, practicum, field experience. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Please review your entry/admission checklist. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical, practicum, or field experience site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum/field experience placement or guarantee graduation.
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.