Physical Therapist Assistant

 

Physical therapy is a rewarding health profession that provides services that help individuals restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent disabilities.  The physical therapist assistant, under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist, utilize mechanical force and movements, manual therapy, exercise therapy, biophysical agents, and patient & family education to improve an individual’s quality of life. Physical therapy professionals can work flexible hours in a variety of settings such as hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation units, home health, schools, and nursing homes.

 

Get Started Today, Call 903-434-8124 or email

 

Graduates typically will find employment opportunities in:

 


Salaries for the PTA vary; according to the US Department of Labor states the average salary is between $34,000 and $42,000 annually. For more information on the job outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants, visit the US Department of Labor website at https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/projections-occupation.htm.


We have several online resources for more information about this department and its specific program(s):

Contact a Faculty Advisor:


Applying to the PTA  program is a two step application process.

  1. First  Apply to Northeast Texas Community College as a new or returning student
  2. Then complete the PTA Program Application

 



 

Admissions Advising Financial Aid Contact
       

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JOB OUTLOOK

Salaries for the PTA vary; according to the US Department of Labor states the average salary is between $34,000 and $42,000 annually. For more information on the job outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants, visit the US Department of Labor website at https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/projections-occupation.htm.

 

NTCC PTA

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Northeast Texas Community College 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 903-434-8323 or email nwilson@ntcc.edu.




CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org.

Northeast Texas Community College offers a two year Associate Degree of Applied Science and upon graduation, students will be eligible to sit for the PTA licensure exam administered by Texas Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners. Graduates must be licensed to practice as a PTA in the state of Texas.

 

Note: A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the licensing exam.

Please visit ptot.texas.gov  for information regarding licensure of persons with history of criminal conviction/substance abuse.

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

  1. All applicants must meet general admission requirements to NTCC
  2. High School graduate or GED equivalent
  3. Demonstrate proficiency per TSI
  4. Observation hours in the area of Physical Therapy
  5. HESI A2
  6. Complete submission of application and all required documentation

 

SELECTION PROCESS

Application and admission to the PTA program is a multiple phase process.

  • Phase 1: Evaluation and selection of candidates for interview based on point system. The top scoring applicants are invited to interview.
  • Phase 2: Applicant interviews with a panel of Admission Committee members made up of area licensed clinicians. The On-site writing assignment is also submitted in this phase.
  • Phase 3: Selection of the top 16 applicants and 8 alternate applicants

 

RETENTION, EMPLOYMENT, & LICENSURE RATES

The PTA program student outcomes for cohorts 2021 and 2022 are as follows:

  • 2022: 16 admitted, 7 graduated – graduation rate of 44%; Pass rate 100% - first attempt
  • 2023: 16 admitted, 10 graduated – graduation rate of 63%; Pass rate 90% - first attempt; 100% - ultimate
  • 2 year graduation average – 54%
  • Employment rates: 100%

 

Any complaints, concerns or issues about the PTA Program, by individuals who are not students, should be directed to Dr. Nancy Wilson, PT, NTCC PTA Program Director nwilson@ntcc.edu

 

INFORMATION SESSIONS

All information sessions will be in the University Health Sciences Building, room #246. Can't make it person? Use the Zoom link to join us virtually.

Sign up with Bree required on all information sessions.

  • September 18, 2024 at 3 p.m. Zoom
  • October 17, 2024 at 10 a.m. Zoom
  • December 4, 2024 at 4 p.m. Zoom
  • January 16, 2025 at 2 p.m. Zoom
  • February 12, 2025 at 5 p.m. Zoom

For More Information Contact

Bree McAdams-Thompson
903-434-8124
bmcadams@ntcc.edu