Associate in Applied Science Degree
School of Health Sciences / Health Sciences Career Cluster

Downtown Milwaukee Campus
Program Code: 10-524-1

For Information: 414-297-6263
Downtown Milwaukee Campus, 414-297-MATC

Overview — Prepare to work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools, private clinics and other health agencies as a physical therapist assistant. 

Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist. Duties include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs according to the plan of care, teaching patients to perform exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments using special equipment, and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient’s progress. 

Attributes that will contribute to your success include strong oral and written communication skills, dependability, patience, empathy and the ability to lift and transfer patients.

Accreditation Information: The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org; http://www.capteonline.org

Program Outcomes:

• 2 Year Ultimate Pass Rate 2014--2015:  96.77%
• Graduation Rate 2015—2016:  88.2%
• Employment Rate 2014—2015:  100%

Career Pathway — This program features exploratory courses that count toward a credential. Contact an MATC advisor for information.
 

Career Outlook — The need for physical therapist assistants is projected to grow due to increases in the geriatric population and the increased need for support personnel in all areas of healthcare. Wisconsin requires licensure before the physical therapist assistant may practice in this state. For additional career information, visit www.apta.org.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families and the 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
• Produce documentation to support the delivery of physical therapy services
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills to implement and adjust a plan of care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist
• Perform technically competent physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist
• Educate patients, families and other health providers
• Integrate components of administrative, 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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Admission Requirements — This program admits students through a petition selection process. 
Learn more about the petition process

HP-A2 HESI Pre-admission exam required.

The following are also required for admission to the program:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment
• One year of high school-level algebra, biology and chemistry or physics
• Good health as evidenced by a medical examination
• Documentation of proper immunizations
• Documentation that the Essential Job Functions have been reviewed, in keeping with the requirements of the federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Documentation of compliance with Wisconsin's Caregiver Law.

Required Natural Science (NATSCI) courses must be completed with a grade of B- or higher in each course.
These courses are NATSCI-177, NATSCI-201 and NATSCI-202.

Possible Careers
Physical Therapist Assistant
Rehabilitation Manager

Related Programs
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Registered Nursing
Practical Nursing

Start Dates: August/January
Sixteen-week terms.
This program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions. 
 

Curriculum effective 2017-18. 

Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements. 

‡ Prerequisite required.

Required Natural Science courses must be completed with a grade of B- or better in each course.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

For course descriptions, times and locations of classes, visit INFOnline.

NOTE: Students who have not been accepted, or have not decided on a program, may begin with the GENERAL STUDIES courses, if course prerequisites have been met.

Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.

Page updated March 2017.