Physical Therapist Assistant (Associate of Applied Science)

Physical Therapist Assistant Curriculum

You will gain the theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience to help you pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant. Your coursework is intense and challenging; and your instructors, program director and campus staff are dedicated to support you along the way.

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Elements of Human Communication
• Human Growth and Development
• Functional and Applied Anatomy
• Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
• Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant
• Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Lab

Physical Therapist Assistant Blended Learning Model

Concorde's approach to delivering a hands-on career focused physical therapist assistant program curriculum leverages a blended learning model.

1. You will complete some coursework and lab assignments conveniently online.
   • With support from a dedicated online success coach to help you get accustomed to virtual learning.
2. Additionally you will visit the campus to apply theory to practice in simulation labs.
   • With guidance from instructors with real-world experience you will learn to use the tools and instruments, as well interpret scan results. 
3. The third element of Concorde's blended learning model is practical hands-on application in a health care setting. - the Clinical Experience.
   • Your clinical experience provides  a variety of cases and medical professional interactions - helping you better prepare for a career as a physical therapist assistant.^ᶛᶛ

CAPTE PTA Program Data:

CAPTE Physical Therapist Assistant Program Data

Student Learning Outcome Data

The Physical Therapist Assistant Department has determined the fundamental Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) that are reflected throughout the program and directly related to the student educational objectives.

Graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively and respectfully with those diverse groups of people with whom a physical therapist assistant has routine contact in order to foster the achievement of therapeutic and organizational goals. (7D7)
2. Demonstrate behaviors that indicate an awareness/understanding of individual and cultural differences and their impact on health care delivery, as well as the ability to alter his or her actions appropriately in response to identified individual and cultural differences in order to foster the achievement of therapeutic and organizational goals. (7D8)
3. Demonstrate behaviors that indicate a commitment to the physical therapist assistant’s roles and responsibilities in the profession of physical therapy (see APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant). (7D1, 7D2, 7D3, 7D4, 7D5, 7D6, 7D13)
4. Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) administer delegated physical therapy plan of care elements under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. (7D9, 7D10, 7D12, 7D15, 7D16, 7D17, 7D18, 7D23, 7D24, 7D19, 7D20, 7D21, 7D22, 7D25, 7D26)
5. Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) implement programs of instruction intended to accomplish pre-established goals for patients, family members, caregivers, other healthcare providers or members of the public. (7D12)
6. Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) participate in the regular administrative functions of his or her health care organization. (7D27, 7D28, 7D29, 7D30, 7D31)
7. Demonstrate the capabilities necessary to engage in career development and life-long learning in order to maintain continuing competence as a physical therapist assistant. (7D11, 7D14)

*Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

^†Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

^ᶛᶛClinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes. 

^{^}Students who have successfully completed a degree in Kinesiology, Athletic Training, or other Health Sciences area (Associates or higher) containing a minimum of three semester credits of anatomy & physiology may receive a block transfer of six General Education courses totaling 18 semester credits, upon evaluation of transcript. The block transfer includes the courses: BIOL1320, ENGL1310, COMM1310, PSYC1310, PSYC1320, MATH1310 (or MATH1320). The remaining credits required to complete the program is 60.