Associate Degree

Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate Degree Program

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16 Mo.

Program Length

Credits

Hybrid

Format

CAPTE

Accredited¹

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Associate Degree

Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate Degree Program

Earn a PTA degree and become possible

Accreditation	CAPTE accredited,¹ Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Format	Hybrid delivery; complete gen eds online, with some PTA courses offered online and most on campus. Apply what you’ve learned in hands-on clinical practicums.
Transfer credit	Up to 54 approved credits
Locations	Available at 2 Herzing campus locations
QuickPaths	Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

Overview: PTA Associate Degree Programs

The Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree is a 73-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a career as a professional PTA.

The degree programs, available at our Brookfield and Orlando campuses, provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in functional kinesiology, therapeutic modalities, orthopedic patient care, and much more.

Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

Flexible schedule

Hybrid delivery allows you to complete some coursework online on your schedule. We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance.

Experienced faculty

Get face-to-face instruction from experienced and credentialed faculty with real-world success in the field.

Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

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Available at these campus locations:

Brookfield (Milwaukee), Wisconsin

At the Brookfield Campus, located just west of Milwaukee, our physical therapist assistant degree program begins once per year and we accept 27 students. For additional details please see Disclosures tab.

Orlando, Florida

Herzing's physical therapist assistant degree program at the Orlando Campus begins twice a year—January and July, and we accept 24 students each time without a waiting list. In order to become a PTA candidate, you will need to schedule an interview with the Admissions team by calling (407) 641-5227.

Curriculum

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Curriculum

Program	Monthsⁱ	Credits
Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant	16	73

1. Average number of months for students to complete program

Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

In Herzing’s well-recognized associate degree program, students gain a foundation in natural sciences, social sciences, mathematics, and humanities as well as specific career knowledge, skills, and capabilities. They also participate in planned clinical and laboratory experiences that provide a hands-on approach to classroom learning. Graduates are prepared to take the National Licensing Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs).

Required Support Course

8.00 semester credit hour is required.

SC 146 - Anatomy and Physiology I 4.00

The first anatomy and physiology course in a two-term sequence will provide healthcare students with information and practical experience regarding anatomical and physiological concepts related to the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems, as well as, special senses. Biochemistry, cellular biology, and histology are integrated into each body system. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.

SC 246 - Anatomy and Physiology II 4.00

The second anatomy and physiology course in a two-term sequence will provide healthcare students with information and practical experience regarding anatomical and physiological concepts as related to the circulatory system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and the male and female reproductive systems. Biochemistry, cell biology, and histology are integrated into each body system. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.

Required Courses

All courses, 45.00 semester credit hours, are required.

PT 105 - Principles of Physical Therapist Assistant Practice 4.00

This course is a synopsis of the historical, philosophical, and organizational context of the physical therapy profession within the healthcare delivery system. Students will be instructed on how to establish therapeutic communication, business practices, and personal and professional development. The course will introduce professional ethics and healthcare literature as well as investigate the scope and practice of the physical therapist assistant and their role within the physical therapy profession. Students will discuss the personal and professional qualities of the healthcare provider, communication needs, professional ethics, cultural diversity, and the psychological aspects of treatment. The course will overview observation, interviewing, and medical note-writing techniques including medical terminology, review of various assessments and formats for treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries. Emphasis will be given on writing style, reimbursement guidelines, and legal aspects of note writing. Students will be able to observe and apply concepts taught in class through an observational clinical experience.

PT 110 - Functional Kinesiology 4.00

Through integrated laboratory and lecture, this course will instruct students on the science of movement. Functional anatomy and physiology will be reviewed. Students will be instructed on descriptive terminology as it relates to kinesiology. Biomechanical principles will be discussed and applied. The relationship of these principles to the hip, knee, ankle, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, lower extremity, head, neck, and trunk will be explored in detail. Students will be introduced to range of motion and palpation of bony prominences, joints, and muscles. An in-depth analysis of human movement, with emphasis on typical gait and posture, will be incorporated into the course.

PT 116 - Pathophysiology for Physical Therapist Assistants 3.00

Pathophysiology includes the study of diseases and disorders commonly seen in physical therapy practice. This course is an overview of the etiology, manifestations, and treatment of significant diseases; emphasis will be on the musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiopulmonary systems. The pharmacological interventions for common system dysfunctions treated in the physical therapy profession will be discussed and presented.

PT 130 - Basic Patient Care 3.00

Through integrated lecture, laboratory, and integrated clinical experiences, students will be instructed on basic healthcare skills used in physical therapy including practice in wheelchair management, body mechanics, transfers, gait training, infection control, and first aid skills. Students will be introduced to issues involving the physical environment and architectural barriers. They will also be introduced to the measurement of anthropometrical characteristics, vital signs, range of motion, and pain. This course includes identification of anatomical structures as well as therapeutic intervention using adaptive/assistive devices, soft tissue manipulation, massage, stretches, and joint range of motion techniques.

