Physical Therapist Assistant (AS)

Program Objective

The Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of clinical settings.  Graduates will be prepared to take the National Physical Therapy Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants.

Career Opportunities

Physical therapy is a very rewarding and diverse profession.  Practicing physical therapist assistants have the option to work in a variety of settings, including: hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings, skilled nursing facilities, private practices, home health, and schools.  PTAs can also teach in physical therapist assistant programs or if they choose, can further their education in a variety of related fields.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Johnson College is to prepare students to be competent and caring entry-level physical therapist assistants who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist in a variety of settings.  Students will be committed to developing and continuing professional competence, demonstrating lifelong learning, and adhering to the behavioral expectations outlined in the APTA Guide for Conduct and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the PTA.

What do Physical Therapist Assistants do?

Physical therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals achieve their optimal level of mobility and independence.  Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists and work directly with patients to help improve quality of life.  Physical therapist assistants must be well educated and personable.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Johnson College is accredited by:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education,
American Physical Therapy Association
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
703-706-3245
accreditation@apta.org
www.capteonline.org

Program Learning Goals

The goals of the Johnson College Physical Therapist Assistant Program are as follows:

Goal 1: To prepare graduates to meet the professional and licensure requirements necessary to function as entry-level PTAs under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist in a variety of clinical settings.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Demonstrate competence implementing interventions identified in the plan of care under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist
• Demonstrate competency performing components of data collection skills under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist
• Complete thorough, accurate, logical, concise, timely, and legible documentation that meets the requirements of the facility
• Pass the NPTAE at a rate consistent with CAPTE requirements within one year of graduation
• Be employed in the field within one year of graduation

Goal 2: To ensure students are prepared to meet the needs and expectations of members of society who seek physical therapy services.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Exhibit conduct that reflects practice standards that are legal, ethical, and safe
• Communicate effectively with other health care providers and with patients, family members, and caregivers in order to achieve patient outcomes based on the physical therapy plan of care
• Respect and act with consideration for individual differences, values, and preferences of peers and patients

Goal 3: To ensure students are able to use problem solving and critical thinking skills to respond appropriately to clinical situations they may encounter as a physical therapist assistant.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Recognize when interventions should be modified or not provided due to changes in the patient’s status or due to violations in practice guidelines and report this to the supervising physical therapist
• Implement risk management strategies during all lab and clinical activities to ensure the safety of themselves and others

Goal 4: To ensure students understand the value of volunteerism, leadership, and continued competence as physical therapist assistants.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Develop a plan for continuing competence as a PTA
• Participate in volunteer opportunities for professional and/or community organizations

Department Goals

The goals of the Johnson College Physical Therapist Assistant Department are as follows:

Goal 1: To ensure that educators of the program, both didactic and clinical, provide instruction and guidance that meet the needs of the students and the program.

Outcomes – 

• Faculty will maintain current licensure in PA
• Faculty will participate in continuing professional competence related to teaching responsibilities
• Faculty will utilize effective instructional methods during didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses

Goal 2: To provide students with a curriculum and resources that are current and in compliance with standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), by the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Practice Act, and by the institution.

Outcomes – 

• The curriculum will be reviewed annually by the Program Director, core faculty, and the Program Advisory Committee to ensure it is aligned with current requirements and practice trends
• The program resources will be reviewed annually by the Program Director, core faculty, and the Program Advisory Committee to ensure adequacy to meet the needs of the program

Special Admissions Requirements

Admittance to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Johnson College is based on a selective admission process that has been developed to ensure that students who are admitted to the Johnson College PTA Program are prepared to succeed in the program and enter the workforce as competent entry-level physical therapist assistants.  Students are admitted based on their merit without being discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, non-job related disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.  Current enrollment is limited to 12 new students per year based on the number of applicants who meet the admission criteria and qualifications.

The procedure for applicants who desire to seek acceptance into the PTA program is as follows:

1. Applicants must contact the Johnson College enrollment staff to initiate the application process, which includes application submission.
2. Students must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. SAT scores of 900 or above (combined math and verbal with not less than 450 on either section) or ACT scores 18 or above or Next Generation Accuplacer score of 237 or higher in Arithmetic and Writing.
2. GPA 2.67 or higher*
3. 1 year of Algebra with a “B-” or higher*
4. 2 years of English with a “B-” or higher*
5. 1 year of Biology with a “B-” or higher*
6. Recommended:  1 year of an additional life or physical science with a “B-” or higher*
7. PTA Admissions Questionnaire
8. 2 Recommendations (1 from a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant)
9. 16 hours of observation (½ inpatient setting, ½ outpatient setting)

3. Once the applicant has completed all of the above prerequisites, the admissions representative will send the file to the program director for review.

(*denotes prerequisites that can be completed in high school or college; college level courses will be weighted more in the scoring process)

Special Enrollment Requirements

Prior to admission, students must complete 16 hours of observation in a physical therapy clinic with a Physical Therapist Assistant or a Physical Therapist and provide verification and complete the program admissions questionnaire.

Special Fees

In addition to tuition and program fees, students are responsible for the cost of physical exams and immunizations.  Students are also required to join the American Physical Therapy Association as student PTA members.

Academic Progression (within PTA Program)

Students are required to show both didactic and clinical progression each term in order to progress through the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.

• In order to start the technical phase of the program (3rd term), students must meet the following requirements:

• • Students must have a 2.67 minimum GPA in general education courses
  • The student MUST PASS MTR-100, BIO-107, BIO-108, BIO-109, and BIO-110 with a grade of B- (80%) or higher
  •  Students must pass Anatomy modules on the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems with a minimum score of 80% prior to starting technical courses
• The student MUST PASS each Physical Therapist Assistant didactic course with a grade of C+ (76) or higher.
• In order to successfully pass each PTA course and progress through the program, students must:
  • receive a 76% or higher in each PTA course
  • meet requirements indicated in Written Exam Policy, Skills Checklist Policy, Practical Exam Policy, and Professional Behavior Policy
• The student MUST PASS each of the three clinical education courses (PTA-270, PTA-280, and PTA-290).
• The student MUST maintain a term and career GPA of 2.33 or higher for all PTA courses.

If any of the above requirements are not met, the student will not be allowed to progress in the PTA program.

Clinical Education

Clinical education is a significant part of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.  Prior to the clinical education experiences, students must complete criminal background checks, fingerprinting, child abuse clearance, and drug testing.  Students must satisfy the clinical requirements for both Johnson College and the clinical sites in order to successfully complete the program.

Physical Therapist Assistant Student Handbook

Physical Therapist Assistant students are responsible for reading and abiding by all policies and procedures in the Physical Therapist Assistant Student Handbook and Clinical Handbook.

2025-2026 Program Scope

2025-2026 Program Sequence