Associate of Applied Science Degree Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA’s) work under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT). PTA’s perform physical therapy treatment interventions delegated by the supervising Physical Therapist. The PTA Program is a combination of classroom, laboratory and clinical practice designed to prepare the student in the use of therapeutic exercise, physical therapy modalities, clinical communication skills, and special treatment procedures. Program content is based on recommended guidelines as established by the American Physical Therapy Association and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The program prepares students to take the board examination for Physical Therapist Assistants administered by the state. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all degree courses.

Career Opportunities

Hospital, rehabilitation center, extended care facility, home health agency, private practice, school system, outpatient clinic.

Admission Information

Additional admission procedures are required for this program. Contact the Allied Health Division office for application materials and other pertinent information. The application deadline is the first Monday in March of the year in which fall admission is sought. (Applications would be accepted after this deadline only if there were not enough qualified applicants to fill the class.) Please visit the PTA program website located at: http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/Allied_Health/pt_assist/pta_main.asp for more complete information regarding the program, the career, and application/admission procedures.