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.
Related Programs
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Use activities to help clients overcome difficulties with daily living, leisure and/or work skills, providing these services under the supervision of an occupational therapist. This program prepares you to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Respiratory Therapist
Enhance patient care by evaluating and treating people with lung and heart disease. Respiratory therapists’ duties include administering treatments, recommending therapeutic interventions and operating life support systems. Graduates are qualified to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examinations.
Detailed Program Information
2021-22 Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOSCI-177 | General Anatomy and Physiology ‡ (or) BIOSCI-201 Anatomy & Physiology 1 ‡ |
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-196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication (or) Any 200-level ENG course |
3 |
| PTASST-142 | PTA Therapeutic Exercise ‡ | 3 |
| PTASST-143 | PTA Therapeutic Modalities ‡ | 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.
2021-2022 Program Card
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Important Dates
Fall start: Petition window is February (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 Calendar
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate clear and collaborative communication with patients, families, and healthcare 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
|
Ultimate Pass Rate on the National Physical Therapy Exam |
|
|---|---|
| 2019 | 100% |
| 2018 | 100% |
| 2017 | 100% |
|
First Time Pass Rate on the National Physical Therapy Exam |
|
|---|---|
| 2019 | 100% |
| 2018 | 93.8% |
| 2017 | 89.5% |
|
Graduation Rate |
|
|---|---|
| 2019 | 94.7% |
| 2018 | 94.4% |
| 2017 | 94.4% |
|
Employment rate |
|
|---|---|
| 2018 | 81% |
| 2017 | 88% |
| 2016 | 100% |
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 AssistantRehabilitation 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
- B- or higher in the following courses:
- BIOSCI-177* or BIOSCI-201* and 202*
- Fall start: Petition window is February (only one time a year)
Scholarships
Learn about scholarship opportunities here.
Learn about Scholarships available for this program here: https://matc.academicworks.com
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Accreditation
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE),
1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1488
Telephone: 800-999-2782 or 703-684-2782
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Website: http://www.capteonline.org
File a complaint with CAPTE: http://www.capteonline.org/Complaints/
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Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway
414-297-6263
262-238-2281
healthpathway@matc.edu