Physical Therapist Assistant, AAS

The Physical Therapist Assistant program trains students to become physical therapy assistants. The Program takes two years to complete over six semesters. Instruction includes classroom, lab, and clinical settings, with students completing three six-week clinical experience training under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Contact mcox@collin.edu for more information. The program website is: http://www.collin.edu/department/physicaltherapist/

Pending the Program being granted Accreditation status from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), students will be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants offered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Successfully passing the NPTE exam allows the student to become a physical therapy assistant. To practice in the State of Texas, the student must apply and meet the licensure requirements for State, which are based on the NPTE test scores.

SELECTIVE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Registration is by permission only. Please contact the Program Director, the program website, or the Health Sciences and Emergency Services Division Office for details on the admission process. 

To apply, students must:

• Submit the required application by the designated deadline (see department website for deadline information) using the Physical Therapist Assistant Centralized Application Services (PTACAS).
• Apply and be admitted to Collin College.
• Attend a PTA Zoom Information session (see website for details).
• Submit three letters of recommendation, two of which must be from a PT or PTA.
• Submit proof of at least 20 observation hours in the field.
• Complete the following prerequisites with a passing grade:
  • BIOL 2401 - Anatomy and Physiology I (taken within the last five years before application)
  • ENGL 1301 - Composition I
  • PTHA 1409 - Introduction to Physical Therapy
• Submit TEAS - Allied Health Test Scores
  • Minimum Composite score = 50%
  • Minimum Reading score = 60%
  • Minimum Human A&P score = 50%
• Upload all official transcripts to the PTACAS.
• Be invited to participate in a scored group interview.
• Complete a graded one-page essay on an identified topic after the interview.

The top 24 students will be selected for admission to the Program based on the above requirements.

Application and admissions deadlines can be found on the program website.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

All students must meet specific functional abilities with or without accommodations for successful program completion and to function safely and effectively in the variety of the profession’s settings. The specific functional requirements are under the “Essential Functions” tab on the program website. Students who think they may not be able to meet the essential functions and need accommodation are encouraged to contact the college ACCESS department as soon as this Program is of interest.

Prior to the clinical assignment, students must complete all immunizations required by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)*. If the student does not complete the required immunization, the student will not be able to complete the clinical portion of the PTA program, and graduation may be delayed.

*All immunizations must be completed and up-to-date before the assignment to a clinical facility. If you cannot complete or provide proof of the updated immunizations before your clinical assignment, you may not be able to complete the coursework on time for graduation.

 

MINIMAL GRADE TO CONTINUE

To continue in the Program, students must complete all courses, clinical experiences, and tests with a 75 or above. All skills checks and practical examinations must be passed to continue in the Program.

 

HEALTH INSURANCE

All PTA students must show proof of health insurance before starting the clinical rotation.

 

CPR

The Program requires a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR certification. The certification must be completed by the Program’s start and current throughout the Program. CPR certification is at the expense of the student.

 

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

All students will be required to complete a criminal background check. Students who have been involved with the criminal system, please be advised that your background could keep you from completing your clinical assignment. If you have a question about your background, please speak with your faculty member or the department chair.

 

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

Upon successfully completing the following criteria, Collin College will grant an Associate of Applied Science Degree with a major in Physical Therapist Assistant.

1. Technical Courses: Students must complete all technical program coursework with a minimum grade of 75%, a “C” for each course.
2. Clinical Education: Students must pass all clinical education courses and complete all 60 mandatory skills of an entry-level physical therapist assistant, as noted in the Clinical Education Handbook from the PTAMACS.
3. Complete the Collin College general education requirements.
4. Comprehensive Exam: Students must pass a comprehensive examination at the end of the 2nd semester.
5. Program faculty must assess students at “Entry-level” for all ten Professional Behaviors.
6. Complete all program requirements and be in good standing with the Program and College.