Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate's Degree
Next start date
January 02, 2019
Finish in as few as
18 months1
Learning options
- On Campus
- Online
- Field Experience
- Flex Choice®
Confident, independent learners will thrive in the blended and immersive world of our Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Associate's degree. Our PTA program curriculum is the way to get to this rewarding field faster—in as few as 18 months.1 This concentrated and blended on-campus and online PTA program is perfect for confident, independent thinkers. Our Physical Therapist Assistant courses provide hands-on experience that allows you to become a key player alongside physical therapists, help improve the lives of your patients and help you function as part of a cohesive healthcare team. The PTA degree program is available with Flex Choice®, which allows you to combine traditional online coursework and self-directed assessments—a more affordable way to receive credit for what you already know.
Request More Information About This Associate's Degree- Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term. ↩
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed May 30, 2018] www.bls.gov/ooh/. Employment conditions in your area may vary. ↩
What Will I Be Prepared to Do When I’m Done?
Prepare for a Fulfilling Career
Upon graduation of our Physical Therapy Assistant program, you will be prepared to pursue a career as a PTA and start helping a variety of patients directly, from the elderly and children to athletes.
Directly Help Others
Graduating from a Physical Therapy Assistant school helps you qualify to work in a variety of clinical settings—skilled nursing facilities rehabilitation centers, home health and all types of physical therapy offices.
Pursue Potential Job Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected job growth potential between 2016 and 2026 for physical therapist assistants is 31%.2 A PTA degree from Rasmussen College can help set you up for success in this growing field.
Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!
What Skills Will I Gain?
Collaboration
Become adept at working under the direction of a physical therapist in order to adjust treatment plans to better serve your patients.
Practical Patient Care
Develop one-on-one skills through hands-on training to improve a patient’s mobility and strength, decrease pain and perform exercises to promote healing.
Communication
Interact comfortably and confidently with PTs, healthcare team members and patients of all ages and stages of care.
Continuous Professional Development
Seek out new evidence to support treatment in an evolving healthcare and technology-driven environment.
What Types of Classes Will I Take?
- PHT 1200
- On Campus and Online
- 5 Credits
- PHT 2600
- On Campus and Online
- 4 Credits
- PHT 2650
- On Campus and Online
- 4 Credits
Principles of Musculoskeletal
Teaches the presentation of lower quarter musculoskeletal disorders with a focus on evidence-based therapeutic exercises in this region, as well as the structure and function of the lower quarter musculoskeletal system.
Physical Therapy Practice Across the Lifespan
Studies normal human development across a life span to prepare for children and aging adults in various practice settings.
Physical Therapy Practice for Special Populations
Studies physical therapy in special populations, including patients with cardiovascular, pulmonary and pelvic health conditions.
19 Courses to Complete
93 Credit Hours
What Should I Know Before I Enroll?
Entrance Requirements
Entrance requirements for the School of Health Sciences vary by program. To learn more and receive help planning your healthcare career path, contact a program manager who will speak to you about: immunizations, background checks and TEAS scores.
Transfer Student
We believe in giving credit where it’s due. Talk to a program manager today or explore our Transfer Policy page to review our seamless credit policies designed to maximize credits, potentially save money and expedite graduation.
Help Paying for College
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to a program manager and learn how these programs can make it more affordable with Flex Choice® learning options, loans and grants, scholarship opportunities and corporate and military discounts.
Where Will I Take These Classes?
At Rasmussen College, we want our courses to be available for your schedule; not the other way around. Many of our programs are available on campus or online. Select programs are available for enrollment through a specific campus, but students complete the courses online and are able to utilize online and on-campus support and resources.
