Physical Therapist Assistant AAS: 580

(TP/SS)

Students who plan to major in physical therapist assistant will be assigned the temporary major of prephysical therapist assistant, with POS code 580, until they are officially admitted to the physical therapist assistant program. Students may take preparatory courses and courses that fulfill general education requirements during the waiting period. As an alternative to being assigned a temporary major, students waiting for admission to the physical therapist assistant program may choose to major in general studies or any other open-admission program.

The Office of Records and Admissions at Takoma Park/Silver Spring will assign a matriculated code once students are admitted to the physical therapist assistant program. The program provides a foundation for graduates to become highly skilled in providing patient services using physical therapy techniques under the supervision and direction of a licensed physical therapist in clinics, hospitals, and many other health care settings. This is a selective program with specific admissions requirements. For additional information, contact the Office of Records and Admissions at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, 240-567-1501, or the program department.

Thirty to forty hours of volunteer experience in a physical therapy setting and completion of BIOL 212 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I  are recommended before entering the program. It is advised that students not hold full-time jobs during enrollment in the program because physical therapist assistant students are required to attend full-time clinical practicum experiences and professional activities.

Each physical therapy course adds to material offered in previous courses. Students in this curriculum are expected to achieve a grade of C or better in each course in the curriculum. Upon completion of the curriculum, the graduate will receive the AAS and will be eligible to take the National Licensing Exam for Physical Therapist Assistants.

A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows; part-time students should consult an adviser.