Play a Key Role in Giving Patients Back Their Lives
Watching a patient walk for the first time after an auto accident brings a great feeling of personal satisfaction that can be even more gratifying when shared with an entire rehabilitation team. A patient’s goal will become the team’s goal, and they will experience his or her achievements first hand.
As a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), you can work with a Physical Therapist (PT) to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses, regain mobility, and manage pain. Being involved in the direct care of patients,
PTAs get to observe patients before, during, and after therapy. Physical Therapy Assistants report observations to the PT, help with specific exercises, treat patients using a variety of techniques, including using devices and equipment and help educate patients and their families.
Impact Your Community Through Your Work
Our Physical Therapy Assistant associate degree program helps prepare students with hands-on training and externships, teaching therapeutic exercises, functional, mobility and ambulation training, and activities of daily living. Find a Physical Therapy Assistant program near you at one of our campuses in California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, and Texas.
Get Started
Do you dream of a chance to change lives through a career as a Physical Therapy Assistant? Concorde’s healthcare classes can prepare you to support patient therapy treatment and plans as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Find the program that’s nearest you, learn the requirements, and get started on a new career today.
**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for physical therapy assistants and aides 2023-2033 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm. Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.
Curriculum
Program Objective
Our associate degree program equips you to pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant in as few as 20-months. When you graduate, you’ll be able to serve effectively in a variety of settings supporting physical therapy treatments, including outpatient settings (sports, orthopedic and specialized rehabilitation centers), inpatient acute care hospital and rehabilitation departments, skilled nursing facilities, wellness centers, home healthcare and more.
PTA Program Coursework
You will gain the theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience to help you pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant. Your coursework is intense and challenging; and your instructors, program director and campus staff are dedicated to support you along the way.
PTA Course Topics
- Therapeutic exercises
- Functional training
- Mobility training
- Ambulation training
- Activities of daily living
CAPTE PTA Program Data:
CAPTE Physical Therapist Assistant Program Data
Student Learning Outcome Data
The Physical Therapist Assistant Department has determined the fundamental Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) that are reflected throughout the program and directly related to the student educational objectives.
Graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will be able to:
- Communicate effectively and respectfully with those diverse groups of people with whom a physical therapist assistant has routine contact in order to foster the achievement of therapeutic and organizational goals. (7D7)
- Demonstrate behaviors that indicate an awareness/understanding of individual and cultural differences and their impact on health care delivery, as well as the ability to alter his or her actions appropriately in response to identified individual and cultural differences in order to foster the achievement of therapeutic and organizational goals. (7D8)
- Demonstrate behaviors that indicate a commitment to the physical therapist assistant’s roles and responsibilities in the profession of physical therapy (see APTA’s Values Based Behaviors for the Physical Therapist Assistant). (7D1, 7D2, 7D3, 7D4, 7D5, 7D6, 7D13)
- Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) administer delegated physical therapy plan of care elements under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. (7D9, 7D10, 7D12, 7D15, 7D16, 7D17, 7D18, 7D23, 7D24, 7D19, 7D20, 7D21, 7D22, 7D25, 7D26)
- Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) implement programs of instruction intended to accomplish pre-established goals for patients, family members, caregivers, other healthcare providers or members of the public. (7D12)
- Competently (safely, effectively and efficiently) participate in the regular administrative functions of his or her health care organization. (7D27, 7D28, 7D29, 7D30, 7D31)
- Demonstrate the capabilities necessary to engage in career development and life-long learning in order to maintain continuing competence as a physical therapist assistant. (7D11, 7D14)
Students who have successfully completed a degree in Kinesiology, Athletic Training, or other Health Sciences area (Associates or higher) containing a minimum of three semester credits of anatomy & physiology may receive a block transfer of six General Education courses totaling 18 semester credits, upon evaluation of transcript. The block transfer includes the courses: BIOL1320, ENGL1310, COMM1310, PSYC1310, PSYC1320, MATH1310 (or MATH1320). The remaining credits required to complete the program is 60.
Career Outlook
Physical Therapy Assistant Career Outlook
The national demand for physical therapist assistants is expected to grow over the coming decade as greater attention is placed on rehabilitation and preventive care.
Where Can a Physical Therapy Assistants Work
- Inpatient hospital settings
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Government hospitals
- Convalescent hospitals
Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.
Financial Aid
As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.
Accreditation
Accreditation and licensure are an important part of an academic institution’s operation. Visit our Accreditations and Licensure page for more details about our accreditations and licensure.
CAPTE: Accredited
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College-Garden Grove is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 714-703-1900 or email JGeurts@concorde.edu.
- Garden Grove, CA
CAPTE: Accredited
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College - North Hollywood is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 818-766-8151 or email YVerba@concorde.edu.
- North Hollywood, CA
CAPTE: Accredited
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College-San Diego is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 619-688-0800 or email LBranco@concorde.edu.
- San Diego, CA
CAPTE: Accredited
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College-Aurora is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 303-861-1151 or email APaez@concorde.edu.
- Aurora, CO
CAPTE: Accredited
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career Institute - Jacksonville is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 904-725-0525 or email LHurtak@concorde.edu.
- Jacksonville, FL
CAPTE: Accredited
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career Institute - Miramar is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 954-731-8880 or email VNieto@concorde.edu.
- Miramar, FL
CAPTE: Accredited
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College - Kansas City is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 816-531-5223 or email JKent1@Concorde.edu.
- Kansas City, MO
CAPTE: Accredited
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College-Memphis is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. The program's current status is probationary accreditation; for more information see https://www.capteonline.org/about-capte/recent-actions-and-updates/rece…. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 901-761-9494 or email JGraves@concorde.edu.
- Memphis, TN
CAPTE: Accredited
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College - Dallas is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 469-221-3400 or email AMorris@concorde.edu.
- Dallas, TX
CAPTE: Accredited
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Concorde Career College-San Antonio is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave, Ste 100 Alexandria, VA 22305; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: https://www.capteonline.org/. If needing to contact the program/institution directly please call 210-428-2000 or email efrausto@concorde.edu.
- San Antonio, TX
FAQ
Physical Therapist Assistant Program FAQ
Frequently asked questions and answers.
At Concorde, you can complete your Physical Therapist Assistant degree in as few as 20 months. Please check with an admissions advisor for program length information.
According to BLS.gov, the National Employment Demand (2022-2032) for the Physical Therapy Assistant job field is projected to grow 19%. As the need for therapy for those with disabling medical conditions continues to increase, the amount of physical therapist assistants is expected to continue to grow.
**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for physical therapy assistants and aides 2023-2033 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm. Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.