PT 140 - Therapeutic Modalities 3.00

Students will participate in lectures and integrated laboratory experiences to explore therapeutic intervention utilizing physical agents including heat, cold, light, sound, water, electricity, and electromagnetic waves in the treatment of acute and chronic diseases and injuries. Students will be introduced to wound care, burn care, and infection control. Emphasis will be on the application and safe, appropriate use of treatment modalities.

PT 151 - Therapeutic Exercise 3.00

Through integrated lab, lecture, and an integrated clinical experience, this course will instruct students on therapeutic exercise, including basic principles of exercise and basic assessment skills pertaining to joint and muscle function. Emphasis will be on the implementation and progression of exercise programs for correction of specific conditions, muscle weakness, and joint limitations as well as goniometric and manual muscle-testing assessment. The laboratory experience and integrated clinical experience will give students hands-on experience with the techniques being taught, (e.g., strengthening, range of motion, stretching, or conditioning exercises) as well as balance, coordination, posture, or training. Students will also have hands-on experience with measuring vital signs, pain, muscle strength, muscle length, and range of motion. They will have an opportunity to practice and master the skills necessary prior to a full-time clinical education experience.

PT 210 - Clinical Practicum Preparation 1.00

This practicum preparation course provides preparation for clinical experiences with topics such as the roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant (PTA), review of patient charts, and confidentiality. Students will participate in an integrated clinical experience.

PT 220 - Orthopedic Patient Care 3.00

Through integrated lecture and laboratory experiences, students will be instructed on physical therapy techniques used in the assessment and intervention of patients with orthopedic disorders, including post-operative care and appropriate therapeutic intervention. Students will continue to study therapeutic exercise as intervention for specific orthopedics cases. Focus will be on principles and application of progressive-resistive exercise, taping techniques, orthotics, prosthetics, and exercise progression.

PT 240 - Patient Care for Special Populations 3.00

Through integrated lecture and laboratory experiences, students will be instructed on physical therapy techniques used in the assessment and intervention for special patient populations, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, geriatrics, amputees, bariatrics, lymphedema, women's health, and incontinence. Students will discuss pathology, impairments, functional limitations, and the corresponding disability related to the patient populations. The role of physical therapist assistants within special populations will also be discussed.

PT 251 - Neurological Patient Care 4.00

Through integrated lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences, students will be instructed on physical therapy techniques used in the assessment and intervention of adult and pediatric patients with congenital and acquired neurological disorders. Students will discuss pathology, impairments, functional limitations, and the corresponding disability-related patient populations such as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), muscular dystrophy (MD), cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida, and other neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders. The laboratory experience and integrated clinical experience will give students hands-on experience with the techniques being taught in class.

PT 260 - Professional Issues 2.00

This is a discussion of topics related to the physical therapy profession, including current healthcare and physical therapy trends, reimbursement, research, evidence-based practice, licensure, and other legal and ethical aspects that influence current physical therapist assistant practice.

PT 271 - Clinical Practicum I 6.00

This initial clinical experience provides students with opportunities to improve their data collection skills and reinforce intervention techniques and concepts of proper body mechanics, therapist safety, and client safety. Students will also improve communication skills, including documentation of goals, intervention plans, and patient progress.

PT 281 - Clinical Practicum II 6.00

This final clinical experience provides students with further opportunities to improve their data collection skills and reinforce intervention techniques and concepts of proper body mechanics, therapist safety, and client safety. Students will also further improve communication skills, including documentation of goals, intervention plans, and patient progress.

General Education Prerequisites

The following general education prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C (70%) or better for a student to be continued in the PTA program: Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology I Lab Anatomy and Physiology II and Anatomy and Physiology II Lab All other general education courses must be passed with a grade of D (60%) or better to be continued in the Physical Therapist Assistant program. A student who is dropped from the PTA program for failing to achieve the minimum grade specified in the general education courses, but who otherwise meets the academic standards of the University, may transfer to another Herzing degree program and/or may reapply to this program in a future cycle.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in this associate degree must complete a minimum of 18.00 semester credit hours in general education (◊includes 6.0 credit hours from Anatomy and Physiology listed in above required) distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of this catalog for Herzing University courses that would satisfy these requirements.* 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity) 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics ◊Science Semester Credit Hours are satisfied through Anatomy and Physiology requirement listed above. * Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 24.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines.

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

PD 121 - Professional Development I 1.00

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success. Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

PD 202 - Professional Development II 1.00

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Outcomes

Upon completion of their program, the student should be able to:

Demonstrate safe and effective technical skills during the provision of physical therapy within the scope of an entry-level physical therapy assistant.
Assess a patient's response to treatment and contribute to the clinical decision making process following a plan of care developed by a physical therapist.
Articulate effective and culturally inclusive communication to establish relationships with diverse patients and team members.
Apply evidence-based physical therapy practice utilizing appropriate resources.

Waived Enrollment Fee

Now Through June 30th

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Careers

A high-demand occupation

Physical Therapist Assistants provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. Opportunities are best for physical therapist assistants who hold an associate degree and are licensed.

