Physical Therapist Assistant - Suffolk County Community College

Physical Therapist Assistant from Suffolk County Community College is a Campus Associate Physical Therapy degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. The five-semester Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program prepares the graduate to work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist (PT). The PTA assists the PT in providing physical therapy services to individuals with changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes, and/or providing prevention services to promote health, wellness and fitness. Tasks performed by the PTA include instruction in therapeutic exercise and functional training, utilization of specialized equipment and physical agents, communication with the PT regarding the response of individuals to interventions, documentation of treatment sessions and interaction with other health care providers, patients and their families. Clinical experience in a variety of settings allows the student to explore various specialties. The curriculum is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and leads to the Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS). Completion of the five semester program and the passage of the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) are required for certification and employment as a PTA in New York State. A misdemeanor or felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NPTE and become certified in New York State as a PTA. Applicants with questions should contact the Office of Professions/State Boards of Physical Therapy at http://www.op.nysed.gov/ for direction. Graduates have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private physical therapy offices, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and skilled nursing facilities. Salaries compare favorably with other professions with similar academic preparation and may vary depending upon the type of facility and geographic location. Applicants for this degree should have a desire to work with people, demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills and have a strong aptitude in science. No transfer credits will be accepted for PTA designated courses. The PTA program is a terminal program and is not designed as a transfer program to an upper division Physical Therapy Program. View more details on Suffolk County Community College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Physical Therapy courses.