Physical Therapist Assistant | Western Technical College

Programs

Physical Therapist Assistant

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Associate Degree

Program Number: 

105241

Credits: 

64.00
Financial Aid Eligible

Typical Start: 

Fall

Our Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is as rigorous as it is rewarding. As a PTA, your goal will be to use your knowledge and skills to help patients regain movement after an injury, illness, or other medical condition. You’ll work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist to provide physical therapy services in a variety of settings. To be successful, you must have good technical skills as well as the ability to work closely with a variety of people. You’ll also need to be organized and detail-oriented as you document your patients’ progress.

Our classes are generally a combination of lecture and lab, with several clinical experiences required. Graduates may work in hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, and in rehabilitation centers.

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 $10,500* based on tuition and basic program fees. There may be additional fees for books, materials, and testing. For more information on tuition costs, visit the Tuition Page.

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

Physical Therapist Assistant 2020-2021 Graduation Employment Stats

Graduates14
Graduates Responding8
Employed in Related Occupation6
Employed in Non-related Occupations1
Seeking Employment1
Continuing Education0
Not in Labor Market0

Salary Data - Related Employment

Part TimeFull Time
Responding06
Average Hours Per Week40
Median Hourly Wage$22.00
Hourly Wage Range$21.80-$22.60
Median Annual Salary$47,000

Respondents in Related Occupations

  • Personal Shopper, Physical Therapist Assistant, Self Employed

Career Opportunities

Physical Therapist Assistant

Program Outcomes

  • Living responsibly
  • Refining professionalism
  • Cultivating passion
  • 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
  • Function under the supervision of a physical therapist in a safe, legal, ethical manner to ensure the safety of patients, self, and others throughout the clinical interaction
  • 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. The last step for admission to the program will be to complete an Intent to Enroll form. Please see the details below.

  • Physical Therapist Assistant Technical Standards
  • Background Check
  • Students who have successfully completed General Anatomy and Physiology (10806177) or its equivalent at another school are given priority admission to the program.
  • Contact the Welcome Center to make an appointment to complete your Intent to Enroll Form. Prospective or returning students should meet with an Admissions Coach. Current students should meet with a Health and Public Safety College Advisor.
  • If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.

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

University of WI - Oshkosh
Website
Viterbo University
Website

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