Physical Therapist Assistant

physical therapist pic

Program Information

  • Location: Downtown Milwaukee 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 pic

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Use activities to help patients 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 program pic

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

2020-21 Curriculum

Semester Course Course Name Credits
(1)  ENG-195 Written Communication
(or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡		 3
(1) NATSCI-177 General Anatomy and Physiology ‡
(or) NATSCI-201 Anatomy & Physiology 1 ‡		 4
(1) PSYCH-199 Psychology of Human Relations
(or) Any 200-level PSYCH course		 3
(1) PTASST-139 PTA Patient Interventions ‡ 4
(1) PTASST-140 PTA Professional Issues 1 ‡ 2
(1) PTASST-156 PTA Applied Kinesiology 1 ‡ 4
(2) ENG-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication
(or) Any 200-level ENG or SPEECH course		 3
(2) PTASST-142 PTA Therapeutic Exercise ‡ 3
(2) PTASST-143 PTA Therapeutic Modalities ‡ 4
(2) PTASST-145 PTA Principles of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation ‡ 4
(2) PTASST-157 PTA Applied Kinesiology 2 ‡ 3
(3) PTASST-144 PTA Principles of Neuromuscular Rehabilitation ‡ 4
(3) PTASST-146 PTA Management of Cardiopulmonary
and Integumentary Conditions ‡		 3
(3) PTASST-147 PTA Clinical Practice 1 ‡ 2
(3) PTASST-148 PTA Clinical Practice 2 ‡ 3
(3) SOCSCI-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies
(or) Any 200-level HIST or SOCSCI course		 3
(4) MATH-107 College Mathematics ‡
(or) Any 200-level MATH course		 3
(4) PTASST-149 PTA Rehabilitation Across the Lifespan ‡ 2
(4) PTASST-150 PTA Professional Issues 2 ‡ 2
(4) PTASST-151 PTA Clinical Practice 3 ‡ 5

TOTAL CREDITS

 64

( ) Semester order for full-time students.
‡ 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.

To see course descriptions, class times, locations or to register online:
Students already enrolled in an MATC program can visit Self Service Student Planning.
All others can access this information through INFOnline.

2020-2021 Program Card

View/print the program card: front (jpg) | back (jpg)

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 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
  • B- or higher in the following courses: 
    • NATSCI-177* or NATSCI-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/

QUESTIONS?

Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway
262-238-2281, healthpathway@matc.edu

Downtown Milwaukee Campus, H Building, Room H116
Mequon Campus, Room A108-110
Oak Creek Campus, Room A121
West Allis Campus, Room 103

Last updated: 01/07/2021