Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum prepares graduates to work in direct patient care settings under physical therapists' supervision. Assistants work to improve or restore function by alleviating or preventing physical impairment and perform other essential activities in a physical therapy department.

Course work includes normal human anatomy and physiology, the consequences of disease or injury, and physical therapy treatment of various patient conditions affecting humans throughout their lifespan.

Graduates are eligible to take the PTA National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for licensure in whichever state they plan to work. Employment is available in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient orthopedic clinics, school systems, geriatric health care facilities, and home health agencies.

For specific information about potential positions and wages in physical therapist assistant employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.

Physical Therapist Assistant (A45640)

Degree Awarded

The Associate in Applied Science Degree - Physical Therapist Assistant is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.

Admissions

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Complete a general admission application to Central Piedmont.
• Take required placement tests.
• Meet with an academic advisor or counselor for preliminary counseling.
• Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
• Submit all official high school transcripts and any college transcripts to Admissions, Records & Registration.
• Complete any required Preparatory courses with a grade of “C” or better.
• Complete and submit the Physical Therapist Assistant application by the deadline.
• Upon acceptance and enrollment in the program, students must take all courses as scheduled and sequenced.
• Continued progression in the program requires a grade of “C” or better in every course.
• A physical examination (including a drug screen) documenting the applicant’s ability to complete all program requirements is required.
• Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.

Program Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Central Piedmont is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Notes

In addition to tuition and textbooks, costs of the program include: uniforms, travel to clinical sites, liability and accident insurance, health insurance, a fee for CPR/First Aid certification and/or re-certification, a licensure application fee, and the cost of a physical examination, including immunizations and blood tests. Current CPR and First Aid certification is required before all clinical courses.

To participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities, students are required to submit results of a N.C. state or national criminal background check at their own expense.

Contact Information

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is in the Therapy and Acute Care Division. For more information, visit the Physical Therapist Assistant website. For further assistance, contact the Program Chair at 704.330.6746.

No diplomas are offered for Physical Therapy Assistant.

No certificates are offered for Physical Therapy Assistant.

Physical Therapist Assistant Suggested Course Sequence

The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog.  This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.   Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor:    https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising