Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Graduates will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to be competent entry-level PTAs.
2. Physical Therapy Practice (Psychomotor): Safe and Effective Patient Care - Implement safe and effective patient care throughout the lifespan utilizing contemporary evidence-based practice and preventative care.
3. Physical Therapy Practice (Cognitive): Critical Thinking - Exhibit critical thinking skills to make sound clinical judgments based on the plan of care and the patient’s medical and functional status.
4. Physical Therapy Practice (Affective): Leadership Skills - Demonstrate legal, ethical, and professional leadership behaviors through the application of policies, practices, and laws that apply to healthcare delivery.
5. Communication: Demonstrate practical interpersonal and communication skills in a culturally sensitive manner that effectively exchange information with all members of the healthcare team, including patients and caregivers.

San Juan College offers an Online/Hybrid Physical Therapist Assistant Program leading to the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The program emphasizes the academic knowledge and clinical skills necessary to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants.

Program graduates may also pursue advanced educational opportunities, including baccalaureate degrees in related fields or the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Advanced Proficiency Pathways for PTAs. Becoming a PTA is not a direct pathway to becoming a Physical Therapist (PT). However, some “bridge” programs in the United States may offer opportunities to transition from a PTA to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with additional requirements. For more information, please contact the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at pta@sanjuancollege.edu or visit https://www.sanjuancollege.edu/education-training/programs/physical-therapist-assistant-aas/.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at San Juan College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: (800) 999-2782; email: accreditationsupport@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.

Admission Requirements
Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is selective. Applicants must complete prerequisite coursework with minimum GPA requirements, participate in observation experiences, complete an admission exam, and submit an online application by the published deadline. Detailed eligibility criteria, application instructions, and current requirements are available on the PTA Program webpage.

Physical Therapist Assistant is a selective major. Specific requirements must be met to declare a Physical Therapist Assistant major. Admission is limited and selective.

Minimum eligibility requirements:

To be eligible for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program selection process, students must:

• Apply to San Juan College and submit all official transcripts.
  • This is not the same as applying to and being accepted to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. By applying to San Juan College, we can properly determine which prerequisite and general education courses will transfer. This is the first step, and without it, we cannot determine the eligibility of courses that you have taken. To apply go to www.sanjuancollege.edu/apply/. Declare your major as AA Liberal Arts/Pre-Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Meet with the SJC Health Science Academic Advisor for guidance on the prerequisite course sequence.
• Complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum “C” grade
  • Prerequisite courses must be completed before starting the PTA Program.
• Must have a prerequisite GPA of 2.75 or better and a college cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.
  • Most successful candidates have a GPA of 3.00 or better.
• Review the PTA Application Steps and Application Instructions (found on the PTA webpage)
• Complete and submit the PTA Program Online Application (found on the PTA webpage), including the following:
  • Complete clinical observation hours (further information can be found in the PTA Application Instructions).
  • Complete admission essays based on the requested prompts (further information can be found in the PTA Application Instructions).
  • Complete the ATI TEAS Exam (further information can be found in the PTA Application Instructions).
    • Minimum overall score of 65.3% required
    • English and Science scores will be factored in. 
• Confirmation - It is the student’s responsibility to contact the San Juan College PTA Program at (505) 566-3562 or at pta@sanjuancollege.edu to confirm that the PTA Program has received all application materials BEFORE May 31st! The PTA Program business hours are from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, MT, Monday - Friday.