Physical Therapist Assistant

Program Information

Are you patient, compassionate, and persevering? These are the qualities that can help you become a physical therapist assistant (PTA). As a PTA, you will work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists in a variety of settings, providing services for patients that help decrease their pain, improve their mobility, restore function, and minimize disabilities.

The San Jacinto College physical therapist assistant program:

• Is a total of 66 credit hours, including three clinical affiliations, and the student is awarded an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree upon completion of the program. Successful completion of the program in two years prepares graduates for the national licensing exam for physical therapist assistants; and
• Trains students to help patients to regain strength, range of motion, function, and movement.

Additional Information

San Jacinto College boasts a 100 percent pass rate on the national licensing exam in the graduating cohorts of 2019, and from 2009-2016. Graduates have a high employment rate within six months of passing the licensing exam.

The PTA program at San Jacinto College is accredited by the:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
1111 North Fairfax St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-1488

telephone: (703) 706-3245)
email: accreditation@apta.org
website: www.capteonline.org.

Career Opportunities

Employment of PTAs is expected to be good to care for and manage patients, especially the elderly population.  Job prospects will also be more favorable in rural areas. (BLS.gov, 2019).

PTAs work under the supervision of physical therapists in a variety of settings including, but not limited to:

• Acute care,
• Hospitals,
• Rehab hospitals,
• Out-patient clinics,
• Aquatics,
• Pediatrics,
• Geriatrics, and
• Home health.

Earning Potential

Physical Therapist Assistant median salary: $72,842¹ per year

For more information, students may contact 281-998-6150, x3350 or email PTAprogram@sjcd.edu.

Campus

South Campus