Physical Therapist Assistant

www.laguardia.edu/pta/

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program, administered by the Health Sciences Department, leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and its graduates are eligible for certification by the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. The program is approved by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, website: www.capteonline.org. Passing the National Certification Exam after graduation is required

Graduates work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist in a variety of settings including: outpatient practices, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and sports centers. Physical Therapist Assistants carry out the plan of care established by the Physical Therapist, and work with patients who have neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and integumentary impairments.

The interventions performed by the Physical Therapist Assistant include therapeutic exercise, aerobic conditioning, gait training, pain management, heat and cold treatment, massage, electrotherapy and muscle re-education. The program consists of classroom and laboratory courses at the College, as well as clinical affiliations in different physical therapy settings.

Special progression standards exist for physical therapist assistant majors. Students take courses in the “pre-clinical” phase of the major. To progress to the “technical” phase, specific criteria must be met as described in the program’s admissions handbook. The handbook is available from the Program Director in Room E300 and from the Admissions Office. Achievement of the progression standards does not guarantee advancement to the technical phase of the program. Completion of 50 volunteer hours in physical therapy with a letter from the physical therapy supervisor is required prior to entering the technical phase.