Physical Therapist Assistant

An Important Part of the Health Care Team

And There's Plenty of Variety

Services performed by a PTA may include preparing patients, preparing treatment areas and equipment, and implementing treatment programs, which may include the implementation of therapeutic exercises, gait training, activities of daily living, therapeutic heat and cold, ultrasound, electric current, ultraviolet, traction, and various other treatment procedures.

Physical Therapist Assistants identify architectural barriers and assist in teaching other professionals, patients, and families to perform treatment procedures, exercises, and functional activities. They recognize the psychosocial effects of illness and injury and know how to interact appropriately with patients and the patients’ families.

Upon successful completion of required courses, graduates will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and will be eligible to take the national certification exam.

Who Can Be a Physical Therapist Assistant?

A Physical Therapist Assistant should be someone who enjoys working with people and has a sincere interest in helping others. PTA’s must be willing to take directions from others, to be part of an overall health care team, and to promote maximum recovery for their patients.

Individuals interested in the PTA program should have a strong academic background in the biological sciences, anatomy, and people skills. Potential students also should be physically fit because the physical demands placed on a PTA include moderate to heavy lifting.

Job Opportunities

As medicine and technology is becoming more advanced and the overall population is growing older and living longer, the need for PTA’s will continue to climb over the next decade.

Physical Therapist Assistants can locate jobs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practice clinics.

Application Process

Acceptance into the PTA program is limited to 24 students. Applicants are evaluated based on G.P.A., scholastic aptitude, and essay questions. Detailed information regarding the application process can be received by contacting the LATI Admissions Office or following the Application Process link on this website.

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Lake Area Technical Institute is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). *

* The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Department of Accreditation
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Farifax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Website: www.apta.org/CAPTE

Recommended Background Courses

Although not required, the following courses would be beneficial to this course of study prior to attending Lake Area Technical Institute: Health, Communications, Anatomy, Biology, English, Math, and Computer.