Why Become a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical therapist assistants play an important role in the rehabilitation and treatment of patients with diverse medical conditions or injuries. Through the use of therapeutic modalities, exercise and other techniques, physical therapy assists patients in the relief of pain and discomfort as well as restoring optimal function. Graduates of this program are prepared to perform entry-level physical therapy procedures and related tasks under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Clinical education experiences in a wide variety of health care facilities are provided.
Employment opportunities are rapidly increasing in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, schools, patients' homes, sports medicine clinics and private practices.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Apply Now to the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program!
Accreditation
Number of Programs Offered: 1
Program Type: Associate
Date of Next Review: June 30, 2025
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) 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 you need to contact the CCAC Physical Therapist Assistant program directly, please call 724.325.6643 or email sbannister@ccac.edu.
Formal Complaints About Programs/CAPTE
Complaints are submitted to the Department of Accreditation, APTA, 3030 Potomac Ave.,
Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085.
Middle States Accreditation
In addition to the accreditation by CAPTE, CCAC's Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Status: Accreditation Reaffirmed
Last Reaffirmation: 2018
Next Self-Study Evaluation: 2025–2026
For more information, visit CCAC's institutional page.
Middle States Action Letter, June 2017
Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S. (628.2)
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is designed to prepare graduates to perform physical therapy procedures and related tasks under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Graduates complete 715 hours of supervised clinical experience that is coordinated with 450 hours of classroom learning. The physical therapist assistant (PTA) performs a variety of treatment procedures in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, schools, patient homes, sports medicine clinics and private practices.
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This data is national aggregate data, which may or may not be reflective of current local labor market circumstances.
Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program
The PTA program has limited enrollment. All applicants must submit additional documents for consideration. We encourage you to save copies of all submitted materials. PTA program applications are accepted from November 1, 2024, until the program reaches full capacity for Fall 2025.
To apply to the PTA program, please complete the following steps:
- Apply to CCAC: Apply Here
- Placement Test: Take the CCAC Placement Test(s), if required.
- Submit Transcripts: Send official transcripts from any previous institutions to transcripts@ccac.edu.
- Complete Prerequisites: Ensure all prerequisites (including developmental courses, if applicable) are completed
with a “C” or better:
- General Biology (BIO 151)
or - Introduction to Biological Sciences (BIO 110)
or - Anatomy and Physiology 1 (within the last ten years)
- General Biology (BIO 151)
Important Note: If a student enrolls in the same developmental or science course more than three times, they will not be considered for acceptance. A "W" or "I" grade counts as an enrollment attempt.
- Submit a complete online PTA application information form.
- After completing the online application information form, the following information
will be emailed to you:
- Clinical Observation Form (job shadowing)
- Essential Functions Form
- Self Essay
The intent of the Self Essay is to provide an opportunity to reflect on your experiences and goals as well as to research the profession. Your life experiences and career exploration activities should assist you in writing your essay.
Self Essay Requirements:
- Formatting
- Use college-level English writing.
- Use clear and concise language.
- Typed, one to two pages in length.
- Use standard 12-point font.
- Header
- Your full name
- Address, phone and email address
- CCAC Student ID number
- Topics
- A brief summary of recent and pertinent life experiences:
- Education (high school to present)
- Recent work experience
- Related personal or family medical experiences (optional)
- Volunteer work or community service
- Hobbies and interests
- Awards and honors
- Memberships
- A brief definition of your major field of interest, in your own words.
- A brief explanation of your choice of career goal.
- A brief summary of your self-perceived strengths and weakness.
- A brief summary of your educational and career goals.
- A brief summary of recent and pertinent life experiences:
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Outcomes
| Classes of 2023 & 2024 | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 63% |
| Graduate First Time success on NPTE-PTA | 76% |
| Graduate Ultimate success on NPTE-PTA | 92% |
| Employment Rate | 100% |