Physical Therapist Assistant Degree

PPSC  will be offering an Associates of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant for those interested in starting their careers in the field.  The Associates of Applied Science Degree is required to sit for the licensure examination.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

A two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Physical Therapist Assistant is a terminal degree designed to make graduates ready and eligible for State Licensure and examination if required.

Earning your Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant will prepare you to:

• Sit for Licensure examination
• Work under the supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal, safe, and
  professional manner.
• Implement a comprehensive treatment plan developed by a physical therapist
  promoting optimal outcomes for patients.
• Recognize the relationship between concepts learned from liberal arts and basic
  science coursework and physical therapy knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrate effective oral, written, and nonverbal communication in a culturally
  competent manner with patients and their families, colleagues, other health care
  providers, and the public.
• Interact skillfully with patients across the life span.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and life-long learning

   Transfer Options  

After earning your degree from Pikes Peak State College, you may complete your Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapist Assistant or bridge to a Physical Therapy Program.

Program Articulation Pending Accreditation

AAS Degree Map - Physical Therapist Assistant (tentative)

Associate of Applied Science Physical Therapist Assistant

Semester 1(Summer for prerequisites if not taken already) Course & Credit Hours

BIO 2101 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab SC1 4 Credit Hour(s)

PHY 1105 - Conceptual Physics with Lab SC1 4 Credit Hour(s)

HPR 1039 - Medical Terminology 2 Credit Hour(s)

MAT 1140 - Career Math 3 Credit Hour(s)

13 Credit Hours

 

Semester 2 (Fall 1st Year) Course & Credit Hours

PTA 1010 - Basic Patient Care in Physical Therapy 5 Credit Hour(s)

ENG 1021 English Composition I 3 Credit Hour(s) or ENG 1031 Technical Writing I 3 Credit Hour(s) (PREFERRED COURSE)

PTA 1024 - Rehab Principles of Medical I 2 Credit Hour(s)

PTA 1031 - Professional Communications I 1 Credit Hour(s)

PTA 1015 - Principles & Practices of Physical Therapy 2 Credit Hour(s)

HPR 1017 - Anatomical Kinesiology 3 Credit Hour(s)

16 Credit Hours

 

Semester 3 (Spring 1st Year) Course & Credit Hours

PTA 1020 - Modalities in Physical Therapy 5 Credit Hour(s)

PTA 1034 - Rehab Principles of Medical II 2 Credit Hour(s)

PTA 1041 - Professional Communications II 1 Credit Hour(s)

PTA 1040 - Clinical Kinesiology 5 Credit Hour(s)

COM 1105 - Public Speaking 3 Credit Hour(s)

16 Credit Hours

 

Semester 4 (Summer 2nd Year) Course & Credit Hours

PTA 2080 - Internship I 4 Credit Hour(s)

PSY 1001 - General Psychology I SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)

7 Credit Hours

 

Semester 5 (Fall 2nd Year)

PTA 2005 - Psychosocial Issues in Health Care 2 Credit Hour(s

PTA 2030 - Orthopedic Assessment & Management Techniques 5 Credit Hour(s)

PTA 2040 - Neurologic Assessment & Management Techniques 5 Credit Hour(s)

PTA 2051 - Professional Communications III 1 Credit Hour(s)

13 Credit Hours

Semester 6 (Spring 2nd Year)

PTA 2078 - PTA Seminar 2 Credit Hour(s)

PTA 2081 - PTA Internship II 5 Credit Hour(s)

PTA 2082 - PTA Internship III 5 Credit Hour(s)

12 Credit Hours

Total Credit Hours: 77

 

ESTIMATED COST OF PROGRAM (as of 2022)

Total tuition in state: ~$265 per credit hour with fees 

Out-of-state tuition: ~$665 per credit hour with fees 

 With PTA Internship courses you will work at outpatient clinic and an inpatient /acute care setting.   There may be opportunities for other services such as sports, pediatrics, and military. You may find your own setting to do the class, but this must be approved by the Program Director and ACCE.  

BREAKDOWN OF ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL EXPENSES 

(Note that all of these may change, depending on vendors.) 

• Books ~1200 total 
• Registration/payment for background check and drug screen ~$90.00 (estimate, depending on contract) 

• PTA exam study guide ~$85 
• APTA membership ~$200 (100 per year) @ www.apta.org 
• Physicals ~ $50.00 @ provider of choice 
• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) - Health Care Provider   ~$50.00/8 hours (program provides information) 
• PTA Program Polo Shirt ~$50.00
• Lab Uniform ~$20.00 for t-shirt plus other clothing
• Any travel and housing costs associated with internship.
• Professional Liability Insurance~$39.00 per year 

Total estimated: $1600- + expenses during Internship 

Total: $22,000-$52,805(depending on tuition status) + expenses during internships 16 weeks (about 3 and a half months) total.