Do More – Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

...Graduates of PTA programs in public institutions have a 92% overall national boards pass rate compared to 76% for graduates of PTA programs at private institutions...Journal of Physical Therapy Education, Spring 2009

A Physical Therapist Assistant is:

• A health care provider working under the direction of a physical therapist.
• Involved in the treatment of individuals with a variety of diagnoses whose ages can range from infants to the elderly.
• Able to provide physical therapy services as specified in a care plan developed by a physical therapist.
• Involved in modification of treatment programs, patient/family education and discharge planning.

As the field of physical therapy grows, so do the roles and responsibilities of the PTA. This growth and new knowledge is obtained through continuing education throughout the career of the PTA. The field's future is both exciting and challenging. Visit the American Physical Therapy Association for more information about Physical Therapy and being a Physical Therapist Assistant.

ACC has a two-year, Associate of Applied Science Physical Therapist Assistant degree that includes 59 credit hours of PTA courses and 16 hours of transferable general education courses. You can start the PTA program every fall, but you can begin taking general education courses in any semester. See our Program Information and Program Application for complete details. Acceptance into the PTA program is enhanced by work-related or volunteer/observation time in a PT clinic.

Program and Application Changes for Fall 2013

1. Required Accuplacer Algebra scores are now 61 or higher.
2. MAT 090 is no longer accepted as an alternative to achieving the required Algebra Accuplacer Scores.
3. A completed and signed Informed Consent page must be included in the submitted application.
4. Physical Therapy Setting Visitation Report is now to be returned to the student and included in the submitted application packet.
5. For 2013 there is one application deadline. It is May 15, 2013. All applications are due by 5:00 pm.
6. The 2013 program information packet has been expanded to contain additional information regarding additional program requirements for admitted students.

Course Descriptions

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ACC is the perfect place to begin your PTA studies

• Cost effective, affordable tuition
• General education courses that will transfer to Colorado public four-year schools
• Experienced faculty including Physical Therapists and PTAs
• ACC Board pass rates are consistently higher than the national or state average
• Long-standing relationships with many clinical affiliation sites in Denver, Colorado and other states
• Nearly 20 years with an excellent graduate placement record
• Lab equipment and teaching technology continually updated

ACC works with the Serviceman’s Opportunity College via SOCAD/SOCNAV to provide for military-trained PT Techs/Specialists to complete their A.A.S. degree. The SOCAD summary memo and PTA Program Transfer Application provides initial details.

The PTA program at Arapahoe Community College is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association. CAPTE can be reached at 1111 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1488; 1.800.999.2782 or accreditation@apta.org.

ACC Graduation rates:
2008 - 75%
2009 - 77.8%
2010 - 75%

Ultimate 3 year Board Pass rate:
2008 - 2010 = 97.22
2007 - 2009 = 96.97
2006 - 2008 = 96.30

Job Placement Rate (Graduates employed as PTAs within six months of passing licensure exam) = 100%