Physical Therapist Assistant | Western Technical College

Programs

Physical Therapist Assistant

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Associate Degree

Program Number: 

105241

Credits: 

65.00
Financial Aid Eligible

Typical Start: 

Summer

Western's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is both demanding and fulfilling. As a PTA, you'll use your knowledge and skills to enhance human health and functionality. You will achieve this by applying scientific principles to prevent, detect, evaluate, correct, or alleviate both sudden onset and prolonged movement dysfunctions.

To excel in this role, you must possess strong technical skills and the ability to collaborate with a variety people. Being organized and detail-oriented is essential, particularly when it comes to documenting the progress of your patients.

This degree will set you up for success in this high-skill career working effectively under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists.

Program-specific courses are held in the Health Science Center, a shared facility located a few blocks from the La Crosse main campus. Check our maps page for specific location information.

View Western’s Physical Therapist Assistant program’s Student Outcomes and Financial Fact Sheet.

To view the Physical Therapist Assistant program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here.

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Estimated Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost

Physical Therapist Assistant

This program will cost about $10,670* based on tuition and basic program fees. There may be additional fees for books, materials, and testing. For more information on tuition costs, view the Tuition page or Cost of Attendance document.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Graduation Employment Stats

Physical Therapist Assistant 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats

Graduates31
Graduates Responding22
Employed in Related Occupation18
Employed in Non-related Occupations2
Seeking Employment0
Continuing Education0
Not in Labor Market2

Salary Data - Related Employment

Part TimeFull Time
Responding211
Average Hours Per Week1939
Average Hourly Wage$23.75 $23.53
Hourly Wage Range$23.00-$24.50$20.00-$28.00
Average Annual Salary

Respondents in Related Occupations

  • Physical therapist Assistant, Light Skills Education Asst, Early Intervention Specialist

Career Opportunities

Physical Therapist Assistant

Program Outcomes

  • Function under the supervision of a physical therapist in a safe, legal, professional, and ethical manner to ensure the safety of patients, self, and others throughout the clinical interaction
  • Demonstrate clear and collaborative communication with patients, families, and health care team
  • Exhibit behaviors and conduct that reflect respect and sensitivity according to physical therapy practice standards
  • 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

Admission Requirements

College Requirements

Application
$30 Application Fee
High School or GED/HSED Transcript

Additional Requirements

To enroll in the Physical Therapist Assistant program, first apply for admission to the College, then read the program’s Technical Standards and complete a background check. You can find links to these documents below.

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Western is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 608-785-9598 or email berrys@westerntc.edu.

CAPTE logo

Additional Information

Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the documents below:

Program Contact

Shari Berry
Program Chair, Physical Therapist Assistant
608-785-9598
BerryS@westerntc.edu

Transfer Agreements

Concordia University
Website
PDF
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Website
PDF

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