Physical Therapist Assistant

physical therapist pic

Program Information

  • Location: Mequon Campus
  • Pathway: Healthcare
  • Program Code: 10-524-1
  • Offering: In-class
  • Degree Type: 2-Year Degree (Associate)
  • Start Dates: January

About the Physical Therapist Assistant Degree

Description

Work with physical therapy patients in a hospital, rehabilitation center, school, clinic or other healthcare setting. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, duties include implementing treatment programs, teaching patients to perform exercises and daily living activities, and reporting the patient’s progress.

Employment is projected to grow due to increases in the geriatric population and the increased need for support personnel in this field.

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

Additional program details: 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.

 

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Detailed Program Information

2024-25 Curriculum

Course Course Name Credits
BIOSCI-177 Gen Anatomy & Physiology ‡
(or) BIOSCI-201 and BIOSCI-202 ‡
4
 ENG-195 Written Communication ‡
(or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡
3
PSYCH-199 Psychology of Human Relations
(or) Any 200-level PSYCH course
3
PTASST-139 PTA Patient Interventions ‡ 4
PTASST-140 PTA Professional Issues 1 ‡ 2
PTASST-156 PTA Applied Kinesiology 1 ‡ 4
ENG-197 Oral/Interpersonal Communication ‡
(or) Any 200-level ENG or SPEECH course
3
PTASST-142 PTA Therapeutic Exercise ‡ 3
PTASST-143 PTA Biophysical Agents ‡ 4
PTASST-145 PTA Principles of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation ‡ 4
PTASST-157 PTA Applied Kinesiology 2 ‡ 3
PTASST-144 PTA Principles of Neuromuscular Rehabilitation ‡ 4
PTASST-146 PTA Management of Cardiopulmonary
and Integumentary Conditions ‡
3
PTASST-147 PTA Clinical Practice 1 ‡ 2
PTASST-148 PTA Clinical Practice 2 ‡ 3
SOCSCI-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies
(or) Any 200-level HIST or SOCSCI course
3
MATH-107 College Mathematics ‡
(or) Any 200-level MATH course
3
PTASST-149 PTA Rehabilitation Across the Lifespan ‡ 2
PTASST-150 PTA Professional Issues 2 ‡ 2
PTASST-151 PTA Clinical Practice 3 ‡ 5

TOTAL CREDITS

64

‡ Prerequisite required.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

This Associate in Applied Science program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.

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

Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.

Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.

 

Important Dates

Spring start: Petition for program in September (only one time a year)

Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines

Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Events Calendar

Program Outcomes

  • Function under the supervision of a physical therapist in a safe, legal, professional, and ethical manner to ensure the safety of patients, self, and others throughout the clinical interaction
  • 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
  • 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

 

Two-year average: Ultimate Pass Rate on the National PTA Exam

2021-2022 100%
2020-2021 100%
2019-2020 100%

First Time Pass Rate on the National PTA Exam

2022-2023 90.5%
2021-2022 100%
2020-2021 100%

2 Year Average: Graduation Rate

2021-2022 86%
2020-2021 87.5%
2019-2020 91.5%

2 Year Average: Employment Rate

2021-2022 97%
2020-2021 96%
2019-2020 95%

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.

Possible Careers

Physical Therapist Assistant
Rehabilitation Manager

Average Starting Salary - $44,398

Admission Requirements

This program admits students through a petition selection process. 
Learn more about the petition process

The following are also required for admission to the program: 

  • HP-A2 pre-qualifying exam, minimum composite score of 75%
  • B- or higher in the following courses: 
    • BIOSCI-177* or BIOSCI-201* and 202*
  • Spring start: Petition for program in September (only one time a year)

Scholarships

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at MATC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100,
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085;
Telephone: 800-999-2782703-706-3245;
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Website: http://www.capteonline.org
File a complaint with CAPTE: http://www.capteonline.org/Complaints/

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 1-262-238-2256 or email mansfiep@matc.edu.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? 

Use the buttons below to get more information, visit the college or apply now. 

Request Info    Visit Us    Apply Now

 

QUESTIONS?

Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway
414-297-6263
262-238-2281
healthpathway@matc.edu

 

Last updated: 03/22/2024