The physical therapist assistant (PTA) program at Penn State Harrisburg aims to develop knowledgeable and competent graduates who are prepared to obtain licensure as physical therapist assistants. The program's curriculum is a combination of general education, applied physical therapy sciences, and clinical learning experiences.
Physical therapist assistants work as part of a team providing physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapist assistants implement interventions outlined in the physical therapist’s plan of care, collect data related to interventions and modify selected interventions to progress patients to meet their individual goals. Individual treatment goals are designed to reduce pain, restore function, improve mobility, and prevent disability. The PTA associate in science degree requires five semesters of study, including three full-time clinical practicums.
You might like this major if you are interested in working with people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.
Accredited by CAPTE
The physical therapist assistant program at Penn State Harrisburg (previously Penn State Mont Alto Physical Therapist Assistant Program) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085, 703-706-3245, [email protected].
Professional Licensure and Certification
PTAs must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited program and are required to obtain licensure in most states to work. Students seeking licensure as a PTA must apply to the licensing authority of the jurisdiction (state) in which the graduate is seeking licensure and then register for the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.