About 72% of physical therapist assistants work in the offices of other health practitioners and in hospitals. Physical therapists are expected to increasingly use assistants to reduce the cost of physical therapy services. Once a patient is evaluated and a treatment plan is designed by the licensed physical therapist, the PTA can provide many parts of the treatment, as approved by the therapist.

Physical Therapist Assistants may advance to administrative positions. These positions might include organizing all the assistants in a large physical therapy organization or acting as the director for a specific department such as sports medicine.

Other assistants go on to teach in an accredited PTA academic program, lead health risk reduction classes for the elderly, or organize community activities related to fitness, wellness and risk reduction.

Physical Therapy Assistant Associate Degree Program

Work Environment

The hours and days that physical therapist assistants work vary with the facility. About 28% of all PTAs work part-time. Many outpatient physical therapy offices and clinics have evening and weekend hours, to coincide with patients’ personal schedules.

Physical therapist assistants need a moderate degree of strength because of the physical exertion required in assisting patients with their treatment. In some cases, PTAs need to lift patients. Frequent kneeling, stooping, and standing for long periods also are part of the job.

What’s the difference between PTA and OTA?

There are a few key differences between PTA vs. OTA: the types of movement they deal with, the types of tasks they complete, types of patients they see and skills needed to succeed. No matter which career you choose, your goal is to help patients regain mastery over movement.

Advancement Opportunities

Physical therapist assistants may advance to administration positions. These positions might include managing all the assistants in a large physical therapy organization or acting as the director for a specific department such as sports medicine. Experienced assistants can also go on to teach in an accredited academic program, lead health risk reduction classes for the elderly, or organize community-run fitness and risk reduction activity programs.

Learn more about our Physical Therapist Assistant Degree

Meet our Healthcare Leadership

"Since 2009, I have served as the Program Director for the PTA Program at the Orlando campus. My education includes a Bachelor’s of Science in Child and Family Studies and Master and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy. I hold certifications in Neurodevelopmental Treatment, Kinesiotaping, Craniosacral Therapy, and Sensory Integration Therapy. A specialization of mine is treating pediatric patients. Currently serving as an Assembly Representative for the Florida Physical Therapy Association, I am passionate about teaching and ensuring that future generations of therapists advocate for their patients and for the physical therapy profession."

Amy Vernon
DPT, MSPT

PTA Program Chair

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Physical Therapist Assistant Degree Programs

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On Campus| Online

This associate of science in physical therapist assistant program prepares students to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) and be eligible for licensure/certification as a physical therapist assistant under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. Students are provided a foundation of general education, including courses in English, Science, Mathematics and Humanities, as well as the technical education for the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to work in a healthcare environment as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Theoretical instruction is complemented with clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings in order to provide a broad, holistic, and reality-based understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a professional physical therapist assistant. Students will participate in planned clinical and laboratory experiences that will complement classroom learning and will stress health promotion as well as rehabilitation of the disease process across the lifespan.

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Accreditations

Accreditations & Disclosures

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

Physical Therapist Assistants must complete academic and clinical education programs and pass the national licensure examination in order to be eligible to obtain licensure in most states.

Brookfield Physical Therapist Assistant Program

2023-2024 PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet - Brookfield

The Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program at Herzing University Brookfield is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA, 22305-3085, telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Jeff Sischo, Program Chair, at (262) 649-1710 or email pta@cdqrjd.com.

Summary of Herzing University - Brookfield, Wisconsin Campus PTA Student Outcomes

	Two-Year Average
2022-2023 Graduation Rate (students who complete the program in 150% of the time)	72.7%
2021-2022 Licensure Exam Pass Rate (percentage of graduates passing national board exam – first-time / all-time)	75% / 81.25%
2021-2022 Employment Rate (percentage of graduates who sought employment and were employed as PTAs within one year of graduation)	100%

Orlando Physical Therapist Assistant Program

2023-2024 PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet - Orlando

The Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program at Herzing University Orlando is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA, 22305-3085, telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Amy Vernon, Program Chair, at (407) 478-0500 or email pta@cdqrjd.com.

Summary of Herzing University - Orlando, Florida Campus PTA Student Outcomes

	Two-Year Average
2022-2023 Graduation Rate (students who complete the program in 150% of the time)	90.25%
2021-2022 Licensure Exam Pass Rate (percentage of graduates passing national board exam – first-time / all-time)	79.4% / 91.18%
2021-2022 Employment Rate (percentage of graduates who sought employment and were employed as PTAs within one year of graduation)	96.5%

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Since 2009, I have served as the Program Director for the PTA Program at the Orlando campus. My education includes a Bachelor’s of Science in Child and Family Studies and Master and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy. I hold certifications in Neurodevelopmental Treatment, Kinesiotaping, Craniosacral Therapy, and Sensory Integration Therapy. A specialization of mine is treating pediatric patients. Currently serving as an Assembly Representative for the Florida Physical Therapy Association, I am passionate about teaching and ensuring that future generations of therapists advocate for their patients and for the physical therapy profession.

Amy Vernon DPT, MSPT, PTA Program Chair

Healthcare Program

Orlando Campus

Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate Degree Program

Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate Degree Program

Earn a PTA degree and become possible

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