Physical Therapist Assistant
- Associate Degree
Program Number:
Program Credits:
Estimated Total Cost:
Typical Start:
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 [1] for specific location information.
View Western’s Physical Therapist Assistant program’s Student Outcomes [2] and Financial Fact Sheet [3].
To view the Physical Therapist Assistant program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here [4].
Physical Therapist Assistant 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 31 |
| Graduates Responding | 22 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 18 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 2 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 0 |
| Not in Labor Market | 2 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 2 | 11 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 19 | 39 |
| 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
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:
Application Fee:
Transcript:
Program Specific 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.
- Physical Therapist Assistant Technical Standards [5]
- Background Check [6]
- Students who have successfully completed General Anatomy and Physiology (10806177) or its equivalent at another school are given priority admission to the program.
- 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 [9].
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
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [10].
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [11] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [12]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [13].
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [14] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [15]! 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 [16]; website: http://www.capteonline.org [17]. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 608-785-9598 or email berrys@westerntc.edu [18].
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 Handbook [19]
- Clinical Education Manual [20]
- Financial Fact Sheet [3]
Program Contact
Shari Berry
Program Chair, Physical Therapist Assistant
608-785-9598
BerryS@westerntc.edu [21]
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [22] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [23] self-service portal for academic planning.