Physical Therapist Assistant

www.wc.edu/programs
Cindy Lavine, Program Director
I.B. Hand Building (BUSI), RM 210 B
817-598-8873 • clavine@wc.edu

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. PTAs assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTAs perform treatment procedures that involve the therapeutic use of heat, cold, electromagnetic radiations, traction, compression, water, massage, ultrasound and therapeutic exercise, and assist the physical therapist with evaluative procedures. PTAs provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.

The Weatherford College Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program leads to an associate in applied science degree and encompasses an approximate twenty-one month course of study. The curriculum balances general educational and technical courses with supervised clinicals at hospitals and private clinics. These combined experiences provide students with an opportunity for educational development as well as occupational competence. PTAs must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and licensure is required in the State of Texas.

ADMISSION TO THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM

Admission to Weatherford College does not guarantee admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program. Because clinical space is limited, the number of students admitted to this program is limited. Students admitted to the PTA Program are selected on the basis of admission exam score, academic record, references, interview, a writing sample and completion of a specified number of observation hours. For specific application information and deadlines, contact the PTA Program director.

Students accepted into the program must comply with all school and PTA Program policies and procedures. Students must be TSI complete to apply to the program. Students must pass a physical examination, urine drug screen and criminal background check. Health and accident insurance must be maintained throughout the program. Current CPR certification (Healthcare Provider) must be maintained throughout all clinicals; and proof of required immunizations must be on file before students will be allowed to participate in clinicals.

ACCREDITATION STATUS

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Weatherford 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: www.capteonline.org. 

Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in Texas.