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Academics & Training / Programs & Degrees / Fields of Interest / Health Sciences / Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant Associate Degree

Program Code: 105241

Physical therapist assistants assist the physical therapist in the provision of physical therapy, perform physical therapy interventions and related tasks, carry out operational functions, make modifications within the scope of the established plan of care, and perform documentation and assessments. The state of Wisconsin requires a license to practice as a physical therapist assistant. As a graduate of this associate degree program, you are eligible to take the National Physical Therapist Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

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Program Costs & Financial Aid

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.
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Requirements for Program Entry

  • REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION
  • Completed application.
  • High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
  • Two semesters High School, or one semester in College of Chemistry (with a lab component), course grades must be completed with a "C" or better.
  • REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY
  • To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact admissions at (920) 498-5444.
  • Completion of Gen A & P with a "B" or better OR students will take the Health Educations Systems Inc. (HESI) A2 Exam. The HESI can only be taken after students have met the required program benchmarks. Test topics include Math, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Reading. A comprehensive score of 75 is required on the HESI exam in order to be admitted to the program. To learn more about these assessment scores, please contact an admissions specialist at (920) 498-5444.
  • Attend mandatory registration session and program orientation.
  • Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
  • Complete 16 hours of mandatory job shadow time within rehab settings.
  • Complete a Functional Abilities Inventory.

Suggested Skills for Success

  • Students are expected to have entry-level computer skills. It is recommended that students complete basic computer skills coursework if deficient in this area.

Program Availability

A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more by contacting one of our Admissions Advisors.

Application Checklist

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Curriculum
Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
Semester Total
18
Second Semester
Semester Total
16
Summer Before Third Semester
Semester Total
8
Third Semester
Semester Total
17
Fourth Semester
Semester Total
12
Total Credits
71

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.

The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements.

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate clear and collaborative communication with patients, families, and health care team.
  • Exhibit behaviors and conduct that reflect respect and sensitivity according to physical therapy practice standards.
  • Function under the supervision of a physical therapist in a safe, legal, ethical manner to ensure the safety of patients, self, and others throughout the clinical interaction.
  • Produce documentation to support the delivery of physical therapy services.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills 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-based physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
  • Educate patients, families, and other health providers.
  • 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, and lifelong learning.
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Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer >> EXCLUDEEND

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Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 1111 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 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.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. 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. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

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. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.

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8 week icon

8-Week Advantage

This program will transition to 8–week courses in Summer of 2021.

Median Starting Salary:

$53,348.00

Source: NWTC 2019 Grad Outcome Report. Learn more.

Graduate Employment

With 70% Employed in Field
Accredited by CAPTE

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Educate (CAPTE):
1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
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 e-mail leah.smejkal@nwtc.edu.

HESI Exam Dates and FAQ

Student Outcomes

Statistics on student Graduation Rate, Licensure Exam Pass Rate, Employment Rate

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